How do you choose the best cold air intake for ram 1500? Whether you want to upgrade your factory stock air intake or it needs a replacement, there are several models in the market.
As a Dodge Ram 1500 car owner, you’ve definitely had your truck tested by the cold temperatures of winter.
Sometimes it gets so bad that the engine parts begin to crack. A new CAI system will improve your truck’s efficiency, and help your engine run at its full potential.
If you’re searching for a cold air intake for your Ram 1500, we’ve scoured the internet and found the 5 best systems to help you narrow down your choices.
Check out our complete review below!
Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission.
Best Cold Air Intake For Ram 1500
1. Mopar Cold Air Intake Ram 1500
- This bolt-on system is designed to allow cooler outside air in through a directional cone filter and funnel it directly into the intake manifold
- This kit provides noticeable horsepower and torque gains under varying atmospheric conditions
- Includes blue filter and Mopar logo on intake tube. Increase fuel economy
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific Fit
Last update on 2023-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Mopar 5.7 Liter HEMI cold air intake is the easiest to install and is one of the classiest models available.
It’s designed to supply your engine with oxygen-rich air from outside air that has been cooled and passed through a cone filter.
This then gives your engine the much-needed pop which ultimately boosts your horsepower and torque.
One of the features that make this feature stand out from other models is the high-quality framework that induces a loud growl as you accelerate.
It’s also reusable and washable, making it low maintenance and perfect for environmentalists.
You should however ensure that it’s always lubricated for optimal performance.
As you install it, make sure you oil the air sensor to ease the process.
The rest of the parts don’t need lubrication for easy installation.
This cold air intake system is easy to install but it also comes with a step by the step installation guide to help you along.
The guide breaks down the process into small chunks that are digestible even to newbies.
You may have a hard time putting the air sensor into the rubber (it’s thick) so start by properly examining it.
This will streamline the installation process and take you less time to do it.
Other installation tips include;
- Ensure the ring is in the correct place before you try fitting it in.
- Turn the sensor flush in the right direction. This could be the difference between a successful and failed installation.
The Mopar 5.7 Liter HEMI cold air intake is a bolt-on system and is aesthetically pleasing. It’s also highly durable and reliable.
On average, you can use it for several years (even under rough usage), which is why it’s a great buy.
It’s responsive and produces engine noises which compared to other models is reasonable.
If your main focus is the ease of installation, this should be your go-to option.
2. K&N Cold Air Intake Ram 1500
- GUARANTEED INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: K&N cold air intake systems provide a less restrictive path for airflow, increasing the volume of cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine an estimated increase up to 16HP and up to 17.54 ft.lbs. of Torque
- HEAR THE GROWL: K&N’s intake systems allow your engine to breathe and sound as it should- your engine will growl on acceleration and return to quiet once at speed
- DYNO TESTING YOU CAN TRUST: K&N air intake horsepower/torque testing is performed on wheel-based dynamometers and the reports are include with each intake system
- BETTER TOWING: Air intake kit improves acceleration and uphill performance when towing by improving throttle response and overall horsepower and torque
- FEATURING K&N’s SIGNATURE, REUSABLE AIR FILTER: Combines 4 layers of pleated, breathable cotton with K&N’s red filter oil to absorb dirt and dust particles, allowing clean air to continue flowing into your engine, only needs cleaning every 100,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions
Last update on 2023-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The K&N 63 series Cold Air Intake is the epitome of durability and few systems can match up to its standards.
One of its greatest selling points is the fact that it combines high performance and longevity to give your engine the boost it deserves.
This cold air intake has a large filter topped with chromium which is why it’s not surprising that it provides users with smooth engine performance.
It’s also low maintenance as it comes with the flagship feature of all K&N products; a 10year/100,000-mile warranty.
You don’t have to clean up the filter for 100,000 miles and considering the fact that most factory-issued filters need cleaning every 12000-20000 miles, this is pretty impressive.
It practically protects the filter throughout the life of your car.
The one hundred mile guarantee is of course dependent on your engine’s power capability and how roughly you drive your Dodge Ram 1500.
The K&N 63 series Cold Air Intake has been dyno tested and supplies your engine with up to 50% more air than standard factory systems.
This increases your horsepower significantly, offering you a smooth engine performance.
