A Trip Back In Time What People Said About Ram 1500 Air Intake Upgrade 20 Years Ago
Breathing Fire: The Ultimate Guide to Ram 1500 Air Intake Upgrades
The Ram 1500 has actually long been a titan in the light-duty pickup sector. Known for its class-leading interior, smooth trip quality, and the legendary power of the HEMI V8 or the performance of the EcoDiesel, it is an automobile developed for both work and play. Nevertheless, even a truck as well-engineered as the Ram 1500 is subject to the restraints of mass production and strict noise guidelines. Among the most significant bottlenecks in its factory configuration is the air intake system.
For owners wanting to open surprise horsepower, enhance throttle reaction, and provide their truck a more aggressive acoustic profile, an aftermarket cold air intake (CAI) is often the very first modification on the list. This guide provides a thorough look at why an air intake upgrade is beneficial, the different types available, and how to pick the best one for a Ram 1500.
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The Science of Airflow and Combustion
At its core, an internal combustion engine is essentially a huge air pump. It draws air in, blends it with fuel, sparks it to produce power, and pushes the exhaust out. The more oxygen the engine can consume, the more fuel it can effectively burn, resulting in increased power.
Factory air intakes are created with 3 primary objectives: low production cost, easy-to-replace paper filters, and maximum noise reduction. To accomplish the latter, makers use “baffled” tubes and enclosed boxes that create a circuitous course for the air. While this keeps the engine quiet, it creates air turbulence and heat soak. An aftermarket system replaces these limiting elements with smooth, high-flow tubing and premium filters, allowing the engine to “breathe” more easily.
The Benefit of “Cold” Air
Cold air is denser than warm air, implying it consists of more oxygen molecules per cubic inch. By drawing air from outside the engine bay (or from a shielded location), a cold air intake ensures that the air enters the combustion chamber at a lower temperature level. Performance Cold Air Intake For Dodge Ram causes a more potent explosion throughout the combustion stroke, equated straight into horsepower and torque.
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Benefits of Upgrading the Ram 1500 Air Intake
Updating the intake system on a Ram 1500 isn't almost the numbers on a dyno sheet; it transforms the driving experience in several methods.
1. Increased Horsepower and Torque
Depending on the specific engine (the 3.6 L Pentastar V6, the 5.7 L HEMI V8, or the 3.0 L EcoDiesel), an intake upgrade can supply gains varying from 5 to 15 horsepower. While these aren't “race automobile” numbers, the boost in torque is often felt instantly when pulling or overtaking on the highway.
2. Improved Throttle Response
Numerous Ram 1500 owners complain about a small “lag” when pushing the gas pedal. Since an aftermarket intake reduces the distance and resistance the air should travel to reach the manifold, the engine responds faster to motorist inputs.
3. Enhanced Engine Sound
The factory intake smother the natural sound of the engine. An upgrade gets rid of those silencers, replaced by a deep, throaty roar throughout velocity. At travelling speeds, the sound stays subtle, but under heavy load, the HEMI's signature holler becomes far more noticable.
4. Much Better Fuel Efficiency
By making it much easier for the engine to draw in air, the engine does not need to work as difficult to preserve speed. While the gains are frequently marginal (usually 1— 2 MPG), over the life of the truck, this efficiency can pay for the expense of the intake itself.
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Types of Intake Systems for the Ram 1500
When shopping for a Ram 1500, owners will come across a number of different system architectures.
- Confined Box Systems: These are extremely recommended for truck owners who drive off-road or in dirty environments. The filter is housed in a sealed box that draws air from a specific port (typically behind the headlight or through the fender). This secures the filter from engine heat and debris.
- Open Element Systems: These feature a heat shield rather than a complete box. They use the most aggressive sound and maximum air flow however may be more susceptible to engine bay heat soak when the truck is idling.
Ram Air Systems: Some high-performance kits utilize a hood scoop or a specialized duct to “require” air into the intake as the vehicle progresses at speed.
