It's no secret that the partnership between Cummins and RAM goes a long way. The former turns 100 this year and has been supplying a variety of engines to RAM for 30 years. The Cummins 6.7-litre Turbo Diesel engine is available for Dodge RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks, offers more power (up to 400 hp and 1000 lb-ft, if you're looking at the top-spec 2019 model), and is also lighter and stronger.
While the partnership between Cummins and RAM is something fans are proud of - and rightfully so - your truck's 6.7 can benefit from another successful partnership, especially if you're looking for more punch from the motor. A cold-air intake, for instance, can be a match made in heaven. It won't just let the engine take in more oxygen into the combustion chamber, it will also ensure that the Cummins 6.7 takes in more airflow overall - improving your truck's overall power delivery.
You see with continued usage, the air filter gets clogged. And unless it's cleaned on time, it starts affecting the engine both in terms of power delivery and efficiency. Prolonged use can eventually lead to irreparable damage and you're left with a bill longer than the West Coast. So not only is choosing the right intake vital, servicing it periodically will benefit the way the truck drives and also strengthen its longevity.
Curated by the team at Mechanic Guides, here are some notable contenders for the best cold air intake for 6.7 Cummins available right now.
Popular Choice: S&B Filters 75-5068 Cold Air Intake For 2013-2018 Dodge Ram Cummins 6.7L (Oiled Cleanable, 8-ply Cotton Filter)
A popular choice among RAM owners, S&B Filters cold air intake for 6.7 Cummins promises 54.6 percent better airflow and an efficiency rating of 99.55 percent. It's made of silicone parts that give it a longer life, whereas S&B claims the usage is less prone to engine error codes flashing on your truck's display.
The fully enclosed airbox and the cotton cleanable air filter ensure the air is cleaner as well. In addition to that, the optional dual-inlet airflow (achieved by removing the dam from the gate arm), offers maximized performance. During harsh weather, it can be attached again to protect the engine.
You can also opt for a dry extendable filter, which can be useful if you live in dusty conditions. This kind of filter is easy to clean with compressed air, something that's not possible with the cotton filter. Having said that, cotton cleanable air filters are reusable, while dry extendable ones are not.
The part is available for 2013-2018 models of both RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks, which is great. It's also legal in all states and is CARB exempt. For those new to the term, CARB is short for California Air Resources Board. To legally buy and use the air filters in California, they have to be cleared from the agency. The easiest way you can find out if the product is street legal is with the CARB exempt EO number included with the product. If the cold air intake you're buying for the Cummins 6.7 doesn't have that, driving with that particular product in California is illegal.
Take a look at S&B Cold Air Intake 6.7 Cummins Reviews, and you'll find that owners experience a crisper throttle response, and the turbo/induction noise stands out a little more. The installation takes about 2 hours, and if you're acquainted with your truck, it shouldn't be a hassle for you.
A choice of filters, an improved airflow, and an improved response from the engine; what else would you want from a popular cold air intake. The ability to opt for a dual-flow inlet helps the engine breath even more. If you're looking for a 6.7 Cummins cold air intake that gets the vote of owners, this has to be it.
With its CNC Mandrel Bent Aluminum pipe finished in Sinister Blue (can also be specced in gray), the Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake 6.7 Cummins does look good. It's available for 2007.5-2012 RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 6.7 Cummins engine and it's plug-and-play. But if you have a 2013+ model, the company produces a different part, although that requires some engine tuning.
Intermediate Choice: aFe Stage 2 Pro-5R Cold Air Intake System Dodge Ram 5.9L/6.7L Cummins 03-08
aFe makes a few types of cold air intakes for Cummins 6.7, and this one here is specced for RAM trucks with a model year of 2003-2009.
The 6.7 Cummins intake produces an additional 14 HP, increases flow by 105 percent and comes with a washable conical air filter made from 100 percent polyurethane. For the RAM truck models we mentioned in the previous paragraph, it's CARB-certified, so you can legally use it in California as well.
It's one of the three cold air intakes mentioned here that adds substantial power thanks to the humongous increase in airflow. If you have a RAM truck (2003-09), this one deserves a chance because not only makes the engine breathe freely, it also ensures you can legally use it in California as well, while enjoying the increase in power.
