10 Basics Regarding Ram 1500 Air Intake Upgrade You Didn't Learn In School

The Ram 1500 has long been a titan in the light-duty pickup truck sector. Understood for its class-leading interior, smooth ride quality, and the famous power of the HEMI V8 or the effectiveness of the EcoDiesel, it is an automobile built for both work and play. However, even a truck as well-engineered as the Ram 1500 goes through the restraints of mass production and rigorous noise policies. Among the most substantial bottlenecks in its factory configuration is the air intake system.

For owners seeking to open concealed horse power, improve throttle response, and provide their truck a more aggressive acoustic profile, an aftermarket cold air intake (CAI) is typically the very first modification on the list. This guide supplies an in-depth take a look at why an air intake upgrade is advantageous, the different types readily available, and how to select the best one for a Ram 1500.

At its core, an internal combustion engine is essentially a huge air pump. It draws air in, mixes it with fuel, sparks it to create power, and presses the exhaust out. The more oxygen the engine can ingest, the more fuel it can efficiently burn, leading to increased power.

Factory air intakes are developed with 3 primary goals: low production expense, easy-to-replace paper filters, and optimum noise decrease. To accomplish the latter, manufacturers utilize "baffled" tubes and enclosed boxes that create a circuitous course for the air. While this keeps the engine quiet, it creates air turbulence and heat soak. An aftermarket system changes these limiting components with smooth, high-flow tubing and premium filters, allowing the engine to "breathe" more freely.

The Benefit of "Cold" Air

Cold air is denser than warm air, meaning it contains more oxygen particles per cubic inch. By drawing air from outside the engine bay (or from a protected area), a cold air intake ensures that the air goes into the combustion chamber at a lower temperature level. This leads to a more powerful explosion during the combustion stroke, translated straight into horse power and torque.

Upgrading the intake system on a Ram 1500 isn't simply about the numbers on a dyno sheet; it changes the driving experience in numerous ways.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque

Depending on the specific engine (the 3.6 L Pentastar V6, the 5.7 L HEMI V8, or the 3.0 L EcoDiesel), an intake upgrade can supply gains ranging from 5 to 15 horse power. While these aren't "race car" numbers, the increase in torque is typically felt right away when hauling or overtaking on the highway.

2. Improved Throttle Response

Many Ram 1500 owners grumble about a small "lag" when pushing the gas pedal. Due to the fact that an aftermarket intake decreases the distance and resistance the air should take a trip to reach the manifold, the engine responds faster to motorist inputs.

3. Boosted Engine Sound

The factory intake muffle the natural noise of the engine. An upgrade gets rid of those silencers, replaced by a deep, throaty roar throughout velocity. At travelling speeds, the sound remains subtle, but under heavy load, the HEMI's signature roar ends up being far more noticable.

4. Much Better Fuel Efficiency

By making it much easier for the engine to pull in air, the engine does not have to work as hard to maintain speed. While the gains are frequently marginal (generally 1-- 2 MPG), over the life of the truck, this efficiency can pay for the expense of the intake itself.

When shopping for a Ram 1500, owners will experience several various system architectures.

• Enclosed Box Systems: These are highly advised for truck owners who drive off-road or in dusty environments. The filter is housed in a sealed box that draws air from a specific port (usually behind the headlight or through the fender). This secures the filter from engine heat and particles.
• Open Element Systems: These include a heat shield instead of a full box. They use the most aggressive sound and maximum air flow but may be more susceptible to engine bay heat soak when the truck is idling.
• Ram Air Systems: Some high-performance sets use a hood scoop or a specialized duct to "require" air into the intake as the car progresses at speed.

Among the most discussed subjects among Ram lovers is whether to use an oiled or a dry air filter.

Oiled Filters

• Pros: Usually offer somewhat better air flow and can be cleaned up and re-oiled forever. read more are outstanding at trapping very great particles.
• Cons: If over-oiled throughout upkeep, the oil can get onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, possibly causing check-engine lights.

Dry Filters

• Pros: Much much easier to maintain (generally just vacuumed or blown out with air). No danger of sensing unit contamination.
• Cons: While they stream substantially better than stock paper, they might have a somewhat lower overall air flow capability compared to high-end oiled variations.

Upgrading the air intake is among the most popular "DIY" projects since it requires just fundamental hand tools and no long-term modifications to the vehicle.

Tools Needed:

• Ratchet set (10mm, 8mm sockets)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Allen wrenches (usually offered in the kit)
• Trim elimination tool (optional)

General Steps:

1. Disconnect the Battery: Always safety initially when working near engine sensors.
2. Remove the Stock System: Loosen the clamps on the throttle body, detach the air temperature sensor, and unbolt the factory air box.
3. Transfer Sensors: Carefully move the air temperature level sensing unit from the old tube to the new aftermarket tube.
4. Assemble the New Box: If utilizing an enclosed system, assemble package and filter real estate.
5. Set Up the Intake Tube: Secure the new tube to the throttle body using the supplied silicone couplers and clamps.
6. Secure the Filter: Place the filter onto the tube and tighten up the clamp.
7. Reconnect: Plug the sensing unit back in, reattach the battery, and look for any loose parts.

A common concern for late-model Ram 1500 owners is the lorry warranty. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealership can not lawfully void an automobile's guarantee merely since an aftermarket part is installed. The dealer must show that the aftermarket part specifically triggered the failure in question. For instance, if the power window motor stops working, the intake had nothing to do with it, and the service warranty stands. However, to be safe, many owners select the Mopar Performance Cold Air Intake, which is a main accessory offered by Chrysler/Ram.

1. Does a Ram 1500 air intake upgrade require a "Tune"?

For a lot of "bolt-on" consumptions, a custom-made ECU tune is not needed. The truck's computer system can changing the fuel cut to account for the increased air flow. However, a tune can help optimize the gains from the new intake.

2. Is Dodge Ram Air Intake System " impacted by a cold air intake?

The notorious "Hemi Tick" is generally related to tire manifold bolts or lifter problems and is mechanical. A cold air intake will not cause or repair the tick, though the increased engine noise may make it somewhat less obvious throughout velocity.

3. How typically should I clean the aftermarket filter?

A lot of manufacturers recommend inspecting the filter every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. If driving in exceptionally dusty conditions (construction sites or off-road routes), it should be inspected every 5,000 miles.

4. Are cold air intakes legal in all states?

Not always. States like California require aftermarket parts to have a CARB (California Air Resources Board) EO number. Before getting, owners need to inspect if the particular intake package is "50-state legal."

5. Will I see an instant difference in 0-60 times?

While there is an enhancement, it is typically within the tenths of a second variety. The most obvious distinction is in the "butt-dyno"-- the sensation of the truck pulling more difficult through the mid-range RPMs and the improved sound.

An air intake upgrade is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance a Ram 1500. It uses a rare trifecta of advantages: improved efficiency, better sound, and a boost in effectiveness. Whether the objective is to make the HEMI V8 noise like the beast it is, or to squeeze a bit more pulling power out of the V6, a top quality intake is a foundational modification that sets the phase for any future truck develops. By selecting a respectable brand name and choosing in between the protective qualities of a confined box or the raw power of an open component system, Ram owners can ensure their truck is performing at its absolute finest.