The Main Issue With Dodge Ram Air Intake Kit, And How You Can Repair It

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 relentless 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel, is a vehicle constructed for power, durability, and utility. However, many owners find that the factory-installed air intake system leaves something to be preferred. Created mainly to decrease engine noise and fulfill stringent production expenses, the stock air box typically serves as a traffic jam, limiting the engine's ability to breathe.

One of the most popular and affordable adjustments for any Dodge Ram owner is the setup of an aftermarket air intake set. This post checks out the mechanics, advantages, and factors to consider of updating a Ram's breathing apparatus.

What is an Air Intake Kit?

An air intake set replaces the factory air box and plastic tubing with a high-flow system developed to deliver cooler, denser air to the engine. In internal combustion engines, oxygen is the catalyst 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, leading to 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 area (like the wheel well). These systems frequently include a heat guard to obstruct the glowing heat from the engine.
• Brief Ram Intake: These utilize much shorter pipes 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 kit supplies several concrete benefits that boost the driving experience, particularly for those who use their trucks for towing or off-roading.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: By lowering air turbulence and limitations, the engine does not need to work as difficult to pull in air. Many Dodge Ram owners see a gain of 5 to 15 horsepower depending upon the engine type.
2. Improved Fuel Economy: While the gains depend greatly on driving routines, a more efficient air-to-fuel ratio can result in a small increase in Miles Per Gallon (MPG).
3. Boosted Engine Sound: Aftermarket consumptions supply a deeper, more aggressive roar throughout velocity. For Cummins owners, this often leads to hearing the turbocharger "spindle" more clearly.
4. Better Throttle Response: The delay in between pushing the pedal and the truck moving is frequently lowered since the engine has an all set supply of high-velocity air.
5. Recyclable Filters: Most high-end packages featured washable filters that can last as much as 100,000 miles before needing a deep clean, conserving money in the long run compared to disposable paper filters.

Comparing Popular Dodge Ram Intake Kits

Choosing the right set includes stabilizing spending plan, filtration needs, and performance goals. Below is a contrast of some of the most popular options readily available for the Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500/3500 series.

Efficiency Comparison Table

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: Which is Better?

When purchasing a Dodge Ram air intake set, owners must pick between a dry filter and an oiled filter. Both have their merits depending upon the environment in which the truck is driven.

Oiled Filters

• Pros: They generally offer the highest airflow and are excellent at capturing really fine dust particles due to the fact that the oil acts as a "tack" to capture particles.
• Cons: If over-oiled throughout upkeep, the excess oil can coat the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing unit, causing check engine lights or bad idling.

Dry Filters

• Pros: Much simpler to keep (just 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.

Secret Features to Look For

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

• Heat Shielding: A top quality set need to consist of a guard or a confined box. Without it, the "cold air" intake will merely absorb hot air from the radiator, which can in fact reduce performance.
• Mandrel-Bent Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are mandrel-bent. This process ensures the tube keeps a consistent diameter even through curves, avoiding air turbulence.
• C.A.R.B. Compliance: For those living in California or states with stringent emissions laws, guaranteeing the set has a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order number is essential for passing assessments.
• Silicon Couplers: High-quality kits utilize silicone couplers instead of rubber, as silicone resists heat and cracking with time.

Setup Overview

One of the reasons air intake sets are so popular is the ease of setup. A lot of Dodge Ram owners can complete the procedure in 60 to 90 minutes with fundamental hand tools.

General Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to guarantee the truck's ECU (Engine Control Unit) resets to find out the brand-new air-flow criteria.
2. Removal: Loosen the clamps on the factory intake tube and get rid of the sensing units (like the IAT or MAF sensor) thoroughly. Eliminate the factory air box.
3. Assembly: Assemble the new heat shield or air box according to the producer's instructions.
4. Sensing unit Transfer: Carefully move the factory sensors into the new intake tube.
5. Mounting: Install the new air box and intake tube, securing them with the provided brackets and silicone couplers.
6. Filter Attachment: Slide the high-flow filter onto the end of the intake tube inside the box/shield and tighten the clamp.
7. Final Check: Reconnect the battery and check all connections for air leakages.

Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Intakes

The Advantages (List)

• Sustainability: Washable filters decrease land fill waste.
• Towing Efficiency: Denser air assists preserve combustion stability when the engine is under heavy load.
• Visual appeals: Most kits include polished aluminum or high-density cross-linked polyethylene that looks far 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 might discover the increased taxi sound "droning" during long highway journeys.
• Cost: Quality packages can range from ₤ 300 to ₤ 600.
• Upkeep: Owners need to remember to clean the filter regularly to keep efficiency.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can not void your entire service warranty merely because an aftermarket part was installed. Nevertheless, if the intake is proven to have triggered a particular failure (e.g., dirt getting in the engine due to an inadequately fitted filter), that particular repair work may not be covered.

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

For many contemporary Dodge Rams, a tune is not required. The truck's computer can change the fuel cut to account for the increased air. Nevertheless, a custom-made tune can help maximize the efficiency gains of the intake.

3. How typically should I clean the air filter?

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

4. Does  Dodge Truck Accessories  assist with towing?

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

Updating the air intake on a Dodge Ram is a gratifying job for any truck lover. By replacing the restrictive factory parts with a high-flow, cold-air system, owners can take pleasure in a more responsive throttle, better engine noise, and improved efficiency. Whether it is a Hemi V8 pulling a trailer or a Cummins Diesel cruising the highway, a performance intake set makes sure that the "Heart of the Ram" can breathe as deeply as it needs to.