Air Intake Guide
Best Cold Air Intakes for the
2008 – 2010 Dodge Challenger: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of cold air intake systems for the 2008–2010 Dodge Challenger — covering the 3.5L V6, 5.7L Hemi, and 6.1L SRT8. Flow increase, horsepower and torque gains, filter types, pricing, and fitment notes from Spectre, JLT, Injen, K&N, aFe, BBK, and more.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Flow Increase | HP | Torque | Filter Type | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectre Hi-Perf | +50% | — | — | Oiled | 5.7L / 6.1L SRT8 | $208 | SHOP → |
| JLT Cold Air Intake | — | +10 HP | +10 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L / 6.1L SRT8 |
|
SHOP → |
| Injen Cold Air Intake | — | +25 HP | +25 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L / 6.1L |
|
SHOP → |
| BBK Performance | — | +10 HP | — | Oiled | 3.5L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| Weapon R Secret Weapon | +30% | — | — | Oiled | 2.7L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| aFe Stage 2 | +140% | +9 HP | +12 lb-ft | Dry (PDS) | 3.5L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| K&N 57 Series FIPK | — | +21.1 HP | +31.6 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L / 6.1L SRT8 | $368 | SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Cold Air vs Short Ram
A cold air intake draws air from outside the engine bay for cooler, denser air and better power. A short ram intake stays under the hood; easier install and lower cost. For the LX-platform 300, cold air is preferred for maximum gains.
Engine-Specific Fitment
The 2005–2010 Chrysler 300 came with 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.7L Hemi, and 6.1L SRT8. Intakes are engine-specific — a 5.7L kit will not fit a 3.5L V6. Verify fitment before buying.
Filter Maintenance
Oiled filters need periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters (aFe PDS) are maintenance-free longer. Choose based on preference; both flow well when maintained.
Tuning
Most cold air intakes are plug-and-play; no tune required. The factory MAF handles increased airflow. For modified engines, a tune can optimize gains.
Spectre Air Intake Kit Hi-Perf: 05–10 Chrysler 300C / Challenger / Charger / Magnum 5.7L & 6.1L SRT8
Spectre Hi-Perf is the most affordable intake in this guide. +50% flow increase over stock. Fits 5.7L Hemi and 6.1L SRT8 Chrysler 300, Challenger, Charger, and Magnum (2005–2010). Polished tube with red filter. Straightforward bolt-on install.
Budget-friendly option for V8 owners. Oiled filter requires periodic maintenance. No published HP/torque dyno numbers, but the flow gain is significant for the price.
Pros
- Lowest-priced intake in this guide
- +50% flow; 5.7L and 6.1L fitment
- Polished tube; red filter
Cons
- No published HP/torque dyno numbers
- V8 only (not V6)
JLT Cold Air Intake: 300 / Challenger / Charger / Magnum 5.7L Hemi & 6.1L SRT8 (2005–2024)
JLT Cold Air Intake delivers dyno-verified +10 HP and +10 lb-ft. Fits 5.7L Hemi and 6.1L SRT8 Chrysler 300, Challenger, Charger, and Magnum (2005–2024). USA-made. Oiled filter. Strong value for the price.
JLT has a solid reputation in the Mustang and Mopar aftermarket. True cold air design; draws from fenderwell. Bolt-on install; no tune required.
Pros
- Dyno-verified +10 HP / +10 lb-ft
- USA-made; strong value
- Wide fitment; 2005–2024
Cons
- V8 only (not V6)
- Oiled filter maintenance
Injen Cold Air Intake: Chrysler 300 / Dodge Challenger / Charger / Magnum 5.7L & 6.1L V8 (2005–2010)
Injen Cold Air Intake delivers the highest published gains in this guide for the LX platform: +25 HP and +25 lb-ft. Fits 5.7L Hemi and 6.1L SRT8 Chrysler 300, Challenger, Charger, and Magnum (2005–2010). True cold air design. Available in polished (PF5061P) or wrinkle black (PF5061WB).
Injen has a strong presence in the domestic aftermarket. Mandrel-bent tubing, high-flow filter. Ideal for 5.7L and 6.1L owners seeking maximum gains on the first-gen LX.
