The Best Cold Air intake for Ram 1500 is designed to maximize engine power and performance by allowing cold air from outside the engine compartment into the cylinder head and even temperature distribution throughout the cylinder head and combustion chamber.
Cold air intake systems may also optimize gas mileage and give your Ram 1500’s engine better throttle response and higher torque for improved towing and hauling capabilities.
The cold air intake is a part of the vehicle’s intake system that allows a more dense amount of air into the engine than the stock air intake.
To understand how this works, you must first understand that as an object moves its velocity increases, as its speed increases so do pressure. This means that the faster the air moves, the denser it is.
Cold air intake systems work by allowing colder outside air to enter the vehicle’s engine than regular factory intakes do which allows for denser and colder air entering which increases power in some instances.
Jump to
- 1 Best Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500 – Our Top Picks!
- 1.1 1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
- 1.2 2. AF Dynamic Cold Air Intake Systems
- 1.3 3. Million Parts Cold Air Intake System
- 1.4 4. 3 in 1 K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
- 1.5 5. AFI Power Momentum Intake System
- 1.6 6. Dodge Ram K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
- 1.7 7. AFe Power Magnum Force Intake System
- 1.8 8. S&B Filters 75-5106 Cold Air Intake
- 1.9 9. Mopar Dodge Ram HEMI Cold Air Intake
- 1.10 10. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit
- 2 Buying Guide for Choosing Best Cold Air Intake for Dodge RAM 1500
- 2.1 Air Filter Construction
- 2.2 Durability
- 2.3 Ease of Installation
- 2.4 Warranty
- 2.5 Cold Air Intake Sound
- 2.6 Air Intake Temperature
- 2.7 Air Intake Tubing Material
- 2.8 Air Filter Location and Fitment
- 2.9 Ease of Ordering and Shipping
- 2.10 Terms & Conditions
- 2.11 Price
- 2.12 Availability
- 2.13 Product Quality
- 2.14 Air Intake System Dimensions & Weight
- 2.15 Personal Opinion
- 3 Benefits of Upgrading Your Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500
- 4 FAQs
Best Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500 – Our Top Picks!
Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A cold air intake helps produce better horsepower in Ram 1500s by allowing access to the colder outside air. With the colder air, it means denser air and more oxygen which can allow for a better fuel burn rate and therefore create more power.
Based on our in-depth analysis we have finalized our top 10 picks and the review of each product is mentioned as follows:
1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
Dodge Ram owners can add this K&N Cold Air Intake Kit to their trucks to increase the horsepower from 5.7L V8 engines by up to 20%.
The product comes with two different filters, one for cold air and another that is washable. It’s guaranteed not only by its manufacturer but also backed up with a million-mile limited warranty since it has been tested on multiple vehicles across many years of production.
The best cold air intake for Dodge Ram 1500 is designed to increase horsepower and torque output. This intake kit includes an aluminum heat shield along with a chrome-topped high-flow air filter which will not void the manufacturer warranty.
With a cold air intake kit, your vehicle will accelerate and tow uphill more smoothly than ever before.
With this installed in your car, you’ll hear the difference under the hood: it makes an incredible engine sound.
This cold air intake kit helps protect your engine from the harmful contaminants that can cause it to fail.
These high-performing filters are often made of metal and work like a sieve, trapping dirt particles as they enter through the cold air intake ducts.
This kit allows for easy maintenance, not requiring filter cleaning up to 100,000 miles. It is made in America and of high quality. Experience performance beyond expectations by installing this cold air intake kit today.
Although, it doesn’t come with a warranty and requires cleaning after some time of use and if not done properly then there could be problems such as dust collecting inside which causes negative effects on performance over time.
Pros
- Increased HP
- Dirt Particle Filters
- Easy Maintenance
- Increased Acceleration
Cons
- Not a guaranteed product
2. AF Dynamic Cold Air Intake Systems
Key Features
- Stainless Steel Button Head Bolts
- 60 Days Factory Warranty
- Installation by professionals is highly recommended
If you want to upgrade your 2009-2018 RAM 1500 truck, then consider this AF Dynamic Black Cold Air Filter Intake Systems.
A sleek black color and a heat shield ensure the engine stays cool while driving on hot days or hauling heavy loads through rough terrain.
This intake system increases airflow by up to 14% over stock filters while protecting against dirt particulates which can harm your engine if sucked into it or cause damage under certain circumstances like pre-ignition due to high temperatures.
High-quality stainless steel button head bolts, washers, locknuts, and band clamps are used for this product.
The coupling is made of high-quality silicone which differs from the cheap rubber that most other companies use to form their products.
