Air Intake Guide
Best Cold Air Intakes for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 1500: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of cold air intake systems for the 2011–2018 Ram 1500 — covering the 5.7L Hemi and 3.0L EcoDiesel. Flow increase, horsepower and torque gains, filter types (oiled vs dry), pricing, and fitment notes from Injen, JLT, aFe, K&N, S&B, and more.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Flow Increase | HP | Torque | Filter Type | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injen PowerFlow EcoDiesel | — | +12 HP | +22 lb-ft | Oiled | 3.0L EcoDiesel | $274.63 | SHOP → |
| JLT | — | +12 HP | +12 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L Hemi | $319 | SHOP → |
| aFe Magnum FORCE | +27% | +18 HP | +23 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L Hemi | $336.30 | SHOP → |
| aFe Quantum Pro | +32% | +16 HP | +15 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L Hemi | $346.75 | SHOP → |
| K&N 63 Series | — | +15.7 HP | +17.5 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L Hemi | $367.99 | SHOP → |
| S&B | +41.28% | — | — | Oiled / Dry | 5.7L Hemi | $379 | 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, but can pull warmer air. Injen PowerFlow for EcoDiesel is a short ram; most 5.7L options are cold air.
Engine-Specific Fitment
The 2011–2018 Ram 1500 has multiple engines: 5.7L Hemi (all years), 3.0L EcoDiesel (2014–2018), and 4.7L V8 (2011–2012 only). Each requires a different intake. Verify fitment for your engine before buying.
Filter Maintenance
Oiled filters need periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters (S&B Dry Extendable) are maintenance-free longer. S&B offers both oiled and dry options for 5.7L Hemi.
1500 vs 2500/3500
Most 5.7L Hemi intakes fit Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500. The 3.0L EcoDiesel intake is 1500-only. Check product listings for your specific truck.
Injen PowerFlow Cold Air Intake System: RAM 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel 2014–2019
Injen PowerFlow delivers the lowest price in this guide for 3.0L EcoDiesel Rams. Dyno-verified +12 HP and +22 lb-ft. Short ram design; front and rear intake tubes. Available in polished or wrinkle black. Fits 2014–2018 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel. Bolt-on; no tune required.
Ideal for EcoDiesel owners seeking a budget-friendly upgrade. Injen has a solid reputation in the truck aftermarket.
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Only EcoDiesel option in this guide
- Polished or wrinkle black
Cons
- 3.0L EcoDiesel only (not 5.7L)
- Short ram (not cold air)
JLT Performance Cold Air Intake: Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi 2009–2018
JLT delivers strong value for 5.7L Hemi Rams. Dyno-verified +12 HP and +12 lb-ft. Oiled filter; S&B Powerstack design. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. Bolt-on; no tune required.
JLT has a strong presence in the Mopar truck aftermarket. The intake features a fully enclosed ABS heat shield for consistent performance.
Pros
- Competitive price
- Dyno-verified
- Enclosed heat shield
Cons
- 5.7L Hemi only (not EcoDiesel)
- Oiled filter maintenance
aFe Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Cold Air Intake Pro 5R Filter: Dodge / RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi
aFe Magnum FORCE delivers the highest torque gain for 5.7L Hemi in this guide: +18 HP and +23 lb-ft. +27% flow increase. Pro 5R oiled filter. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi (Classic 2009–2023). Bolt-on; no tune required.
aFe has a solid reputation in the truck aftermarket. The Magnum FORCE uses mandrel-bent tubing and a high-flow filter.
Pros
- Highest torque gain (+23 lb-ft)
- +27% flow increase
- Pro 5R filter
Cons
- 5.7L Hemi only
- Oiled filter maintenance
aFe Quantum Pro Cold Air Intake (w/Pro 5R Filter): Ram 5.7L Hemi 1500 2009–2018
aFe Quantum Pro delivers the highest flow increase for 5.7L Hemi in this guide: +32%. Dyno-verified +16 HP and +15 lb-ft. Pro 5R oiled filter. Fits 2009–2018 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. Bolt-on; no tune required.
The Quantum Pro uses a sealed intake design to draw cooler air. aFe is known for diesel and gas truck intakes.
Pros
- Highest flow (+32%)
- Strong HP gain (+16)
- Sealed intake design
Cons
- 5.7L Hemi only
- Oiled filter maintenance
K&N 63 Series Cold Air Intake: Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi 2009–2018
K&N 63 Series is the best overall for 5.7L Hemi Rams. Dyno-verified +15.7 HP and +17.5 lb-ft. Roto-molded HDPE tube; custom heat shield. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. Washable filter; up to 100,000 miles before cleaning.
K&N has decades of heritage in the truck aftermarket. The 63 Series is a proven, no-tune upgrade backed by K&N’s No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Pros
- Highest HP gain (+15.7)
- 100,000-mile filter service
- Proven reputation
Cons
- 5.7L Hemi only
- Oiled filter maintenance
S&B Cold Air Intake: Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi 2009–2018 (1500 / 2500 / 3500)
S&B delivers the highest flow increase for 5.7L Hemi in this guide: +41.28%. Fully enclosed airbox; protects filter from dirt and engine heat. Available in oiled (Cotton Cleanable) or dry (Dry Extendable) filter. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi (and 2500, 3500). No tune required.
S&B is known for heavy-duty truck intakes. The large clear lid and rubber seal keep out power-robbing heat. Premium silicone components for durability.
Pros
- Highest flow (+41.28%)
- Oiled or dry filter option
- Enclosed airbox design
Cons
- Premium price
- 5.7L Hemi only
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Engine?
| Engine | Injen EcoDiesel | JLT | aFe Magnum | aFe Quantum | K&N 63 | S&B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L EcoDiesel | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 5.7L Hemi | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded
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 sensor and ECU handle the increased airflow. For heavily modified engines, a tune can optimize gains. Check the product listing for manufacturer notes.
Will a cold air intake void my warranty?
Bolt-on intakes generally do not void the vehicle warranty. They do not alter emissions equipment. Some dealers may flag modifications; check with your dealer if concerned. Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act protects against blanket voiding.
I have a 3.0L EcoDiesel. What are my options?
Injen PowerFlow is the dedicated cold air/short ram intake for 2014–2018 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel. +12 HP and +22 lb-ft; available in polished or wrinkle black.
I have a 5.7L Hemi. What’s the best value?
JLT delivers strong value at $319. For highest flow, S&B (+41.28%) or aFe Quantum Pro (+32%). For best overall reputation, K&N 63 Series.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 1500 Intake?
Compare flow increase, horsepower, and torque above, pick the right fit for your engine (5.7L Hemi or 3.0L EcoDiesel) and budget, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