For RAM trucks made from 2013-2018, the aFe Diesel Elite Magnum Force cold air intake offers improved airflow, a more vocal engine and turbo, and an easy-to-install setup. It's priced lower than other systems, too. The aFe cold air intake 6.7 Cummins comes with a 3-layer performance air filter, which helps in increasing the flow by 48 percent.
Possibly the most widely known brand here, K&N also manufacturers an intake system for the equally popular Cummins 6.7 engined Ram trucks. The one you see here is the 71-1557 K&N Blackhawk, and it fits RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 models made between 2007-2009.
With an all-black paint for the whole system, you get a powder-coated aluminum tube, oil-free synthetic filter, and heat shield. The filter is said to have a long maintenance cycle - it can run up to 100,000 miles before requiring a clean-up.
K&N says an estimated gain of 9.3 hp is achieved with the system, whereas the installation can take anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes. As for the filter type, the product we specified has a dry filter. There's also one with an oiled filter and HDPE tube, (classified as a different model), and is said to achieve gains of up to 20 HP.
K&N is a fairly popular brand, and the wide variety of products available ensures that there's something made for your truck. The model we chose here is a good mix of brand value, power increase, and low maintenance.
Most powerful upgrade: Injen EVO8002 Air Induction System
Injen's Evolution air intake might have a very limited appeal (direct fit only for 2010-2012 RAM 2500 and 3500 models with 6.7 Cummins diesel engine) but with dyno-proven gains of 22 HP, it can't be ignored. But what makes it even more desirable is the fact that neither the calibration nor the fit needs to be messed around with.
With the kind of power and torque upgrade it offers, the Injen wins our vote. With multiple patents applied for the EVO model, Injen is hugely proud of the product. And at a promised gain of roughly 22 HP, we bet you'd be too. In terms of power increment (and what's advertised), it's the best intake for 6.7 Cummins.
Subtle Choice: Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake for 2007.5-2012 Dodge Ram Cummins 6.7L (Gray)
If the above-mentioned Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake (Blue) is a bit too gaudy in appearance, this slightly more subtle unit, finished in gray, might be the one for you. It can be fitted on Cummins 6.7 RAM 2500 and 3500 models (2007.5-2012) and offers an improved throttle response. It's not CARB exempt so using one in California isn't possible.
Even though it has a quieter appearance, the Sinister Diesel doesn't lose anything compared to its blue-colored sibling. It offers the same sharp throttle response and a more (that stock) pronounced engine and turbo noise.
Banks Power covers a variety of Cummins 6.7-engined Dodge Ram models (2007-09, 2010-12, and 2013-18) with its range of 6.7 Cummins Cold Air Intakes. The Banks 42255 Ram Air Intake System is made for the RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks made between 2013 and 2018. It's said to offer more power and up to 66 percent improved airflow, resulting in an increment in your truck's drivability.
The Banks Power Cold Air Intake and filter for 6.7 Cummins makes the truck more responsive, is well-built, and looks great under the hood. CARB compliance is an added benefit, too.
So what is the best cold air intake for 6.7 Cummins? Well, in terms of overall power delivery, the Injen Evolution takes the cake. The promised 22 HP increase is the highest here. On the other hand, if you're looking for something with a wider range, then is a solid second choice, given the number of models available. The aFe Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins (Stage 2) offers an intermediate gain in power but is available for older trucks. If you're satisfied with the power your truck makes, and are instead after a crisper throttle response, the and Banks Power are two strong options you can explore. The Sinister Diesel models ( grey & blue) are well-built and good to look at, whereas the aFe Diesel Elite Magnum Force makes for a great purchase as it also involves no further modifications for its fitment.
Apart from choosing the right intake depending on your needs, periodic service will not just benefit the way your Dodge RAM 2500 or 3500 drives but also strengthen its longevity. Another thing that must be noted is the choice of materials; the Sinister Diesel's aluminum tube is bound to last longer a plastic equivalent. The oil filter's life is also dependent on where you drive. As mentioned above, if you're in a dusty environment, a dry filter might make sense because you'd be able to clean it with pressurized air. That's something a cotton cleanable filter won't be able to handle.