However, a professional technician with experience will be required to install this air intake system for your RAM 1500. This may cost you additional dollars.
The function of this best cold air intake for 5.7 hemi is to help the engine more efficiently draw in colder air, resulting in better throttle response and consistently higher horsepower output.
The improved airflow can result in up to 95% filtration efficiency over OEM paper filters which increases 5-10 hp and 6-8 percent torque as well as improves gas mileage by your vehicle.
This air filter intake system installs easily, but to ensure it works with your vehicle’s original computer system and operates at peak performance levels for the full 60-day warranty period, professional installation is highly recommended.
Pros
- Heat Shield
- Dirt Particles Filtration
- Better Throttle Response
- Horsepower Output
Cons
- Professional technician required for installation
3. Million Parts Cold Air Intake System
Key Features
- Improves the Performance of your car
- Gives more power to the vehicle while acceleration
- Easy Installation
A Million Parts Cold Air Intake Filters System with a heat shield is a great addition to any car. It is a million times more effective than your ordinary filter.
It installs easily and has an integrated heat shield to keep out the extreme temps of hot engine components for cleaner, cooler intakes with less risk of overheating or damaging sensitive electronics.
This Special Air Intake for RAM 1500 filters 1 million parts per hour giving you cleaner higher horsepower engines as well as protecting against any damage caused by increased airflow speeds.
Get a cold air intake system to improve the car’s performance and protect its engine? This product will allow you to add power while protecting your vehicle from damage.
This system will allow your car/truck to accelerate faster and with less strain on the engine. With a simple installation process, you won’t need to invest in complex tools.
This air intake system for RAM 1500 is durable and made from anodized aluminum so it can withstand wear over time.
Anodized aluminum pipes resist wearing while making the whole system more durable. The unique design of this product makes sure that none of your parts are left behind and will not damage any components within your engine bay either.
This cold air intake system can be used in all kinds of international conditions since its built to last long enough by having an option between one year warranty or three years.
However, this cold air intake system for the RAM 1500 has compatibility issues with certain automobiles.
Pros
- Easily Installed
- Integrated Heat Shield
- Faster Acceleration
- Anodized Aluminum Material
Cons
- Compatibility issues
4. 3 in 1 K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
K&N’s Cold Air Intake Kit is a high-performance, 50-state legal, and compatible with the 2003 to 2008 Dodge (Ram 1500) 5.7L V8 engine which helps your vehicle produce more horsepower than ever before.
This Perfect Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500 is a great way to give your vehicle more power and torque.
You can expect an increase in horsepower by up 10.5% at 5445 RPM, with 10-15 fewer lbs. on board when compared to other cars equipped without this new intake system.
Not only will it add some much-needed muscle, but all those savings will add up too – reducing fuel costs significantly over time due in large part because of the better gas mileage achieved when driving around town or commuting back home every day after work (or school).
This kit is an easy way to improve vehicle performance by harvesting more air into your engine. With a greater volume of incoming cooled outside airflow, you’ll experience improved fuel economy and acceleration as well.
The Cold Air Intake Kit is designed to give your car a boost in performance and sound. With this intake system, you will feel more responsive when accelerating from stoplights or merging on highways as well.
Easy installation of this kit means most drivers will be able to get it done within 90 minutes or less – so don’t wait around if you’re looking at installing one today.
Although, you need the car’s air filter clean and always maintained. If there are particles of dust in it, they can cause significant damage that will impact your performance on the road.
Pros
- Boost Performance
- Better Gas Milage
- Reduce Fuel Cost
- Easy Installation
Cons
- Partial filtration layers
5. AFI Power Momentum Intake System
The AFI Power Momentum GT 54-72102 Dodge RAM HEMI Performance Intake System is the perfect way to get your car’s engine running strong.
It comes with an oiled 5-layer filter that will catch all those pesky bugs, dust particles, and other debris before they enter its internals where performance can be lost.
This Best Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500 provides increased power for your truck and will make your vehicle more responsive and effective.
This intake system is a great way to get more strength from your engine. It increases torque by up to 19 lbs. x ft, which means that you will have an easier time accelerating when driving normally or on the highway for example.
This system comes complete and ready to install without any modifications needed on your vehicle; simply remove old parts when installing this high-performance upgrade.
This 5-layer cotton gauze media air intake system for your automobile will give you the energy and performance that’s been missing out on.
A progressive, fine oiled washable cloth in each layer allows maximum airflow to meet up with increased pressures.
The C.A.D intake system for your vehicle has a one-piece sealed housing with an auxiliary air scoop, which means you can experience the best in fuel and efficiency without any leaks or emissions.
