The 10 Scariest Things About Dodge Ram 1500 Engine Upgrades

Enhancing Performance: A Comprehensive Review of the Best Cold Air Intakes for Dodge Ram Trucks

The Dodge Ram, whether it is the light-duty 1500 or the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series, is a pinnacle of American automotive engineering. Understood for its hauling capability and the famous rumble of the Hemi or Cummins engines, the Ram is constructed for power. Nevertheless, factory air intake systems are often designed with sound decrease and cost-efficiency in mind, instead of maximum efficiency.

For numerous Ram owners, a cold air intake (CAI) is the first modification on their list. By replacing the limiting factory airbox with a high-flow system, drivers can unlock surprise horsepower, enhance throttle response, and attain a more aggressive engine note. This evaluation checks out the top-rated cold air consumption on the market, assessing them based on efficiency, filtration quality, and value.

Why Upgrade the Intake System on a Dodge Ram?

Before diving into particular product reviews, it is essential to comprehend the mechanics of a cold air intake. The primary goal of a CAI is to move the air filter outside the engine compartment or shield it from engine heat so that cooler, denier air can be drawn into the engine.

Secret Benefits Include:

• Increased Horsepower and Torque: Cooler air includes more oxygen molecules by volume. More oxygen permits a more robust combustion process, leading to a measurable boost in power.
• Enhanced Fuel Economy: By decreasing the effort the engine need to put in to "breathe," some owners report a minor enhancement in miles per gallon (MPG) during highway travelling.
• Sharper Throttle Response: High-flow consumptions reduce the lag in between pressing the gas pedal and the engine's reaction.
• Boosted Sound: A CAI generally provides a deeper, throatier roar under acceleration, which lots of truck lovers discover preferable.

Top Cold Air Intake Reviews for Dodge Ram

1. S&B Filters Cold Air Intake

S&B has established a track record for producing some of the most well-engineered intake systems particularly for the Ram 1500 and 2500.  Dodge Ram Truck Accessories  is on high-efficiency airflow without compromising engine safety.

Performance and Design:S&B intakes typically feature a completely enclosed airbox that protects the filter from the heat of the engine bay. They use a clear polycarbonate cover, enabling owners to inspect the filter's condition without taking apart the unit. Their packages are developed to deal with the truck's factory computer settings, indicating no custom tuning is required.

Pros:

• Excellent purification performance.
• The confined box design keeps "heat soak" to a minimum.
• OE-style fit and finish.

Cons:

• Slightly more complex installation due to the complete airbox real estate.

2. K&N Performance Air Intake System (77 Series/ 63 Series)

K&N is possibly the most identifiable name in the industry. Their "High-Flow" innovation is designed to offer as much as 50% more air flow than factory paper filters.

Efficiency and Design:K&N offers different series for the Dodge Ram. The 77 Series functions polished aluminum tubes for a show-quality look, while the 63 Series utilizes polyethylene tubes that are typically much better at resisting heat transfer. K&N filters are famous for being washable and recyclable, backed by a million-mile limited guarantee.

Pros:

• Significant gains in engine sound/growl.
• Easy bolt-on installation (usually under 90 minutes).
• Washable filter conserves money gradually.

Cons:

• Open-element designs (without a full box) can draw in warmer air if the heat shield isn't properly sealed.

3. Banks Power Ram-Air Intake System

For those who own a Ram with the 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, Banks Power is often the go-to option. Wind Banks and his group concentrate on "air density" rather than just air flow volume.

Performance and Design:The Banks Ram-Air system is designed to offer a streamlined course for air, minimizing turbulence. The "Big Mind" filter utilized in these kits has a huge area, which is essential for the high-demand air requirements of a turbocharged diesel engine.

Pros:

• Engineered particularly for heavy towing and diesel efficiency.
• Includes a "Super-Scoop" compatibility for much more direct air flow.
• Highest air density ratings in its class.

Cons:

• Premium rate point compared to entry-level brand names.

4. aFe Power (Advanced FLOW Engineering) Momentum GT

The aFe Momentum GT is a premium option that concentrates on a "Stage 2" design. It features an unique, CAD-designed intake tube that is rotomolded to guarantee the smoothest air transition possible.

Efficiency and Design:This system utilizes an enormous 10-layer performance air filter and an integrated auxiliary air inlet. It is typically pointed out as the best-looking intake under the hood due to its streamlined, matte-black finish and premium hardware.

Pros:

• Noticeable torque gains in the mid-range RPM.
• Top-tier production quality.
• Offered with both oiled and dry filter choices.

Cons:

• One of the most costly alternatives on the marketplace.

Comparison Table: Top Dodge Ram Intakes at a Glance

Secret Considerations for Dodge Ram Owners

Oiled vs. Dry Filters

When choosing an intake, owners need to select between an oiled filter and a dry filter.

• Oiled Filters: Generally supply a little better airflow and can be cleaned up and re-oiled sometimes. However, if over-oiled, they can possibly infect the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.
• Dry Filters: Easier to maintain. They are typically cleaned up by tapping off the dust or using a vacuum. While they may provide somewhat less airflow than oiled variations, they are much safer for the truck's sensing units.

Heat Shields vs. Enclosed Airboxes

An open-element intake utilizes a heat guard to obstruct the engine's convected heat. These are typically louder and much easier to set up. An enclosed airbox is sealed from the engine bay entirely, typically drawing air from the fender or the front grille. Confined boxes are normally more effective at keeping low intake temperatures in stop-and-go traffic.

Installation Process: What to Expect

Installing a cold air intake on a Dodge Ram is a reasonably uncomplicated DIY job. Many sets require just basic hand tools, such as:

1. A socket set (10mm, 8mm, and 13mm are typical).
2. Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.
3. Allen wrenches (frequently included in the kit).

Fundamental Steps:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Remove the factory air intake tube and airbox.
3. Transfer any sensing units (like the Intake Air Temperature sensing unit) from the old tube to the new one.
4. Install the brand-new airbox or heat shield.
5. Connect the new intake tube and filter.
6. Tighten up all clamps and reconnect the battery.

Final Verdict

The "finest" cold air intake depends on the specific objectives of the Ram owner. For those seeking the finest balance of cost and efficiency, the K&N 63 Series is a traditional option. If the truck is frequently used for pulling or operates in dirty environments, the S&B Filters or Banks Power systems use remarkable security and air density. For lovers where spending plan is secondary to engineering perfection, the aFe Power Momentum GT stands alone.

Often Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will a cold air intake void my Dodge Ram service warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can not void your service warranty just because an aftermarket part was set up. However, if the dealership can prove that the intake particularly triggered a failure, that specific repair might not be covered.

2. Do I require to "tune" my engine after installing an intake?

The majority of contemporary Dodge Ram intake sets (like those from S&B and K&N) are developed to work within the specifications of the factory Engine Control Module (ECM). While a customized tune will assist you get the optimum possible gain from the intake, it is not required for the truck to run smoothly.

3. How often should I clean up the filter?

This depends on your driving conditions. For a street-driven truck, examining the filter every 25,000 to 30,000 miles is basic. If you frequently drive on dirt roadways or off-road tracks, you ought to examine it every 10,000 miles.

4. Is the increase in MPG significant?

While many owners see an enhancement of 1-- 2 MPG, it is seldom the main factor to purchase a CAI. Any gains in fuel efficiency are often balanced out by the chauffeur's tendency to step on the gas more often to hear the brand-new engine sound.

5. Does a cold air intake improve pulling performance?

Yes. By enabling the engine to breathe more quickly under heavy loads, a CAI can help maintain speeds on inclines and decrease Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) in diesel designs, which is vital for engine longevity.