14 Questions You're Insecure To Ask About Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit

The Dodge Ram, whether powered by the famous 5.7 L Hemi V8 or the unrelenting 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is a car developed for power, resilience, and utility. However, many owners find that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be wanted. Developed primarily to minimize engine sound and fulfill rigorous production costs, the stock air box often serves as a bottleneck, limiting the engine's capability to breathe.

One of the most popular and cost-effective modifications for any Dodge Ram owner is the setup of an aftermarket air intake set. This blog post explores the mechanics, advantages, and factors to consider of upgrading a Ram's breathing device.

An air intake kit replaces the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system created to deliver cooler, denser air to the engine. In internal combustion engines, oxygen is the driver for power. By increasing the volume and reducing the temperature level of the air entering the cylinders, the engine can burn fuel more effectively, resulting in increased horse power 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 area (like the wheel well). These systems frequently include a heat shield to obstruct the convected heat from the engine.
• Brief Ram Intake: These use much shorter pipes and are easier to install however typically sit closer to the engine, suggesting they may attract warmer air unless a robust heat guard is used.

Upgrading to a performance intake set supplies a number of tangible advantages that enhance the driving experience, particularly for those who utilize their trucks for towing or off-roading.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By reducing air turbulence and limitations, the engine doesn't have to work as difficult to pull in air. A lot of Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horse power 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 result in a minor increase in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
3. Enhanced Engine Sound: Aftermarket intakes provide a much deeper, more aggressive growl during acceleration. For Cummins owners, this often leads to hearing the turbocharger "spool" more plainly.
4. Much Better Throttle Response: The hold-up between pressing the pedal and the truck moving is often lowered since the engine has an all set supply of high-velocity air.
5. Reusable Filters: Most high-end kits featured washable filters that can last up to 100,000 miles before needing a deep clean, saving cash in the long run compared to non reusable paper filters.

Picking the best set includes stabilizing budget plan, filtration requirements, and performance goals. Below is a contrast of some of the most popular alternatives readily available for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Performance Comparison Table

When purchasing a Dodge Ram air intake package, owners need to pick in between a dry filter and an oiled filter. Both have their merits depending upon the environment in which the truck is driven.

Oiled Filters

• Pros: They normally offer the highest airflow and are exceptional at capturing extremely fine dust particles since the oil serves as a "tack" to catch particles.
• Cons: If over-oiled throughout maintenance, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, leading to examine engine lights or bad idling.

Dry Filters

• Pros: Much simpler to maintain (just vacuum or wash with water/soap) and there is no danger of sensor contamination.
• Cons: They may have somewhat less air flow than a high-performance oiled filter, though the difference is frequently minimal for everyday drivers.

To ensure a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners must try to find the following features before making a purchase:

• Heat Shielding: A premium kit should include a guard or a confined box. Without Dodge Truck Accessories , the "cold air" intake will merely draw in hot air from the radiator, which can actually reduce performance.
• Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This procedure ensures television maintains a consistent size even through curves, preventing air turbulence.
• C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those residing in California or states with rigorous emissions laws, making sure the kit has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is vital for passing assessments.
• Silicon Couplers: High-quality sets utilize silicone couplers instead of rubber, as silicone resists heat and splitting over time.

One of the reasons air intake kits are so popular is the ease of installation. Most Dodge Ram owners can finish the procedure in 60 to 90 minutes with standard hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to make sure the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to discover the new air-flow criteria.
2. Elimination: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and remove the sensors (like the IAT or MAF sensing unit) thoroughly. Eliminate the factory air box.
3. Assembly: Assemble the new heat shield or air box according to the maker's directions.
4. Sensor Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensing units into the new intake tube.
5. Installing: Install the new air box and intake tube, protecting them with the provided 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 up the clamp.
7. Last Check: Reconnect the battery and examine all connections for air leakages.

The Advantages (List)

• Sustainability: Washable filters reduce landfill waste.
• Towing Efficiency: Denser air helps preserve combustion stability when the engine is under heavy load.
• Aesthetic appeals: Most kits feature polished aluminum or high-density cross-linked polyethylene that looks better than factory plastic.
• Affordability: One of the most affordable "bolt-on" power mods available.

The Disadvantages (List)

• Noise Levels: While many like the noise, some might discover the increased taxi sound "droning" during long highway trips.
• Expense: Quality kits can vary from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
• Upkeep: Owners should keep in mind to clean the filter routinely to maintain performance.

1. Will an air intake set void my Dodge Ram's guarantee?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a maker can not void your whole guarantee merely because an aftermarket part was set up. However, if the intake is proven to have actually caused a particular failure (e.g., dirt getting in 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 the majority of contemporary Dodge Rams, a tune is not required. The truck's computer can change the fuel cut to account for the increased air. However, a custom tune can assist take full advantage of the performance gains of the intake.

3. How frequently should Dodge Ram 1500 Air Intake Upgrade clean up the air filter?

In basic driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles suffices. If the truck is utilized frequently on dirt roads or for off-roading, the filter ought to be examined every 10,000 miles.

4. Does Dodge Ram 1500 Air Intake Upgrade help with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under continuous stress and needs more air to keep exhaust gas temperature levels (EGTs) low-- particularly in diesel models. A performance intake helps offer that air more effectively.

Upgrading the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a gratifying project for any truck enthusiast. By replacing the restrictive factory parts with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can delight in a more responsive throttle, better engine sound, and improved efficiency. Whether it is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel cruising the highway, an efficiency intake set makes sure that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it needs to.