It’s 50 state legal and fits perfectly on all models of vehicles in America, including trucks.
However, this air intake system is quite expensive. It’s not something that most people can afford, which makes it one thing for the car enthusiast to avoid.
Pros
- 5-Layer Filter
- Increased Power
- Ready to Install
- Best in Fuel Consumption
Cons
- Expensive
6. Dodge Ram K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
Key Features
- Ultimate Longevity
- Improves Engine Sound
- Better Towing
- Easy Installation and Maintenance
Dodge Ram K&N Cold Air Intake Kit improves horsepower & fuel economy. Increase your vehicle’s horsepower by as much as 12 with this high-performance air intake system designed for the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500.
This Highly Recommended Air Intake for RAM is compatible with both gas- and diesel-powered cars, trucks, or vans in addition to motorcycles too so you won’t have to settle when it comes time for performance upgrades.
This Cold Air Intake Kit is your car’s ticket to new power. It has a 10-year/million-mile limited warranty that protects the life of your vehicle.
Engineered to increase airflow by up 50% over restrictive factory box air filters and intake tubes, this high-performance modification will not only make driving more enjoyable but also provide measurable benefits in terms of horsepower and torque gains as well.
This innovative kit improves acceleration and towing by making the engine sound louder. You’ll be able to hear that powerful V8 under your hood, so you can drive with confidence knowing everything is working as it should.
Engineered to protect the engine from harmful contaminants, this cold air intake kit is easily maintainable, pushing its limits in protecting up to 100K miles.
In less than an hour, you can install this air intake system that will increase your vehicle’s horsepower, fulfilling one of the most basic requirements for driving on any street i.e., better performance.
This cold air intake kit is cost-effective although there are no instructions or manual included to set up this air intake system.
Pros
- Increased HP
- Increased Airflow
- Easily Maintainable
- Cost-Effective
- 10-Year Warranty
Cons
- No instruction manual is available
7. AFe Power Magnum Force Intake System
Key Features
- More torque and horsepower
- 3 layers of protection
- Increase airflow
- Easy Installation
The AFe Power Magnum Force Intake System is the perfect accessory for any vehicle with an 8.0-liter engine and can help you extract every drop of fuel while also providing better throttle response in all conditions.
This cold air intake for 5.7 hemi is the perfect solution for those looking to up their horsepower.
This intake system features three layers of protection, including an oil pleated filter and water washable air filters that can be replaced when required without any tools needed.
This system is the perfect solution for both efficient performance seekers and tuners. This system has an increased airflow that will give you more energy without any hesitation, making it great on anything from your truck or SUV.
This exhaust system extracts more power from your engine and makes it sound great. With up to 27% better airflow, you’ll get an additional 18 horsepower with 23 lbs. x ft torque.
This air intake system is something that you will be able to enjoy for years without worrying about it getting dirty or clogged.
The synthetic media used in the 3-layer design has been created for your convenience as well as performance needs, which means there’s no need for oiling.
This air intake system has heatshield snaps onto the top of your factory lower half, 3-1/2″ diameter black powder-coated aluminum tube. It will work in all 50 states.
However, this air intake system doesn’t help much in tow, but it does add some bling.
Pros
- Better Throttle Response
- Three-Layer Protection
- Water-Washable Filters
- Additional 18-HP
Cons
- Doesn’t help much in towing
8. S&B Filters 75-5106 Cold Air Intake
The intake includes an S&B Cold Air Intake Filter to help you get more power out of your vehicle. This air filter will remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants that can clog up the intake tract of your engine. If you are experiencing poor performance, or if you just want to maximize your vehicle’s horsepower, this cold air intake is a must-have.
By comparing this intake to the competition, you can easily see the difference. This intake produces 40% more airflow than the stock air intake while still being able to deliver the maximum power and torque needed to get the most out of your Ram 1500.
After testing this cold air intake on our own RAM 1500, we found that it produced an increase in horsepower and torque by up to 4% and 6%, respectively. This increase in power is noticeable and it is also something that you can enjoy day in and day out.
Also, S&B Cold Air Intake has been made out of 100% silicone material, and it is made to withstand the rigors of daily use. We are very pleased with the quality of this intake as well, and we believe that it will last for a long time.
The S&B Filters 75-5106 Cold Air Intake will also produce the best sound that you will have ever heard out of your engine. The sound will be like that of an old-school muscle car engine, and it will make you feel like you are back in the day when you were driving a performance car.
We love this cold air intake and we believe that it will help your vehicle perform even better than before. You should consider this intake if you are looking for a cold air intake that will give your RAM 1500 the horsepower that it needs.