Just so you know how good this system is, it increases your horsepower by roughly 15HP and sometimes even more.
One other perk of this cold air intake is the enhancement of your throttle response.
This allows you to enjoy an ultra-smooth ride, improves your vehicle’s uphill performance and its acceleration without engine trouble.
It also has a world-class protection system that shields your engine against harmful particles.
This system is also NASCAR’s official air filter and has been approved for race cars.
It’s also a bolt-on system that takes an average of 1 hr for installation with the basic hand tools. ECU tuning is not required.
If you’re looking for the perfect engine sound then you’ll love the K&N 63 series Cold Air Intake.
It produces a smooth beastly growl from your engine that despite not being enough for a race car, is oddly relaxing.
3. S&B Cold Air Intake Ram 1500
- 41.28% More Airflow & 99.30% Efficiency Rating. Tested To The Internationally Accepted ISO 5011 Standard
- Designed To Avoid Check Engine Lights
- Premium Silicone Parts Last Longer And Look Better
- S&B utilizes robotics to precisely apply the correct amount of oil to your filter before it ships. Oil Amount: 85 Grams on Filter Element & 20 Grams on Power Stack. Replacement Filter: KF-1056 & Filter Wrap: WF-1034
- CARB Pending
Last update on 2023-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a cold air system that is aesthetically appealing and doesn’t compromise on performance then the S&B Filters 75-5106D is the best fit.
There have been a couple of complaints about poor quality S&B filters in the market but this model disproves these claims.
This cold air intake is made from a premium silicone material that’s durable and heat-resistant, reducing its rate of wear and tear.
It comes in 2 types of air filters;
- 8-layer cotton filter: it’s reusable and can be washed.
- Dry extendable Filter: it’s also reusable but cleaning it involves using compressed air to blow debris and dust out of it.
Installation is fairly easy and this system comes with a step-by-step guide that can be followed even by newbies.
The whole process takes at most 90 minutes.
Pro tip: if you’re having a hard time installing this system, follow the comprehensive guide and circle each process once done. This way, you won’t skip any steps.
Perhaps the most intriguing feature is the fact that this system increases the efficiency of your cold air intake by almost 100% and ups the total inflow by more than 41%.
It also protects your engine from fine dust particles, one of the major elements that clog car filters.
This cold air intake uses robotics to deliver precise amounts of oil to your filter and is designed to avoid check engine lights.
It’s however non-compliant with CARB regulations, which means you can legally use it on California roads.
Some people also consider it loud (under normal driving conditions) even though it’s considerably lower than other systems.
The hearty engine rumble is best felt at 2,000 rpm-4500 rpm.
This S&B Cold Air Intake is ISO 5011 compliant; which is the international standard for testing air filters.
4. Afe Power Magnum FORCE Dodge Ram Hemi
- Outflows the factory intake by up to 23% . Produces an additional 14 horsepower and 19 lbs. x ft. torque
- 5-Layer progressively finer oiled, washable cotton gauze media allows maximum airflow for maximum power
- One-piece sealed housing with auxiliary air scoop
- C.A.D designed, roto-mold intake tube
- This product is 50-state legal (CARB E.O Number D-550-27)
Last update on 2023-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The aFe Power Magnum FORCE takes the trophy for being the most balanced cold air filter; It factors in protection, convenience, and great performance.
This engineering company is based in California and incorporates world-class technology into its products, making it miles ahead of its competitors.
The magnum force cold air system has a brilliant build quality as the exterior was built using 3D models, CND and CAD.
aFe also performed multiple quality checks to ensure that this system meets the global industrial standards.
Some of the most impressive features of this system are the advanced 5 layer intake filters that are also washable and the horsepower gains.
With the aFe Power Magnum FORCE cold air intake, the gains are as much as torque of 19-pound feet and 14HP.
This is made possible by the 27% increase of airflow to the engines. Its throttle response is also impressive.
The Pro 5R air filter is made with the finest materials which are why it’s able to stop very small dust particles from clogging your engine.
It’s made using an oiled cotton mesh that’s also reusable.
This cold air intake is highly durable thanks to the stainless steel and aluminum body construction that enhances efficiency.
It’s also fairly easy to install and clean.