Pros
- Highest gains: +25 HP / +25 lb-ft
- True cold air; polished or wrinkle black
- 5.7L and 6.1L fitment
Cons
- 2005–2010 only (not 2011+)
- Oiled filter maintenance
K&N 57 Series FIPK Cold Air Intake: Chrysler 300C / Dodge Challenger / Charger / Magnum 5.7L Hemi & 6.1L SRT8 (2005–2024)
K&N 57 Series FIPK delivers +21.1 HP and +31.6 lb-ft — the highest torque gain in this guide. Roto-molded HDPE tube, oversized oiled High-Flow Air Filter™, custom heat shield. Fits 5.7L Hemi and 6.1L SRT8 (2005–2024). Million Mile Filter warranty.
K&N’s flagship intake for LX/LD V8s. 60-minute install. Washable, reusable filter. Ideal for owners who want proven gains and K&N’s warranty backing.
Pros
- Highest torque gain (+31.6 lb-ft)
- Million Mile Filter warranty
- Wide fitment; 2005–2024
Cons
- Oiled filter maintenance
- V8 only (not V6)
aFe Stage 2 Cold Air Intake: 300 / Challenger / Charger / Magnum 3.5L V6 (2005–2010)
aFe Stage 2 uses a dry PDS (Pro Dry S) filter — no oiling required. +140% flow, +9 HP, +12 lb-ft. Fits 3.5L V6 Chrysler 300, Challenger, Charger, Magnum (2005–2010). USA-made. True cold air design.
Best option for 3.5L V6 owners who want a dry filter and proven gains. The PDS media is washable without re-oiling. Avoids MAF fouling from over-oiled filters.
Pros
- Dry PDS filter; no oiling
- +140% flow; +9 HP / +12 lb-ft
- 3.5L V6 fitment
Cons
- 3.5L V6 only (not 2.7L or V8)
- 2005–2010 only
BBK Performance Cold Air Intake: Chrysler 300 / Challenger / Charger / Magnum 3.5L V6 (2005–2010)
BBK Performance Cold Air Intake delivers +10 HP on the 3.5L V6. Fits Chrysler 300, Challenger, Charger, and Magnum 3.5L (2005–2010). Oiled filter. True cold air design. Good value for V6 owners.
BBK has a long history in the Ford and GM aftermarket. Straightforward bolt-on install. No tune required.
Pros
- +10 HP dyno-verified
- 3.5L V6 fitment
- True cold air; USA-made
Cons
- 3.5L V6 only (not 2.7L or V8)
- Oiled filter maintenance
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Trim?
| Trim | Spectre | JLT | Injen | K&N 57 | aFe Stage 2 | BBK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger 2.7L V6 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Challenger 3.5L V6 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Challenger 5.7L Hemi / 6.1L SRT8 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • Weapon R fits 2.7L V6
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tune when installing a cold air intake?
Most cold air intakes are plug-and-play; no tune required. The factory MAF handles increased airflow. For modified engines, a tune can optimize gains.
Will a cold air intake void my warranty?
Bolt-on intakes generally do not void the vehicle warranty. They do not alter emissions equipment. Check with your dealer if concerned.
I have a 3.5L V6 Dodge Challenger. What intakes fit?
The aFe Stage 2 and BBK Performance intakes fit the 3.5L V6. aFe uses a dry filter; BBK uses oiled. For 2.7L V6, the Weapon R Secret Weapon fits.
I have a 5.7L Hemi or 6.1L SRT8. What intakes fit?
Spectre, JLT, Injen, and K&N 57 Series all fit 5.7L Hemi and 6.1L SRT8. Injen offers the highest published gains (+25 HP / +25 lb-ft); K&N offers the highest torque (+31.6 lb-ft).
Oiled vs dry filter: which is better?
Oiled filters flow well but need periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters (aFe PDS) are maintenance-free longer and avoid over-oiling issues. Both perform well when maintained.
How much horsepower do cold air intakes add?
Gains vary. In this guide, published numbers range from +9 HP (aFe Stage 2) to +25 HP (Injen) for V8s, and +9–+10 HP for V6s. Torque gains often match or exceed HP gains.
Ready to Upgrade Your Dodge Challenger Intake?
Compare flow increase, horsepower, and torque above, pick the right fit for your engine, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
