RAM Cold Air Intakes

A cold air intake is one of the most popular first mods for the Dodge RAM — but the right one depends 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.

Fitment and generation matter: 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. Gas and diesel intakes are never interchangeable.

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.

RAM cold air intake buying guide

Gas (5.7 HEMI / 3.6 V6) 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 (EGTs) down under load. 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 or a tow rig. An open filter (K&N, Injen) maximizes airflow and induction noise for a street 1500.

Oiled vs. dry filter

Oiled cotton filters (K&N) flow the most air but need occasional cleaning and 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.

Classic vs. new-body 1500

The 2009–2018 classic and the 2019+ DT have different engine bays and take different kits. Ram also sold the “1500 Classic” alongside the DT in 2019–2023 — match your exact model, not just the year.

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 help a 5.7 HEMI?

Yes — mainly sharper throttle response and a deeper sound, plus a few honest horsepower. The gains grow when it's paired with a tune and exhaust.

How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a 5.7 HEMI Ram 1500?

Expect a modest bump (a handful of hp) on its own; the bigger, more noticeable change is throttle response and induction sound. Stacked with a tune and exhaust it does more.

Is a cold air intake worth it for a Ram 1500?

For most owners, yes — it's an easy, reversible upgrade that improves sound and throttle response and uses a washable filter. If you're chasing big power numbers alone, temper expectations until you add a tune.

What's the best cold air intake for a 5.7 HEMI Ram 1500?

It depends on your goal: a sealed / closed-box kit (Banks, K&N dry) for dust and tow protection, or an open kit (K&N, Injen) for the loudest sound and max airflow. Everything here fits the 5.7L — pick by how you use the truck.

Does an intake help a Cummins tow?

More cool airflow can help lower exhaust gas temps under load, which matters when towing. Run a sealed / closed-box kit if you see dust or water crossings.

Oiled or dry filter on a Cummins?

Many diesel owners prefer dry — easy to clean and no risk of over-oiling a sensor. Oiled flows a touch more air if you'll maintain it.

Are these intakes legal in California?

Some carry a CARB EO number (50-state legal), some don't — check the individual product page before ordering.