Currently in its third generation, the Hemi engine is something every enthusiast knows about - even if they don't own one. Its unique hemispherical combustion chamber (hence the name) is a unique feature - and an equally important talking point, too. To further improve that performance, (and maybe turn some heads along the way), we'll take a look at the popular choices for the best Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi cold air intake in our latest guide.
K&N 71-1533 Performance Intake Kit
K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter: 2009-2019 Dodge/RAM (1500, 2500, 3500, 1500 Classic) 5.7L V8, Black HDPE Tube with Red Oiled Filter , 63-1561
K&N Cold Air Intake Kit with Washable Air Filter: 2009-2019 Dodge/RAM (1500, 2500, 3500, 1500 Classic) 5.7L V8, Polished Metal Finish with Red Oiled Filter, 77-1561KP
S&B Filters 75-5106D Cold Air Intake For 2009-2019 Dodge Ram 1500/2500 / 3500 Classic Body Style 5.7L Hemi (Dry Extendable Filter)
aFe Power Momentum GT 54-72102 Dodge RAM HEMI Performance Intake System (Oiled, 5-Layer Filter)
AF Dynamic Black Cold Air Filter Intake Systems with Heat Shield 2009-2016 for Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8
Compatible with 2003-08 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, the K&N cold air intake offers gains in performance, a moderate to difficult installation, and a 10-year/million-mile warranty.
The performance intake kit here comes with a black metallic tube and a dry, black filter. That means while you'll have to replace it eventually, it will be more useful if you live in dusty conditions since it can be cleaned using pressurized air. K&N says in standard (highway, mainly) use, the filter should last close to 100,000 miles before requiring a cleanup.
Power increase and CARB exempt
Replacing the factory intake unit on your Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi with this unit can get you an advertised power increase of 9.62 hp. This further adds to the improved response from the engine. Also, with it being CARB-exempt, you can legally purchase and use it in California.
The K&N cold air intake for 5.7 Hemi offers better pickup and response from the 5.7 Hemi in comparison to the stock unit. It's not flashy so if you want to keep the engine bay low-key, this makes for the right choice.
The K&N Performance Air Intake for 5.7 Hemi works with the 2009-2019 (Classic) Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi models. On top of its compatibility advantage, the kit also offers a substantial performance boost.
It comes with a red oiled/cotton-cleanable filter, an HDPE tube, and a custom heat shield. Although the kit isn't CARB-exempt, which means you can't buy/use it in California, K&N claims that it doesn't affect the manufacturer's warranty.
K&N says that a power increase of 15.66 hp is achievable, which will also make for an improvement in the Hemi's drivability. The installation is also said to take upward of an hour, but users have mentioned that it might take slightly more time - and effort.
The power increase is hard to miss, mainly because, apart from bragging rights, the increase will improve the way the Ram 1500 pulls. In addition to that, since this is a cotton filter, it's bound to last longer, too.
- Not CARB-exempt
- Installing isn't the easiest
The K&N 77-1561KP comes with a slight increase in power, a promise that the original manufacturer warranty won't be void, an aluminum intake pipe, and a red cotton cleanable filter. Like other K&N intakes mentioned here, this too gets a 10-year/million-mile warranty and a recommended cleanup of filter said to be around 100,000 miles.
It's compatible with Ram 1500 (5.7 Hemi V8) trucks manufactured with the model year 2009 to 2019 Classic. But on the flip side, the limited CARB-exempt status means if your truck's model isn't covered, you won't be able to drive with the air intake legally in California. Off-road/closed-circuit use is still possible, though. The intake's CARB-exempt for fitment on the 2009-2015 Ram 1500 trucks.
K&N says an estimated gain of 10.3 hp can be achieved (at 4382 rpm) with the use of the performance air intake for 5.7 Hemi.
What do we think about it?
