So You've Bought Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit ... Now What?

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

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 constructed for power, resilience, and energy. However, many owners discover that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be desired. Developed primarily to decrease engine noise and satisfy rigorous manufacturing expenses, the stock air box frequently functions as a traffic jam, restricting the engine's ability to breathe.

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

What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake kit changes the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system created to provide 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 going into the cylinders, the engine can burn fuel more efficiently, resulting in increased horse power and torque.

Cold Air Intake (CAI) vs. Short Ram Intake

• Cold Air Intake: Positioned particularly to draw air from outside the engine bay or from a cooler location (like the wheel well). These systems frequently consist of a heat guard to obstruct the convected heat from the engine.
• Short Ram Intake: These use shorter pipes and are simpler to install but frequently sit closer to the engine, implying they might attract warmer air unless a robust heat shield is used.

Advantages of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram's Intake

Updating to a performance intake package supplies numerous concrete advantages that boost the driving experience, especially for those who utilize their trucks for towing or off-roading.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By lowering air turbulence and restrictions, the engine does not have to work as tough to pull in air. The majority of Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horse power depending on the engine type.
2. Improved Fuel Economy: While the gains depend greatly on driving habits, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can cause a slight boost in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
3. Enhanced Engine Sound: Aftermarket intakes supply a much deeper, more aggressive growl throughout velocity. For  website , this often results in hearing the turbocharger "spool" more clearly.
4. Better Throttle Response: The hold-up in between pressing the pedal and the truck moving is often minimized since the engine has a ready supply of high-velocity air.
5. Reusable Filters: Most high-end sets come with washable filters that can last up to 100,000 miles before requiring a deep tidy, conserving money in the long run compared to non reusable paper filters.

Comparing Popular Dodge Ram Intake Kits

Picking the ideal package involves balancing budget, filtration requirements, and efficiency goals. Below is a comparison of a few of the most popular choices available for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Performance Comparison Table

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: Which is Better?

When purchasing a Dodge Ram air intake kit, owners should select in between a dry filter and an oiled filter. Both have their merits depending on the environment in which the truck is driven.

Oiled Filters

• Pros: They normally offer the greatest air flow and are outstanding at catching extremely great dust particles because the oil serves as a "tack" to catch particles.
• Cons: If over-oiled during upkeep, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, leading to inspect engine lights or bad idling.

Dry Filters

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

Key Features to Look For

To guarantee a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners need to search for the following features before making a purchase:

• Heat Shielding: A high-quality package need to include a shield or a confined box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will just absorb hot air from the radiator, which can really decrease performance.
• Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This process makes sure television keeps a consistent size even through curves, avoiding air turbulence.
• C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those living in California or states with stringent emissions laws, making sure the kit has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is crucial for passing assessments.
• Silicon Couplers: High-quality kits utilize silicone couplers rather than rubber, as silicone withstands heat and splitting in time.

Setup Overview

One of the reasons air intake packages are so popular is the ease of installation. Many Dodge Ram owners can complete the procedure in 60 to 90 minutes with basic hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to guarantee the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to discover the brand-new air-flow parameters.
2. Removal: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and get rid of the sensors (like the IAT or MAF sensor) thoroughly. Eliminate the factory air box.
3. Assembly: Assemble the brand-new heat guard or air box according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Sensor Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensors into the brand-new intake tube.
5. Mounting: Install the new air box and intake tube, securing them with the offered brackets and silicone couplers.
6. Filter Attachment: Slide the high-flow filter onto completion of the intake tube inside the box/shield and tighten up the clamp.
7. Last Check: Reconnect the battery and check all connections for air leaks.

Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

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

The Disadvantages (List)

• Noise Levels: While many like the noise, some may find the increased cab sound "droning" during long highway journeys.
• Expense: Quality packages can vary from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
• Upkeep: Owners must remember to clean up the filter routinely to keep performance.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a maker can not void your whole guarantee merely due to the fact that an aftermarket part was installed. However, if the intake is shown to have actually triggered a specific failure (e.g., dirt entering the engine due to an inadequately fitted filter), that specific repair work may not be covered.

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

For many modern Dodge Rams, a tune is not required. The truck's computer system can change the fuel cut to represent the increased air. Nevertheless, a custom-made tune can assist maximize the performance gains of the intake.

3. How often should I clean the air filter?

In standard driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles suffices. If the truck is used regularly on dirt roadways or for off-roading, the filter must be examined every 10,000 miles.

4. Does it really aid with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under continuous tension and requires more air to keep exhaust gas temperature levels (EGTs) low-- particularly in diesel models. An efficiency intake assists offer that air more effectively.

Upgrading the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a fulfilling job for any truck lover. By changing the restrictive factory elements with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can enjoy 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, an efficiency intake package guarantees that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it needs to.