Five Things Everybody Gets Wrong About Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit

Unlocking Peak Performance: The Ultimate Guide to Dodge Ram Air Intake Kits

The Dodge Ram, whether powered by the legendary 5.7 L Hemi V8 or the relentless 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is a lorry constructed for power, durability, and energy. Nevertheless, many owners find that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be preferred. Created primarily to decrease engine noise and satisfy strict production costs, the stock air box often functions as a bottleneck, restricting the engine's capability to breathe.

Among the most popular and cost-effective modifications for any Dodge Ram owner is the setup of an aftermarket air intake set. This article explores the mechanics, advantages, and considerations of updating a Ram's breathing device.

What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake package replaces the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system developed to deliver cooler, denser air to the engine. In Dodge Off-Road Parts , oxygen is the driver for power. By increasing the volume and reducing the temperature of the air entering the cylinders, the engine can burn fuel more efficiently, leading to increased horsepower and torque.

Cold Air Intake (CAI) vs. Short Ram Intake

Cold Air Intake: Positioned specifically to draw air from outside the engine bay or from a cooler place (like the wheel well). These systems typically consist of a heat guard to block the glowing heat from the engine.
Brief Ram Intake: These use shorter pipes and are simpler to install but frequently sit closer to the engine, implying they might draw in warmer air unless a robust heat guard is utilized.

Advantages of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram's Intake

Updating to an efficiency intake kit supplies numerous tangible benefits that boost the driving experience, particularly for those who utilize their trucks for towing or off-roading.

Increased Horsepower and Torque: By reducing air turbulence and restrictions, the engine does not have to work as tough to draw in air. Many Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horse power depending upon the engine type.
Improved Fuel Economy: While the gains depend greatly on driving routines, a more effective air-to-fuel ratio can cause a small increase in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
Boosted Engine Sound: Aftermarket intakes supply a deeper, more aggressive roar throughout velocity. For Cummins owners, this typically leads to hearing the turbocharger "spindle" more clearly.
Better Throttle Response: The hold-up between pushing the pedal and the truck moving is often decreased since the engine has a ready supply of high-velocity air.
Recyclable Filters: Most high-end packages come with washable filters that can last as much as 100,000 miles before needing a deep tidy, conserving cash in the long run compared to non reusable paper filters.

Comparing Popular Dodge Ram Intake Kits

Selecting the right set includes balancing spending plan, filtering requirements, and performance objectives. Below is a comparison of some of the most popular choices offered for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Efficiency Comparison Table

Brand name & & Model Finest

Suited For

Filter Type

Approximated HP Gain

Induction Style

S&B Filters (75-5064)

5.7 L Hemi V8

Oiled or Dry

10-12 HP

Confined Box

K&N 77-Series

Daily Driving

Oiled Cotton

8-11 HP

Heat Shield

AFE Momentum GT

Heavy Towing

Pro 5R (Oiled)

12-15 HP

Sealed Chamber

Banks Power Ram-Air

6.7 L Cummins

Large-Surface Dry

10-14 HP

Enclosed/ Oversized

Rough Country Intake

Budget Conscious

Dry

5-8 HP

Metal Tube/ Shield

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: Which is Better?

When buying a Dodge Ram air intake package, owners must pick between a dry filter and an oiled filter. Both have their benefits depending on the environment in which the truck is driven.

Oiled Filters

Pros: They normally offer the highest air flow and are excellent at recording very fine dust particles because the oil serves as a "tack" to capture particles.
Cons: If over-oiled during upkeep, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, leading to check engine lights or bad idling.

Dry Filters

Pros: Much much easier to keep (simply vacuum or wash with water/soap) and there is no danger of sensor contamination.
Cons: They may have slightly less air flow than a high-performance oiled filter, though the distinction is typically negligible for day-to-day motorists.

Key Features to Look For

To guarantee a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners ought to try to find the following functions before making a purchase:

Heat Shielding: A top quality set need to consist of a shield or a confined box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will merely absorb hot air from the radiator, which can actually reduce efficiency.
Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This process makes sure the tube maintains a consistent size even through curves, preventing air turbulence.
C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those living in California or states with stringent emissions laws, guaranteeing the set has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is important for passing assessments.
Silicon Couplers: High-quality kits use silicone couplers instead of rubber, as silicone withstands heat and breaking with time.

Setup Overview

One of the factors air intake kits are so popular is the ease of setup. Many Dodge Ram owners can finish the process in 60 to 90 minutes with basic hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

Preparation: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to guarantee the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to learn the new air-flow parameters.
Elimination: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and remove the sensing units (like the IAT or MAF sensing unit) thoroughly. Eliminate the factory air box.
Assembly: Assemble the new heat guard or air box according to the producer's directions.
Sensing unit Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensing units into the brand-new intake tube.
Mounting: Install the brand-new air box and intake tube, securing them with the provided brackets and silicone couplers.
Filter Attachment: Slide the high-flow filter onto the end of the intake tube inside the box/shield and tighten the clamp.
Final Check: Reconnect the battery and inspect all connections for air leakages.

Advantages and disadvantages of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

Sustainability: Washable filters lower land fill waste.
Towing Efficiency: Denser air helps maintain combustion stability when the engine is under heavy load.
Looks: Most sets feature polished aluminum or high-density cross-linked polyethylene that looks far better than factory plastic.
Cost: One of the most inexpensive "bolt-on" power mods offered.

The Disadvantages (List)

Noise Levels: While many like the sound, some may find the increased taxi noise "droning" throughout long highway journeys.
Expense: Quality packages can range from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
Upkeep: Owners should keep in mind to clean up the filter frequently to keep performance.

Often Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Dodge Ram 1500 Performance Parts And Accessories ?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can not void your whole warranty just because an aftermarket part was installed. However, if the intake is proven to have actually triggered a particular failure (e.g., dirt going into the engine due to an improperly fitted filter), that particular repair might not be covered.

2. Do I need to "tune" my truck after installing an intake?

For the majority of modern Dodge Rams, a tune is not needed. The truck's computer system can change the fuel trim to represent the increased air. However, a customized tune can assist optimize the performance gains of the intake.

3. How typically should I clean the air filter?

In standard driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles is adequate. If the truck is used frequently on dirt roads or for off-roading, the filter ought to be checked every 10,000 miles.

4. Does it actually aid with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under continuous tension and requires more air to keep exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) low-- particularly in diesel designs. An efficiency intake helps offer that air more efficiently.

Upgrading the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a fulfilling task for any truck lover. By replacing the restrictive factory elements with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can enjoy a more responsive throttle, much better engine sound, and enhanced effectiveness. Whether it is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel travelling the highway, a performance intake kit guarantees that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it needs to.