It doesn’t matter if you’re a Dodge fan or not: RAM 1500 is a mean truck, and I say it as a compliment. For driving in a suburban area, hauling weights, and off-roading, it’s a God-sent. As for the 5.7 Hemi, it’s an incredible engine. It is durable, reliable, rarely breaks down, and puts out 395HP and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. So, does that mean it’s a perfect V8 engine?
Well, there is one downside, and that’s the filtration system. For regular commutes, it’s rather decent, but when pushed to the edge, the Hemi is known to overheat. That is exactly why I want to talk about the best cold air intake for Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi today. It will keep the motor cool, maximize performance, and even improve the sound. Here are my top picks!
Best Cold Air Intake for Dodge RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi (Updated April, 2024)
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Best Dodge RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi Cold Air Intake Review
1. K&N Cold Air Intake for Dodge RAM 1500 Hemi
What does the average RAM 1500 driver want from an aftermarket air intake kit? More airflow, of course! And that’s exactly what you’ll get with K&N. It performs flawlessly both on low and high RPMs. And, thanks to the advanced air filtration system, you will, most certainly, feel the difference in performance. Sadly, I didn’t notice any big improvements in terms of acceleration or fuel-efficiency during my review on a RAM 1500 truck.
On the bright side, the installation process will be a walk in the park, thanks to the helpful user guide. It is very easy to understand and includes detailed photos. The whole thing will take you one hour max. By the way, for an extra price, you can buy not only the cold air intake kit but also a filter care set. It includes a cleaner and oil (of the highest quality).
Reliable, consistent, and easy to install – that’s the best way to describe K&N’s air intake system. It is available with a filter cleaner + filter oil, gives RAM 1500 a nice boost on low and high RPMs, and, of course, boosts the airflow, keeping the engine nice and cool in the toughest situations.
2. AF Cold Air Intake for Dodge RAM 1500 Hemi
This next third-party air kit is all about style and efficiency. It comes packed with a high-end heat shield that’s covered by a premium heat shield mat. It helps to get rid of the heat generated by the engine and keeps the temperature on moderate levels. I also want to mention the top-quality installation hardware. All the clamps, locknuts, bolts, and washers are crafted from stainless steel. The elbow and hoses, in turn, are made of silicone.
So, you won’t have to worry about any of these parts giving up on you and putting the engine in danger. Another standout feature is AF’s 60-day factory warranty. The only downside: the included wire harness should’ve been longer. If you’re good with your hands, it won’t be hard to make everything work. However, for a novice, a visit to the closest mechanic might be necessary.
The fans of high-quality parts and hardware will definitely find AF’s cold air intake to be a good match for their Hemi V8 engines. It comes with a 60-day warranty and will, for the most part, be very easy to install. Unfortunately, the wire harness isn’t particularly long, and that can cause some problems.
3. aFe Power Magnum for Dodge RAM Hemi
If the most important thing for you in an air intake kit is the performance gain, I recommend putting this product on your list of must-haves. With it, you can expect to get 18HP and 23 pound-feet of torque. Although the Hemi 5.7 engine is rather strong, this boost will give it a noticeable “kick” both on and off the road. The overall design of the system deserves our attention as well. It is equally efficient, effective, and looks good with the hood popped.
It also ensures a hassle-free, straightforward installation. Thanks to the bolt-on OE design, aFe’s intake kit fits into the stock mounting holes. You won’t need an extra pair of hands for this: everything can be done manually. And what about the downsides – are there any cons? Yes, there is one: the steep price-tag. This is the priciest aftermarket air intake on today’s list.
Power Magnum noticeably outflows the factory system and adds extra HP/torque for better performance. The clever design, in turn, is sturdy, efficient, and won’t cause you any trouble during the installation. Overall, aFe’s cold air intake kit doesn’t have any serious disadvantages, except for the premium price.
4. Mopar OEM Cold Air Intake System Dodge Ram Hemi
You might be slightly turned off by the “boxy” design of this air intake system, but it’s actually high-end gear. First of all, it boosts the throttle response, which, of course, has a positive effect on acceleration. If you’re a bit tired of the RAM 1500 taking too long to get to high RPMs, this air kit will fix that for you. The towing capabilities, along with up-the-hill performance will be improved as well.
Dodge’s rough-tough trucks are frequently used for hauling stuff around. Thanks to Mopar, you’ll see big gains in that department. Last, but not least, the large filter significantly improves the engine sounds. With it, you’ll enjoy Hemi’s new roaring and growling tones. I didn’t have any major issues during the installation, except the air sensor was not that easy to put into the hose.
Mopar did its best to make this air intake system competitive and attractive for the average RAM 1500 driver. As a result, we get a high-performance kit that boosts acceleration, towing, and, of course, air filtration. Easy installation is a part of the deal as well (it will take some muscle to put the sensor in place, though).
5. Spectre Cold Air Intake Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi
This company is known for its advanced, forward-thinking aftermarket gear for SUVs and trucks. And with this air intake, you can expect outstanding performance at a reasonable price. That’s right: of all the products reviewed today, Spectre is the most affordable purchase. Compared to most rivals, it’s almost twice as cheap. So, what will the Hemi owners gain with it? Protection against debris, dust, and rain is one of this filter’s biggest selling points.
It’s available in three different colors, by the way: red, black, and blue, and can be easily washed and reused. Add an aluminum intake tube and a powder-coated heat shield, and you’ll see why I decided to include Spectre’s cold air intake into my list of the best offers on the market. Just remember to buy a decent rubber grommet (the one in the package is pretty much useless), and you’ll be fine.
If you’re on a limited budget and want to get the most out of your hard-earned bucks, this third-party air intake system deserves your attention. It protects against contaminants, provides up to 50% more airflow, and is available in different configurations. The only faulty part is the rubber grommet.
Conclusion
The legendary RAM trucks have been around since 1980, and are only getting better with time. As I mentioned in the beginning, the most recent editions come packed with a mighty 5.7-lit V8 engine. Nicknamed Hemi, it’s good for 250K, or even 300K miles, and requires very little maintenance. It’s equally good on highways and off the road; the only (slight) downside is the average cooling/air filtration system.
Fortunately, the market is full of outstanding aftermarket cold air intake kits that can fix this problem for you. In this post, we went over five market-leading air intakes. Some of them appeal to potential customers with affordable price-tags. Others go for premium parts and materials to please the drivers with bigger wallets. Which intake system is the best one in your opinion? Share in the comments!
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