Enough Already! 15 Things About Dodge Ram 1500 Aftermarket Upgrades We're Sick Of Hearing

Breathe Better, Drive Harder: The Ultimate Guide to  Dodge Ram 1500 Air Intake Upgrade s

The Dodge Ram 1500 has actually long been a titan in the full-size pickup truck market, understood for its rugged styling, remarkable pulling capability, and the legendary rumble of its Hemi V8 or the efficiency of its EcoDiesel engines. Nevertheless, like the majority of mass-produced lorries, the Ram 1500 undergoes making compromises. Among the most significant bottlenecks in its efficiency profile is the factory air intake system.

Engineered mainly for noise reduction and cost-efficiency rather than maximum airflow, the stock intake can stifle an engine's potential. Upgrading to an aftermarket air intake is often the first adjustment truck lovers carry out. This guide checks out the mechanics, advantages, and factors to consider of updating the air intake system on a Dodge Ram 1500.

The Science Behind the Upgrade

To comprehend why an upgrade is needed, one must comprehend how an internal combustion engine functions. An engine is basically a big air pump. It pulls in air, mixes it with fuel, ignites it to develop power, and presses out exhaust. The more efficiently an engine can "breathe," the more power it can produce.

The Problem with Factory Intakes

Factory intake systems often utilize narrow, corrugated plastic tubes and restrictive filter boxes designed to keep the engine quiet (cabin NVH-- Noise, Vibration, and Harshness). These design choices create turbulence and limit the volume of air reaching the manifold. In addition, factory systems frequently pull air from the warm engine bay instead of the cooler air outside the lorry.

The Aftermarket Solution

Aftermarket cold air intakes (CAI) solve these issues by:

1. Straightening the Airflow: Using mandrel-bent tubes (aluminum or high-density polyethylene) to minimize turbulence.
2. Increasing Surface Area: Utilizing high-flow cone-shaped filters that use more area than flat paper filters.
3. Minimizing Air Temperature: Relocating the air inlet or utilizing a sealed heat guard to ensure just thick, oxygen-rich cold air goes into the combustion chamber.

Secret Benefits of an Air Intake Upgrade

When a Dodge Ram 1500 is geared up with a high-performance intake, numerous key improvements are right away visible.

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque

Reducing the air temperature level increases oxygen density. More oxygen enables the car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) to add more fuel, leading to a more effective surge throughout the combustion stroke. Ram 1500 owners usually see gains varying from 8 to 20 horse power, depending upon the engine and particular intake design.

2. Improved Throttle Response

Because the engine does not have to work as hard to "gulp" air through a limiting straw, the hold-up between pushing the gas pedal and the truck speeding up is significantly minimized. This makes the truck feel much lighter and more responsive in city driving.

3. Improved Engine Sound

For numerous lovers, the noise is the main motivator. An aftermarket intake removes the baffling of the factory system, permitting the aggressive roar of the 5.7 L Hemi to be heard clearly during velocity, while staying peaceful at travelling speeds.

4. Much Better Fuel Economy

While it might seem counterintuitive that more air/fuel leads to much better MPG, the increased performance suggests the engine needs less effort to preserve highway speeds. When driven conservatively, lots of Ram owners report an increase of 1-- 2 MPG.

Comparison Table: Top Air Intake Brands for Ram 1500

Dry vs. Oiled Filters: The Great Debate

When selecting an upgrade, truck owners need to pick between two main filter media. Both have benefits, but the choice typically depends upon the environment in which the truck is driven.

Oiled Filters

• Pros: Can be cleaned and re-oiled indefinitely; typically provide the highest airflow rates.
• Cons: Over-oiling can cause sensing units being covered in oil; requires a "dry time" throughout upkeep.

Dry Filters

• Pros: Easier to clean (typically just vacuuming or light washing); no threat of destructive Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensing units.
• Cons: May require to be changed quicker than oiled filters; a little less air flow than premium oiled variations.

Efficiency Expectations by Engine Type

The Dodge Ram 1500 has different engine setups. The effect of an air intake upgrade differs depending upon what is under the hood.

Setup Considerations

Upgrading an air intake is widely considered one of the most convenient "bolt-on" adjustments. A lot of systems can be installed in a driveway using standard hand tools.

Needed Tools:

• Ratchet set (10mm and 8mm sockets are basic)
• Flat-head screwdriver or nut motorist for pipe clamps
• Cut removal tool (for certain sensor clips)
• Allen wrenches (usually included in the package)

The Installation Process

1. Detach the Battery: Always the primary step when dealing with engine sensors.
2. Eliminate the Stock Unit: Loosen the clamps at the throttle body and remove the bolts holding the stock air box.
3. Transfer the Sensor: Carefully remove the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensing unit or MAF sensor from the old tube and install it into the brand-new one.
4. Put Together the New Kit: Install the brand-new housing/heat guard and the intake tube.
5. Secure the Filter: Attach the high-flow filter to the end of television.
6. Tighten up All Connections: Ensure there are no air leaks, as unmetered air can trigger the engine to run lean.

Picking the Right System: Key Features To Look For

When looking for a Dodge Ram 1500 air intake, look for these specific features to ensure long-lasting fulfillment:

• Mandrel-Bent Tubing: This ensures television maintains a constant diameter even throughout curves, avoiding air "clumping."
• Heat Shielding: A system that is open to the engine bay without a guard is technically a "short ram" intake and may in fact injure efficiency by absorbing hot air.
• CARB Compliance: For owners in states like California, ensure the intake has an Executive Order (EO) number to pass emissions checking.
• Serviceability: Check how simple it is to access the filter for cleaning. Some enclosed boxes need eliminating several screws to reach the filter.

Updating the air intake on a Dodge Ram 1500 is an affordable method to unlock surprise potential. By replacing a limiting, smothered factory system with a high-flow aftermarket service, owners can enjoy enhanced horsepower, much better throttle response, and a more commanding engine note. Whether the objective is to enhance towing effectiveness on a 5.7 L Hemi or to hear the turbo spool on an EcoDiesel, an air intake upgrade stays a foundational modification for any Ram owner.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will an air intake upgrade void my Dodge Ram guarantee?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a maker can not void your guarantee just because an aftermarket part is set up. Nevertheless, if the aftermarket part particularly causes a failure (e.g., an oiled filter ruins a sensor), that particular repair might not be covered.

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

For most contemporary Ram 1500s, the ECU can recalibrate itself to the increased air flow within 50-- 100 miles of driving. While a custom tune can help take full advantage of the gains, it is not needed for a basic cold air intake.

3. How typically should I clean the aftermarket filter?

This depends upon driving conditions. For city and highway driving, most producers recommend examining the filter every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. For off-road or dusty environments, it should be checked every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

4. Is a plastic intake tube better than a metal one?

Plastic (specifically HDPE) is generally better at resisting "heat soak." Metal tubes can become hot to the touch, which might a little warm the air passing through them, though the distinction is often limited at highway speeds.

5. Can I install this myself?

Yes. It is a beginner-level task that usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes. Basic directions are included with the majority of sets from credible brands like S&B or K&N.