RAM Cold Air Intakes

A cold air intake is one of the most popular first mods for the Dodge RAM — but which one depends entirely on what’s under your hood. The 5.7L HEMI and 3.6L Pentastar V6 in the 1500 want airflow for throttle response and a deeper growl; the 6.7L Cummins in the 2500/3500 wants big, cool airflow for towing and lower exhaust temps under load.

Body generation matters too: the classic RAM 1500 (2009–2018) and the new-body DT (2019+) take different kits — and Ram sold the “1500 Classic” alongside the DT from 2019–2023, so check your exact truck.

Everything below is matched by engine and generation, gas and diesel, with a washable filter you clean instead of replace. Sold-out kits are hidden automatically, so what you see is in stock and ready to ship.

Gas (HEMI / Pentastar) vs. diesel (Cummins)

On a 5.7L HEMI or 3.6L V6 1500, an intake is about throttle response, sound, and a few honest horsepower. On a 6.7L Cummins 2500/3500, it’s about moving a lot more cool air for towing and keeping exhaust gas temps in check when you’re working the truck. They are not interchangeable — buy for your exact engine.

Sealed box vs. open filter

A sealed / closed-box intake (Banks Ram-Air, K&N dry-flow) keeps dust and water out — the right call for a work truck, a tow rig, or anything that sees dirt. An open filter (K&N, Injen) maximizes airflow and induction noise for a street 1500.

Oiled vs. dry filter

Oiled cotton flows the most air but needs occasional cleaning/re-oiling, and over-oiling can foul a MAF sensor. Dry filters are lower-maintenance — a lot of Cummins owners prefer them. Both far outlast the paper factory filter.

Do I need a tune?

For a bolt-on intake on the HEMI, no — it’s direct-fit. Diesel owners often run a tuner for other reasons, but the intake itself doesn’t require one.

California / CARB

In California or an emissions-check county, confirm the specific kit carries a CARB EO number — many RAM intakes are 50-state legal, but not all. It’s listed on each product page.

Frequently asked questions

Does a cold air intake add horsepower to a RAM 1500 HEMI?

A few honest hp and torque on its own, with immediate throttle-response and sound gains. Bigger numbers come paired with a tune and exhaust.

Will a 2009–2018 intake fit my 2019+ RAM 1500?

No — the classic and new-body (DT) trucks have different engine bays. Ram also sold the “1500 Classic” alongside the DT from 2019–2023, so match your exact model, not just the year.