10 Reasons Why People Hate Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit

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

The Dodge Ram, whether powered by the legendary 5.7 L Hemi V8 or the unrelenting 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is a lorry developed for power, durability, and utility. Nevertheless, many owners find that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be desired. Created primarily to reduce engine sound and fulfill stringent manufacturing costs, the stock air box typically functions as a bottleneck, restricting the engine's ability to breathe.

One of the most popular and cost-effective adjustments for any Dodge Ram owner is the installation of an aftermarket air intake set. This article checks out the mechanics, benefits, and factors to consider of upgrading a Ram's breathing device.

What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake set changes the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system developed 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 effectively, resulting in increased horsepower 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 area (like the wheel well). These systems typically consist of a heat guard to obstruct the glowing heat from the engine.
• Short Ram Intake: These use shorter pipelines and are simpler to set up however typically sit closer to the engine, implying they might draw in warmer air unless a robust heat guard is utilized.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram's Intake

Updating to a performance intake package provides several concrete benefits that boost the driving experience, particularly for those who utilize their trucks for towing or off-roading.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By decreasing air turbulence and limitations, the engine doesn't have to work as tough to draw in air. Most Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horse power depending on the engine type.
2. Enhanced Fuel Economy: While the gains depend greatly on driving practices, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can result in a small boost in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
3. Boosted Engine Sound: Aftermarket intakes supply a deeper, more aggressive grumble throughout acceleration. For Cummins owners, this often leads to hearing the turbocharger "spindle" more clearly.
4. Much Better Throttle Response: The hold-up in between pushing the pedal and the truck moving is frequently decreased since the engine has an all set supply of high-velocity air.
5. Multiple-use Filters: Most high-end kits come with washable filters that can last approximately 100,000 miles before requiring a deep clean, saving money in the long run compared to disposable paper filters.

Comparing Popular Dodge Ram Intake Kits

Picking the ideal kit involves balancing spending plan, filtration requirements, and performance objectives. Below is a comparison of some of the most popular choices readily available for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Performance Comparison Table

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: Which is Better?

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

Oiled Filters

• Pros: They normally provide the highest airflow and are outstanding at catching very great dust particles since the oil functions as a "tack" to catch debris.
• Cons: If over-oiled during upkeep, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, leading to check engine lights or poor idling.

Dry Filters

• Pros: Much easier to maintain (merely vacuum or wash with water/soap) and there is no threat of sensing unit contamination.
• Cons: They may 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 make sure a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners must look for the following features before purchasing:

• Heat Shielding: A top quality package should consist of a shield or an enclosed box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will just draw in hot air from the radiator, which can really reduce efficiency.
• Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This process guarantees the tube keeps a constant size even through curves, avoiding air turbulence.
• C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those residing in California or states with stringent emissions laws, ensuring the kit has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is vital for passing evaluations.
• Silicon Couplers: High-quality packages use silicone couplers rather than rubber, as silicone resists heat and cracking gradually.

Installation Overview

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

General Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the unfavorable battery terminal to make sure the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to discover the new air-flow criteria.
2. Removal: 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 brand-new heat shield or air box according to the manufacturer's directions.
4. Sensor Transfer: Carefully transfer the factory sensors into the brand-new intake tube.
5. Installing: Install the brand-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 examine all connections for air leaks.

Benefits and drawbacks of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

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

The Disadvantages (List)

• Noise Levels: While numerous like the noise, some may find the increased taxi noise "droning" throughout long highway trips.
• Cost: Quality sets can range from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
• Maintenance: Owners should keep in mind to clean up the filter frequently to maintain performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  Dodge Ram 1500 Aftermarket Parts  void my Dodge Ram's warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a producer can not void your entire warranty merely due to the fact that an aftermarket part was set up. Nevertheless, if the intake is proven to have triggered a particular failure (e.g., dirt getting in the engine due to an improperly fitted filter), that specific repair may not be covered.

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

For the majority of modern-day Dodge Rams, a tune is not needed. The truck's computer system can adjust the fuel trim to account for the increased air. However, a custom-made tune can help maximize the efficiency gains of the intake.

3. How typically should I clean up the air filter?

In basic driving conditions, every 25,000 to 50,000 miles is adequate. If the truck is used frequently on dirt roadways or for off-roading, the filter ought to be inspected every 10,000 miles.

4. Does it in fact assist with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under continuous tension and needs more air to keep exhaust gas temperature levels (EGTs) low-- specifically in diesel designs. An efficiency intake helps offer that air more efficiently.

Updating the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a satisfying project for any truck enthusiast. By changing the restrictive factory elements with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can enjoy a more responsive throttle, better engine sound, and improved effectiveness. Whether it is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel cruising the highway, a performance intake package ensures that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it requires to.