One of the most common modifications for vehicles and trucks is a performance intake. There is a long list of reasons why they are one of the first changes consumers make to their car. They boost MPG, add power, and sound great, all at a low price and with little effort on your part. It has been previously mentioned that the factory-installed 5.7L HEMI in the Dodge Ram 1500 is a little under powered. The 345 HEMI is a sleeper, but with a performance intake, it can be woken up and put out more power for longer.
The 2003-2022 Dodge Ram 1500’s intake system is the focus of this article. We’ll analyze the gains in power and torque, as well as the costs and benefits, of upgrading the intake on a Ram 1500. After examining Ram 1500 Header Upgrades, this is the next logical step for your 5.7L HEMI.
Ram 1500 Intake Designs
Both short ram and cold air upgrades are common for the Ram 1500’s stock intake system. Both are common additions to the Ram’s 5.7L HEMI engine, but cold air intakes tend to be more powerful.
Intake air for a short ram engine is drawn straight from the engine compartment with minimum pipework. The air pressure entering the intake of a short ram is increased by the vehicle’s motion. To provide the greatest potential airflow, they are made to be as unrestrictive as feasible. A short ram intake’s filter is vulnerable to the hot air coming from the engine bay because of where it is located.
The filter in vehicles with cold air intakes is typically relocated to a spot near the headlight or fender. Performance intakes for the Ram 1500 are sometimes incorrectly referred to as cold air intakes. In most cases, the filter placement on a Ram 1500 intake will be the same as on the factory airbox. Even while they aren’t what you’d call “cold air intakes,” they nonetheless tend to be more effective than short rams.
Ram 1500 Intake Upgrade Benefits
Some of the benefits of a Ram 1500 intake upgrade for the 345 HEMI include:
- +5-15whp/wtq
- Improved fuel economy
- Improved throttle response
- Increased intake and engine sound
The primary motivation for replacing the Ram 1500 intake is the increase in horsepower and torque that results from doing so. Adding an intake to a vehicle typically results in a 5-10whp/wtq increase. Yet, with other changes, like exhaust headers or tune, the 5.7L HEMI will see closer to 15whp/wtq or more. The increased peak power and improved general responsiveness of the throttle are also noteworthy. Power gains across the board can be expected after installing a new intake on a Ram 1500.
Another reason intakes are so popular is they enhance gas mileage. Though, the benefits aren’t quite as great as they’re made out to be. Most cars will experience 0.2-0.5 MPG increases with an intake at the most, however over time that can definitely pile up. An boost of just 0.5 mpg on a 20-gallon tank translates to an extra 10-plus miles of driving before filling up again. The 5.7L HEMI’s loudness and aggression are both enhanced by a high-quality intake system.
Best Ram 1500 Intake Upgrades
Here we will discuss the best air intake modifications for the Ram 1500. An exhaustive list of all possible intakes would be both unnecessary and impossible to compile here. Here, we compare and contrast three of the best Ram intakes in terms of price, performance, and quality.
1) S&B Ram 1500 Cold Air Intake
The S&B Cold Air Intake is our top pick for best intake improvement for the Ram 1500. This is a very well-liked Ram 1500 intake because it provides excellent functionality at a reasonable price. Those who live in CARB-regulated states or other locations with stringent emissions requirements can use the CARB Exempt ID that comes with the vehicle.
The S&B intake is nearly identical to a “pure” cold air intake in every way save one. The filter has the same placement as the factory airbox, but it is closer to the fender and includes a scoop that can reach into the fender. The kit gives you the option of using either of the S&B’s two intake inlets. The standard inlet is located on the fender, while the alternative inlet is on the side and is larger. The kit includes a simple to install shut-off plate.
S&B asserts a 45% boost in airflow, and it is reasonable to expect gains of 5-10whp/wtq in the Ram 1500 due to the intake alone. The filter can be either an oiled cotton type that can be cleaned or a dry extensible type, and they both work similarly well. It’s one-of-a-kind since it conceals its airbox with a transparent top, elevating its aesthetic value without sacrificing its efficiency.
2) Vararam Air Grabber Intake
For a really one-of-a-kind air intake system, check out the Vararam Air Grabber Intake designed just for the Ram 1500. It’s the only intake on our list that uses a short ram design, and it’s compatible with factory air vents. Unlike conventional systems, this one actually uses the vehicle’s speed to pump more air into the intake.
Vararam claims an intake on the Ram 1500 will increase power and torque by 8 to 12 hp and lb-ft, respectively. It looks badass and aggressive, and dyno testing shows that it increases power across the board. The Vararam may be purchased in one of three colors, has a pre-oiled filter, and requires no more than 30 minutes to set up, making it ideal for do-it-yourselfers.
The Vararam for the Ram 1500 is one of the best intakes available and has received rave reviews from customers. The Vararam is the only intake that many 5.7L HEMI Ram drivers will use or recommend. In addition to the dyno increases indicated above, it has also been employed in numerous 1,000+ horsepower 5.7L HEMI builds.
3) Moe’s Performance Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake
Moe’s Performance Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake is the best Ram 1500 intake mod we’ve found thus far. The filter is moved down as far as feasible in the engine compartment, making this a real cold air intake. To get the coolest air possible without having to worry about water intake problems, Moe’s Performance puts the intake just behind the headlight.
To lessen the effects of heat soaking, carbon fiber pipe is designed to dissipate heat as quickly as feasible. Moe’s kit is also special because it can be converted into a full track intake system with little effort. Which is great news for individuals who want to race their Ram.
With the Moe’s Performance intake installed, the 345 HEMI can gain 8-13 hp and wtq. Moe’s offers ported throttle bodies in two sizes (85mm and 87mm) to go along with their intake to help you achieve even more speed and acceleration.
Ram 1500 Intake Upgrade Summary
If you’re seeking to get the most out of your Ram 1500’s 5.7L HEMI engine, an intake upgrade is a good bet. A true monster under the hood, the 345 HEMI responds well to performance enhancements. Tuning will maximize the benefits of your intake modification.
Adding further modifications, such as exhaust headers or tune, will yield a few more horsepower from the intake itself, but most intakes will only contribute approximately 5-12whp/wtq on their own. Both fuel economy and throttle response will see slight improvements, but nothing too exciting. If you own a Ram 1500, you can perform the installation with minimal effort.
All three of the inputs we considered today are good choices. The S&B is the most well-known and widely used brand on account of its high quality and affordable price. Despite being the shortest ram on the list, the Vararam produces respectable output in comparison to the other choices. Furthermore, it presents an extremely hostile and menacing appearance. The Moe’s Performance intake is our top pick since it is the most authentic cold air intake on the market.
All of these choices are equally good, and you won’t go wrong with any of them. How effective have intake upgrades been for your Ram 1500? Is it something you’re thinking of trying, or have you previously attempted it?
What do you think? Tell us in the comments!