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Comparison Table: Popular Ram 1500 Intake Options
Function
S&B Filters Enclosed
K&N 63 Series AirCharger
aFe Power Momentum GT
Mopar Performance Cold Air
Housing Type
Fully Enclosed
Open (Heat Shield)
Fully Enclosed
Open/ Semi-Enclosed
Filter Type
Oiled or Dry
Oiled
Oiled or Dry
Oiled
Primary Benefit
Maximum Protection
Optimum Sound
Optimum Durability
Service warranty Friendly
Install Time
60 – 90 Minutes
45 – 60 Minutes
60 – 90 Minutes
45 – 60 Minutes
Best For
Daily Driving/Off-Road
Street Performance
Heavy Towing
OEM Enthusiasts
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Picking the Right Filter: Oiled vs. Dry
Among the most debated subjects among Ram enthusiasts is whether to use an oiled or a dry air filter.
Oiled Filters
- Pros: Usually provide slightly better airflow and can be cleaned and re-oiled indefinitely. They are excellent at trapping very great particles.
- Cons: If over-oiled during maintenance, the oil can get onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, potentially causing check-engine lights.
Dry Filters
- Pros: Much simpler to preserve (normally simply vacuumed or burnt out with air). No threat of sensor contamination.
Cons: While they flow significantly much better than stock paper, they might have a somewhat lower total airflow capacity compared to high-end oiled versions.
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Installation Overview
Updating the air intake is one of the most popular “DIY” tasks because it needs just basic hand tools and no long-term adjustments to the automobile.
Tools Needed:
- Ratchet set (10mm, 8mm sockets)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Allen wrenches (usually supplied in the package)
- Trim elimination tool (optional)
General Steps:
- Disconnect the Battery: Always security first when working near engine sensing units.
- Get Rid Of the Stock System: Loosen the clamps on the throttle body, disconnect the air temperature level sensor, and unbolt the factory air box.
- Transfer Sensors: Carefully move the air temperature level sensing unit from the old tube to the brand-new aftermarket tube.
- Assemble the New Box: If utilizing an enclosed system, assemble the box and filter real estate.
- Set Up the Intake Tube: Secure the new tube to the throttle body using the supplied silicone couplers and clamps.
- Protect the Filter: Place the filter onto television and tighten up the clamp.
- Reconnect: Plug the sensor back in, reattach the battery, and look for any loose elements.
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Will This Void the Warranty?
A typical concern for late-model Ram 1500 owners is the car warranty. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer can not legally void a lorry's guarantee simply since an aftermarket part is installed. The dealer should prove that the aftermarket part specifically triggered the failure in question. For instance, if the power window motor fails, the intake had nothing to do with it, and the service warranty stands. However, to be safe, many owners go with the Mopar Performance Cold Air Intake, which is an official device sold by Chrysler/Ram.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does a Ram 1500 air intake upgrade need a “Tune”?
For many “bolt-on” intakes, a customized ECU tune is not required. The truck's computer system can adjusting the fuel trim to represent the increased airflow. However, a tune can help make the most of the gains from the new intake.
2. Is the “Hemi Tick” impacted by a cold air intake?
The notorious “Hemi Tick” is generally associated with tire manifold bolts or lifter concerns and is mechanical. A cold air intake will not trigger or fix the tick, though the increased engine noise might make it somewhat less obvious during velocity.
3. How often should I clean up the aftermarket filter?
A lot of producers advise examining the filter every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. If driving in exceptionally dirty conditions (building websites or off-road trails), it needs to be checked every 5,000 miles.
4. Are cold air intakes legal in all states?
Not necessarily. States like California require aftermarket parts to have a CARB (California Air Resources Board) EO number. Before purchasing, owners must inspect if the specific intake package is “50-state legal.”
5. Will I see an instant distinction in 0-60 times?
While there is an enhancement, it is normally within the tenths of a 2nd variety. The most visible distinction remains in the “butt-dyno”— the sensation of the truck pulling more difficult through the mid-range RPMs and the enhanced sound.
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An air intake upgrade is one of the most affordable ways to improve a Ram 1500. It provides a rare trifecta of benefits: enhanced efficiency, much better noise, and an increase in efficiency. Whether the goal is to make the HEMI V8 noise like the beast it is, or to squeeze a bit more towing power out of the V6, a top quality intake is a foundational adjustment that sets the stage for any future truck constructs. By choosing a trustworthy brand name and choosing in between the protective qualities of an enclosed box or the raw power of an open aspect system, Ram owners can guarantee their truck is performing at its absolute best.