If you’re looking for the most advanced cold air intake system that also balances out the important features then the aFe Power Magnum FORCE should be your go-to option.
It’s a bit expensive but is perfect for Dodge Ram 1500 owners that want to get the most of their 5.7L HEMI engine.
5. Flowmaster 615-111 Cold Air Intake 1500 5.7l Hemi
- Fit Type: Vehicle Specific
Last update on 2023-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Flowmaster brand is no stranger to anyone that’s been modifying their Dodge Ram 1500.
It’s famous for enhancing car parts with the aim of upgrading engine performance and increasing the overall efficiency of your vehicle.
The Flowmaster 615-111 Cold Air Intake is a clear reflection of this.
This system comes with an 8-layer cotton filter that’s both washable and reusable.
It also has a longer shelf-life compared to other filters, as long as you keep it clean.
The Flowmaster cold air intake also comes with a heat shield that prevents your engine from overheating.
It’s powder coated with heat-resistant materials that enhance its efficiency.
While most systems are made from one material, this cold air intake is made from several materials that enable it to achieve optimal durability.
It comes with a strong polyethylene intake tube, silicone couplers, and stainless steel mounting hardware.
For maximum performance, you should pair it with a flow master exhaust system. This enhances the deep engine rumble.
It’s fairly easy to install if you know your way around cold air intakes but can be difficult for newbies because the instructions are hard to follow.
Since this cold air kit is not CARB compliant, you cannot use it legally on California public roads.
Which One Would We Pick?
While all the above cold air intakes are great, if we were to narrow it down to one system, we think the aFe Power Momentum GT 54-72102 is the be Cold Air Intake for a Dodge Ram 1500.
It’s as if the company gathered all the important aspects of a cold air intake kit and used the information to develop the ultimate system.
It’s aesthetically pleasing, highly durable, and enhances your engine’s performance.
This system also comes with a Pro 5 air filter that protects your engine from micro dust particles that causes clogging.
It’s also easy to install & clean is CARB compliant, and increases your torque and horsepower.
This CAI is one of the most expensive models in the market but is worth every penny.
The manuals are also not detailed but with a youtube video, you can easily navigate the process.
- Outflows the factory intake by up to 23% . Produces an additional 14 horsepower and 19 lbs. x ft. torque
- 5-Layer progressively finer oiled, washable cotton gauze media allows maximum airflow for maximum power
- One-piece sealed housing with auxiliary air scoop
- C.A.D designed, roto-mold intake tube
- This product is 50-state legal (CARB E.O Number D-550-27)
Last update on 2023-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQ
Do Cold Air Intakes Actually Do Anything?
Yes. You can’t afford to overlook the benefits of cold air to the performance and life of your engine.
Upgrading your cold air intake system comes with benefits such as:
- Increased horsepower: the increased flow of air provides your HEMI with sufficient oxygen to increase horsepower.
- Enhanced fuel efficiency: the increased oxygen enables your engine to burn the fuels in the combustion chambers, resulting in more miles per gallon.
- Fast throttle response: clogged intake filters reduce your engine’s responsiveness to an accelerator. Upgrading your system increases your throttle response.
- Reduced engine maintenance costs: replacing your factory set cold air intake with a high-performance one will prevent contaminants from affecting your engine, which ultimately results in low wear and tears.
How Much HP Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a 5.7 Hemi?
On average, a new system will increase your torque by 20-70 pounds per foot while the horsepower will increase by 5-20 HP depending on the brand.
Your engine performance will also be enhanced and the sound produced will improve.
Can You Install Cold Air Intake Yourself?
Yes. Most cold air intake systems come with a step-by-step manual to aid in the installation process, and you only require basic hand tools.
If the instructions are hard to follow, YouTube videos will do the trick.
Is a Cold Air Intake Worth It?
If you want to achieve the full potential of your Dodge Ram 1500, then upgrading your cold air intake should be a top priority.
It unlocks your vehicle to features that a factory-issued CAI just can’t.
Final Thoughts
One of the first indicators that it’s time to change your cold air intake is the check engine light.
That’s because when engine airflow is disrupted, there’s a noticeable change in fuel efficiency and reduced horsepower.
If you’re looking for the best cold air intake for Ram 1500, the above 5 recommendations are a great place to start!
Disclaimer
Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission.
Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases.
The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