Pros
- Increased Power
- Produces a nice sound when driving
- Easy to install
- Made out of high-quality material
Cons
- None
9. Mopar Dodge Ram HEMI Cold Air Intake
This is a performance-oriented cold air intake that is designed to maximize performance. It is made of durable and lightweight materials and has an aerodynamic design.
After comparison, we found out that it has much better quality than all of its competitors with its excellent engine performance, sound, and mileage enhancement.
We love the fact that it does not add any noise to the engine at all as it does not require you to remove the stock air intake.
Moreover, it’s very easy to install and does not affect the vehicle’s original styling in any way.
We were impressed to see how much it improved performance and increased the mileage of RAM 1500, especially at higher speeds.
After using it, we noticed a significant gain in power, it also works on engines that are not naturally aspirated as well as carbureted.
As for the durability and reliability, we were impressed by the way Mopar Dodge Ram HEMI Cold Air Intake is made. It is manufactured with high-quality components and it’s made with an extremely durable material that lasts longer than most cold air intakes. Since it is made from a sturdy material, it will not crack or break easily.
Also, the sound quality is really good because it is made from a very lightweight material that does not make any unnecessary noises when being used.
By comparison to other cold air intakes, this one was a huge improvement. It has a lot of positive features that you will definitely like if you are looking for a quality cold air intake for your RAM 1500.
Overall, we highly recommend this cold air intake to you. We think it is a great deal for the money you spend.
Pros
- Extremely easy to install
- Noise-free
- Long-lasting
- Better sound quality
Cons
- Pricey
10. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit
The Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit is designed for the Ram 1500 trucks. The kit has an aggressive black finish which is perfect for any Ram truck with a black exterior. It has a unique look and style that is not too common but is something you won’t see on every other vehicle.
As the Spectre Air Intake is designed to provide a quality cold air intake system for your Ram 1500 truck. The Spectre air intake will provide the best cold air intake for your vehicle by giving your truck an aggressive look which is perfect for any kind of driving.
After testing the Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit we have found that it gives a significant increase in power for a cold air intake system. It can provide a cold air intake for your Ram 1500 with up to 50% more airflow than what is in the factory air filter. This means that your Ram 1500 engine gets a much better fuel burn rate which translates into more horsepower.
Installation of the Spectre Performance Cold Air Intake kit is quite easy. It has a quick-release air filter that can be installed easily by anyone familiar with the installation of cold air intakes.
We also found that the Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit for Ram 1500 is the best cold air intake for Ram 1500 because it was built using high-quality materials and components to ensure the best quality and performance.
After using the Spectre Performance Air Intake kit for a couple of weeks, we found that it has an aggressive look and style which is perfect for any truck with a black exterior. It gives the appearance of a much bigger intake manifold and we found that it produces a much better engine response.
All in all, this is one of the best cold air intake kits for Ram 1500 trucks for anyone who is looking for a cold air intake kit with a unique design and style.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Increases horsepower
- Aggressive Look
- Great sound
Cons
- A bit pricey
Buying Guide for Choosing Best Cold Air Intake for Dodge RAM 1500
What features to look for while buying the Cold Air Intake? To ensure you select the best cold air intake for ram 1500, see if the product has these features:
Air Filter Construction
Is it washable and reusable? The air filter must be made of oil-free urethane or cotton gauze to ensure durability. It should also be highly breathable to avoid unnecessary pressure drops.
Durability
How long does it last? It should at least last 40,000 Km to give you good value for your money.
Ease of Installation
Some may come with an in-depth installation guide while others may not be that detailed about it. Depending on the product, you can always check the company website or online forums for installation tips.
Warranty
The warranty should be at least 1 year since this is the average lifespan of the product. It will give you time to test out your purchase and determine if it’s worth your money (in terms of durability).
Cold Air Intake Sound
Some products are very loud. This may be the result of poor tubing design (big tubes mean more air will pass through).
Air Intake Temperature
Must be able to withstand high temperatures. If you live in places like Dubai or Saudi Arabia, then look for products that can provide your engine with cool air all year round.
Air Intake Tubing Material
The tubing must be made of rubber, silicone, or polyurethane.
Air Filter Location and Fitment
Is it easy to install? Can I do it myself? Or will I need help from a mechanic? It shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to install the product.
Ease of Ordering and Shipping
Is there a payment option that’s accepted in your country? Is it easy to order online or do you need to call customer support first before placing the order?
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions are important because some companies will not ship the product if you do not accept their terms. Please be an informed consumer.
Price
What’s the price for this product? Is it worth your money or you’ll rather save up and buy a different product with similar features? A good air intake system doesn’t need to be too expensive (expensive equals fewer sales).