The CARB exemption status for this K&N air intake for 5.7 Hemi is valid only for 2009-2015 Ram 1500 trucks, while it can be fitted in models ranging from 2009 Ram 1500 to the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic. That needs to be kept in mind to ensure you don't face a heavy fine from the authorities. On the positive side, the K&N intake's power gain is complemented by an increase in engine response, so that's a solid plus point in our book.
Compatible with Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi trucks (2009-2019 Classic), the S&B Cold Air Intake is made of high-quality parts, offers a cleaner airflow, and comes with the option of running two inlets or the standard intake point, depending on how you want to use it.
With 40.07 percent more airflow than the standard intake, the S&B Cold Air Intake for 5.7 Hemi improves the truck's response to throttle inputs. And while there are no advertised power gains, there's a distinct improvement in the way the Ram 1500 sounds after the installation.
High-quality build, but no CARB exemption
There are a few limitations here. Although the use of high-quality materials ensures it's going to last long, the cold air intake kit isn't CARB exempt. That means you can't legally run it in California. In addition to this, there's also a Cotton Cleanable model, link to which is mentioned below. That offers an even better airflow.
This is a good-quality air intake for the Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi but the lack of CARB exemption means its road use is legally restricted to off-road events. While the air intake is made for installation in 2009-19 Classic Ram 1500 trucks, if you happen to have bought the new 2019 Ram 1500, S&B Filters also makes a model for that .
Of the models featured here, the aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake system offers the highest performance gains (claimed). It also gets CARB exemption for a variety of models (2009-2017), and a wide range of applications (it can be fitted on Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi trucks with model years 2009 to 2019 Classic).
Like the S&B Filters cold air intake, the aFe also comes with dual intake ports (one of which can be closed for use in harsher environments). The overall increase in airflow is claimed to be 23 percent, which in turn helps the engine breathe freer and extract as much as 14 hp and 19 lb-ft more than the factory intake.
The model in question comes with a five-layer cotton cleanable filter, but there's a dry-filter version, too - link to which is mentioned below.
A huge gain in power with decent build means the Momentum GT is one cool choice. It adds to the engine's appearance, too. And on top of all of this, users have mentioned that installation isn't difficult. The limited CARB exemption needs to be kept in mind.
The least expensive choice on the list here is the AF Dynamic Cold Air Intake for Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi. It's compatible with Ram 1500 models with the model year 2009 to 2016, and also comes with a claimed increase in power.
It enables the engine to draw cooler air, which means the truck feels more responsive. And although it doesn't take too long to install this, the Amazon seller for AF Dynamic Cold Air Intake does recommend professional installation. AF Dynamic offers a cotton-cleanable filter, aluminum pipe and heat shield, and other necessary couplers/hoses in the box.
At a considerably lower price than others here, the AF Dynamic promises a lot. The vaguely mentioned power gain (of between 5 and 10 bhp) hasn't been confirmed, but users do notice an increase in response. Also, it's best to check with the seller about the fitment and compatibility before ordering. Its CARB exemption isn't verified, either.
Final thoughts on the best cold air intakes for 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500 trucks
Cold Air Intake Kits come with their share of benefits: you get a better throttle response, and chances of improved overall performance too, in addition to a more pronounced (and likable) engine note. In the long run, the cleaner the air an engine breathes, the longer it's going to run. And that way investing in a cold air intake system makes a lot of sense.
The three K&N models featured here offer a variety of fitments but CARB exemption is limited. If you're looking for a Hemi-engined Dodge Ram 1500, then the K&N 71-1533 is made for you. The other two cater ( 63-1561 and the 77-1561KP) to newer models. The S&B Filters Cold Air Intake might not advertise an outright gain in power and torque, but its high-quality build is its strong point. Like the aFe Momentum GT, it comes with dual intake ports, one of which can be covered in harsher environments. The aFe Momentum GT, on the other hand, accomplishes all that but while also offering an increase in power and response - and also the price. The AF Dynamic tackles the price issue well, but without much clarity on its compatibility and CARB exemption, it can't be a sure-shot winner here.