14 Common Misconceptions Concerning 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 ruthless 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is a car constructed for power, durability, and energy. Nevertheless, many owners find that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be wanted. Created primarily to decrease engine noise and satisfy rigorous manufacturing costs, the stock air box often serves as a bottleneck, restricting the engine's ability to breathe.

Among the most popular and cost-efficient adjustments for any Dodge Ram owner is the setup of an aftermarket air intake package. This article checks out the mechanics, advantages, and considerations of upgrading a Ram's breathing device.

What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake package 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 catalyst for power. By increasing the volume and decreasing the temperature level of the air entering 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 specifically to draw air from outside the engine bay or from a cooler location (like the wheel well). These systems frequently include a heat guard to obstruct the convected heat from the engine.
• Short Ram Intake: These use shorter pipes and are much easier to set up however frequently sit closer to the engine, meaning they might attract warmer air unless a robust heat shield is utilized.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Dodge Ram's Intake

Updating to a performance intake kit provides numerous concrete benefits that boost the driving experience, specifically for those who use their trucks for towing or off-roading.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By minimizing air turbulence and restrictions, the engine doesn't have to work as tough to pull in air. Most Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horse power depending upon the engine type.
2. Enhanced Fuel Economy: While the gains depend greatly on driving routines, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can result in a slight boost in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
3. Boosted Engine Sound: Aftermarket consumptions provide a deeper, more aggressive roar throughout acceleration. For Cummins owners, this typically leads to hearing the turbocharger "spool" more clearly.
4. Much Better Throttle Response: The hold-up between pushing the pedal and the truck moving is typically decreased because the engine has an all set supply of high-velocity air.
5. Reusable Filters: Most high-end kits included washable filters that can last as much as 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

Choosing the right set includes balancing budget plan, filtration needs, and efficiency objectives. Below is a comparison of a few of the most popular choices offered for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Efficiency Comparison Table

Dry vs.  Dodge Ram 1500 Performance Mods : Which is Better?

When buying a Dodge Ram air intake set, owners must pick 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 provide the greatest air flow and are excellent at catching really great dust particles since the oil serves as a "tack" to capture particles.
• Cons: If over-oiled during maintenance, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, resulting in inspect engine lights or bad idling.

Dry Filters

• Pros: Much simpler to maintain (just vacuum or wash with water/soap) and there is no threat of sensing unit contamination.
• Cons: They might have slightly less air flow than a high-performance oiled filter, though the distinction is frequently negligible for daily chauffeurs.

Secret Features to Look For

To make sure a quality upgrade, Dodge Ram owners should look for the following functions before purchasing:

• Heat Shielding: A high-quality set should consist of a guard or an enclosed box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will simply suck in hot air from the radiator, which can really decrease performance.
• Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This process ensures the tube preserves a constant diameter even through curves, avoiding air turbulence.
• C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those living in California or states with strict emissions laws, ensuring the package has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is important for passing assessments.
• Silicon Couplers: High-quality kits utilize silicone couplers rather than rubber, as silicone resists heat and cracking gradually.

Installation Overview

Among the factors air intake kits are so popular is the ease of installation. The majority of Dodge Ram owners can finish the procedure in 60 to 90 minutes with basic hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the unfavorable battery terminal to guarantee the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to discover the new air-flow specifications.
2. Elimination: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and remove the sensing units (like the IAT or MAF sensing unit) carefully. Eliminate the factory air box.
3. Assembly: Assemble the new heat shield or air box according to the manufacturer's directions.
4. Sensing unit Transfer: Carefully transfer the factory sensors into the brand-new intake tube.
5. Mounting: Install the new air box and intake tube, protecting 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 the clamp.
7. Last Check: Reconnect the battery and examine all connections for air leaks.

Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

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

The Disadvantages (List)

• Noise Levels: While numerous like the sound, some might find the increased taxi sound "droning" throughout long highway journeys.
• Expense: Quality kits can range from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
• Upkeep: Owners need to keep in mind to clean the filter routinely to keep efficiency.

Often Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a producer can not void your whole service warranty simply due to the fact that an aftermarket part was set up. However, if the intake is proven to have caused a particular failure (e.g., dirt entering the engine due to an improperly fitted filter), that specific repair work may not be covered.

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

For a lot of modern Dodge Rams, a tune is not required. The truck's computer system can adjust the fuel trim to account for the increased air. Nevertheless,  learn more -made tune can assist maximize the efficiency gains of the intake.

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

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

4. Does it actually help with towing?

Yes. When towing, the engine is under constant tension and requires more air to keep exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) low-- particularly in diesel models. A performance intake assists provide that air more effectively.

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