For example, if two products A and B both have an aluminum intake tube, hard-wearing air filter, and offer a 5% power increase (according to the sales page), but product A is priced at $200 while B is priced at $350.
Which one will you buy? It’s up to you to decide which one has better value for your money.
Availability
Where can it be bought? A product that’s not available in your country will be hard to return.
Product Quality
Make sure the product has good reviews (at least 4 out of 5). Poor or negative reviews may indicate low-quality products or poor customer service.
Air Intake System Dimensions & Weight
Some cold air intake systems are bulky or too big. It may not fit into your engine bay without affecting the functioning of other parts.
Personal Opinion
Why are you buying this product? What can it do for you? Will it improve your performance, mileage, power, torque, horsepower, etc.? Or are you just shopping around because you love all car parts?
Benefits of Upgrading Your Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500
The Ram 1500 has proven to be a great workhorse on the road. With the Ram 1500 trucks being so popular nowadays, there are plenty of people that want to know how to upgrade their Ram 1500 trucks. One of the most common upgrades that you can do is to install a cold air intake system for your truck.
These are the benefits of upgrading your cold air intake system for your Ram 1500:
1. Provides a Better Fuel Burn Rate One of the main benefits of an upgraded cold air intake for your Ram 1500 truck is that it will provide a better fuel burn rate which translates into more horsepower.
2. Provides an Aggressive Look Another benefit of having an upgraded cold air intake system for your Ram 1500 is that it gives your truck an aggressive look.
3. Makes the engine sound better The cold air intake kit will improve the sound quality of your engine.
4. Improves your fuel efficiency If you have an upgraded cold air intake for your Ram 1500, it will provide better fuel efficiency and this will help in reducing the amount of gas that you will use for your vehicle.
5. Reduces the amount of smoke and soot in your truck.
6. Provides more power If you are looking to increase the power of your Ram 1500 truck, an upgraded cold air intake system for your truck can help.
FAQs
Q: How does a cold air intake filter help increase performance?
Cold air intakes are designed to allow for maximum airflow into the engine. When an engine is running, compressed air heats up and this hot air causes the pistons to lose power.
The cold air intake helps reduce this heat because it pulls in colder outside air rather than hot air from under the hood.
Q: What are some common misconceptions when it comes to cold air intakes?
Cold air intakes are not “performance chips”. A performance chip is any device that manipulates the factory engine control unit to alter fuel flow, ignition timing, and other parameters to increase horsepower.
For this reason, a vehicle with a modified computer will not run properly with a cold air intake.
Q: Isn’t the lighter-duty factory throttle body enough?
Cold air intakes are designed to allow for maximum airflow into the engine. The factory throttle body is designed to limit that airflow, not maximize it.
Since factory cars are not optimized to take advantage of the true potential of power gains offered by cold air intakes, most drivers are not getting the power they should be getting.
Q: Can a cold air intake system increase engine’s fuel economy?
The short answer is “No”. The fuel economy is not affected by the intake system. However, engine output (horsepower and torque) is increased by installing an aftermarket air intake system because airflow rates are improved.
This will increase power at all RPMs which will result in better acceleration (and if the transmission can hold the increase in engine rpm, better top speed).
Conclusion:
There are several great alternatives when it comes to Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500, and all the above-mentioned air intake systems are the best match for Dodge Ram 1500 but if I had to recommend one, my top choice would be Dodge Ram K&N Cold Air Intake Kit.
The perfect pick for your diesel engine truck, this air system has a variety of features that will improve its performance.
It provides you with an enjoyable ride no matter where or what type of load is on board while still being always safe and secure.
It even comes with limited lifetime warranty coverage in case anything goes wrong. The price tag isn’t too expensive either so nothing is holding me back from buying one today.
As a second choice, I would recommend the AF Dynamic Cold Air Intake Systems since it’s a quite cost-effective and economical product.
If you are in the market for an air suspension system, this is a great option. It won’t disappoint with features such as ensuring quality rides and reducing fatigue among others with its lifetime warranty.
It also provides enhanced safety by filtering dirt particles from exhaust gas before they enter your vehicle’s intake manifold which results in better throttle response and increased horsepower.
Before reading this article, it may seem like choosing the Best Cold Air Intake for RAM 1500 is a tough task. However, after you finish reading, I think your opinion on what car parts are worth buying or not will change and you are ready to share with me.
I’m eager to hear from all my readers, so please feel free to share your opinion in the comments section. Thank you.
My name is Tom Harris, founder of this blog. I’m a mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. I’m here to help you with your vehicle’s problems, easy fixes and share my insights and experience so that you can enjoy your rides more.