14 Misconceptions Common To Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit

The Dodge Ram, whether powered by the legendary 5.7 L Hemi V8 or the unrelenting 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is an automobile developed for power, resilience, and energy. However, many owners find that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be desired. Designed mainly to decrease engine noise and satisfy rigorous production costs, the stock air box frequently serves as a traffic jam, restricting the engine's capability to breathe.

Among the most popular and cost-effective modifications for any Dodge Ram owner is the installation of an aftermarket air intake package. This post checks out the mechanics, advantages, and factors to consider of updating a Ram's breathing apparatus.

An air intake set changes the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system developed to deliver cooler, denser air to the engine. In internal combustion engines, oxygen is the catalyst for power. By increasing the volume and reducing the temperature of the air going into 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 location (like the wheel well). These systems frequently include a heat shield to obstruct the radiant heat from the engine.
• Short Ram Intake: These utilize shorter pipelines and are easier to set up but often sit closer to the engine, implying they may attract warmer air unless a robust heat shield is used.

Updating to an efficiency intake kit provides several tangible advantages that boost the driving experience, specifically for those who use their trucks for towing or off-roading.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By decreasing air turbulence and restrictions, the engine doesn't need to work as difficult to pull in air. The majority of Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horsepower depending upon the engine type.
2. Enhanced Fuel Economy: While the gains depend heavily on driving habits, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can lead to a minor increase in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
3. Improved Engine Sound: Aftermarket consumptions provide a deeper, more aggressive grumble during acceleration. For Cummins owners, this typically leads to hearing the turbocharger "spindle" more plainly.
4. Better Throttle Response: The hold-up in between pressing the pedal and the truck moving is often reduced due to the fact that the engine has a prepared supply of high-velocity air.
5. Recyclable Filters: Most high-end packages included washable filters that can last up to 100,000 miles before requiring a deep clean, saving cash in the long run compared to non reusable paper filters.

Choosing the ideal kit involves stabilizing budget, filtration requirements, and efficiency objectives. Below is a contrast of a few of the most popular alternatives readily available for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Performance Comparison Table

When buying a Dodge Ram air intake kit, owners should choose 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 typically provide the highest air flow and are exceptional at recording really great dust particles since the oil acts as a "tack" to catch particles.
• Cons: If over-oiled throughout upkeep, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, leading to inspect engine lights or poor idling.

Dry Filters

• Pros: Much much easier to keep (merely vacuum or wash with water/soap) and there is no risk of sensor contamination.
• Cons: They may have a little less air flow than a high-performance oiled filter, though the distinction is often minimal for day-to-day drivers.

To make sure a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners ought to look for the following features before purchasing:

• Heat Shielding: A high-quality kit need to include a guard or an enclosed box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will merely suck in hot air from the radiator, which can really decrease performance.
• Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. jpsparepartsusa.com makes sure television keeps a continuous diameter even through curves, preventing air turbulence.
• C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those living in California or states with rigorous emissions laws, guaranteeing the kit has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is essential for passing evaluations.
• Silicon Couplers: High-quality kits utilize silicone couplers rather than rubber, as silicone resists heat and splitting with time.

Among the reasons air intake packages are so popular is the ease of installation. The majority of Dodge Ram owners can complete the process in 60 to 90 minutes with standard hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the unfavorable battery terminal to ensure the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to find out the new air-flow specifications.
2. Elimination: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and get rid of the sensors (like the IAT or MAF sensing unit) thoroughly. Remove the factory air box.
3. Assembly: Assemble the new heat shield or air box according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Sensing unit Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensing units into the new intake tube.
5. Mounting: Install the brand-new air box and intake tube, securing them with the offered brackets and silicone couplers.
6. Filter Attachment: Slide the high-flow filter onto the end of the intake tube inside the box/shield and tighten the clamp.
7. Final Check: Reconnect the battery and check all connections for air leakages.

The Advantages (List)

• Sustainability: Washable filters minimize landfill waste.
• Towing Efficiency: Denser air assists preserve combustion stability when the engine is under heavy load.
• Aesthetics: Most packages include polished aluminum or high-density cross-linked polyethylene that looks much better than factory plastic.
• Price: One of the least expensive "bolt-on" power mods offered.

The Disadvantages (List)

• Noise Levels: While numerous like the sound, some might discover the increased cab sound "droning" throughout long highway journeys.
• Cost: Quality packages can vary from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
• Upkeep: Owners need to keep in mind to clean the filter regularly to keep performance.

1. Will an air intake package void my Dodge Ram's service warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can not void your whole service warranty just because an aftermarket part was installed. Nevertheless, if the intake is shown to have actually caused a particular failure (e.g., dirt entering the engine due to a badly fitted filter), that particular repair may not be covered.

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

For a lot of contemporary Dodge Rams, a tune is not required. The truck's computer can adjust the fuel trim to account for the increased air. Nevertheless, a custom-made tune can help optimize the efficiency gains of the intake.

3. How frequently should I clean the air filter?

In standard driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles suffices. If the truck is utilized often on dirt roads or for off-roading, the filter must be inspected every 10,000 miles.

4. Does it actually assist with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under consistent stress and requires more air to keep exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) low-- specifically in diesel models. An efficiency intake assists provide that air more efficiently.

Updating the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a gratifying task for any truck lover. By replacing the limiting factory parts with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can delight in a more responsive throttle, much better engine sound, and enhanced performance. Whether it is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel cruising the highway, a performance intake kit guarantees that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it requires to.