Air Intake Guide
Best Cold Air Intakes for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 2500: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of cold air intake systems for the 2011–2018 Ram 2500 — covering the 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L 392, and 6.7L Cummins diesel. Flow increase, horsepower and torque gains, filter types (oiled vs dry), pricing, and fitment notes from K&N, Injen, JLT, aFe, S&B, and more.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Flow Increase | HP | Torque | Filter Type | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K&N 57 Series 6.7L | — | +14.7 HP | +23.9 lb-ft | Oiled | 6.7L Cummins | $262.99 | SHOP → |
| Injen Evolution 6.7L | — | +22 HP | +65 lb-ft | Dry | 6.7L Cummins 2010–12 | $295.38 | SHOP → |
| JLT | — | +12 HP | +12 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L Hemi | $319 | SHOP → |
| aFe Quantum | +46% | +15 HP | +37 lb-ft | Oiled | 6.7L Cummins 2013–18 | $346.75 | SHOP → |
| K&N 63 Series 5.7L | — | +15.7 HP | +17.5 lb-ft | Oiled | 5.7L Hemi | $367.99 | SHOP → |
| S&B 6.4L 392 | +37.28% | — | — | Oiled / Dry | 6.4L 392 | $379 | SHOP → |
| S&B 6.7L Cummins | +54.60% | — | — | Oiled / Dry | 6.7L Cummins 2013–18 | $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. For maximum gains on a heavy-duty truck, cold air is preferred.
Engine-Specific Fitment
The 2011–2018 Ram 2500 has multiple engines: 5.7L Hemi (all years), 6.4L 392 (2014–2018 Power Wagon and optional), and 6.7L Cummins (2010–2012 and 2013–2018). Each requires a different intake. Verify fitment for your engine before buying.
Filter Maintenance
Oiled filters need periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters (Injen Evolution Dry, S&B Dry Extendable) are maintenance-free longer. S&B offers both oiled and dry options for 6.4L and 6.7L.
2500 vs 3500
Most intakes for 6.7L Cummins and 6.4L 392 fit both Ram 2500 and 3500. The 5.7L Hemi intakes fit 1500, 2500, and 3500. Check product listings for your specific truck.
K&N 57 Series Cold Air Intake: RAM 2500 & 3500 6.7L Diesel 2013–2018
K&N 57 Series delivers the lowest price in this guide for 6.7L Cummins Rams. Dyno-verified +14.7 HP and +23.9 lb-ft. Oiled filter; washable, up to 100,000 miles before cleaning. Fits 2013–2018 Ram 2500/3500 with 6.7L Cummins. Bolt-on; no tune required.
K&N has decades of heritage in the diesel truck aftermarket. The 57 Series is a proven, no-tune upgrade backed by K&N’s No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- Dyno-verified gains
- 100,000-mile filter service
Cons
- 6.7L Cummins 2013–2018 only (not 2010–2012)
- Oiled filter maintenance
Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake System Dry Filter: Dodge / RAM 2500/3500 2010–2012 6.7L Cummins
Injen Evolution delivers the highest torque gain for 2010–2012 6.7L Cummins: +22 HP and +65 lb-ft. Dry filter; no oiling required. Fits 2010–2012 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with 6.7L Cummins. Bolt-on; no tune required.
Ideal for 2010–2012 Cummins owners. The dry filter option reduces maintenance and is well-suited for diesel applications.
Pros
- Highest torque gain (+65 lb-ft)
- Dry filter (no oiling)
- Competitive price
Cons
- 2010–2012 only (not 2013–2018)
- 6.7L Cummins only
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 2500 5.7L Hemi (and 1500, 3500). 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
- Fits 1500, 2500, 3500 5.7L
- Dyno-verified
Cons
- 5.7L Hemi only (not 6.4L or Cummins)
- Oiled filter maintenance
aFe Quantum Cold Air Intake System Pro 5R Filter: RAM 2500/3500 2013–2018 6.7L Cummins
aFe Quantum delivers strong performance for 2013–2018 6.7L Cummins Rams. +46% flow increase; dyno-verified +15 HP and +37 lb-ft. Pro 5R oiled filter. Fits 2013–2018 Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins. Bolt-on; no tune required.
aFe has a solid reputation in the diesel truck aftermarket. The Quantum system uses mandrel-bent tubing and a high-flow filter.
Pros
- Highest flow increase (+46%)
- Strong torque gain (+37 lb-ft)
- Pro 5R filter
Cons
- 2013–2018 only (not 2010–2012)
- 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 2500 (and 1500, 3500) 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 for 5.7L
- 100,000-mile filter service
- Fits 1500, 2500, 3500
Cons
- 5.7L Hemi only (not 6.4L or Cummins)
- Oiled filter maintenance
S&B Cold Air Intake: Dodge Ram 6.4L 392 2014–2018 (2500 / 3500)
S&B delivers the dedicated cold air intake for 6.4L 392 Rams. +37.28% flow increase. Fully enclosed airbox; protects filter from dirt and engine heat. Available in oiled (Cotton Cleanable) or dry (Dry Extendable) filter. Fits 2014–2018 Ram 2500/3500 6.4L 392. No tune required.
S&B is known for heavy-duty truck intakes. The large clear lid and rubber seal keep out power-robbing heat.
Pros
- Only 6.4L 392 option in this guide
- Oiled or dry filter option
- Enclosed airbox design
Cons
- 2014–2018 only
- 6.4L 392 only
S&B Cold Air Intake: Ram 6.7L Cummins Diesel 2013–2018 (2500 / 3500)
S&B delivers the highest flow increase for 6.7L Cummins in this guide: +54.60%. Fully enclosed airbox; built-in swing gate for ram-air at full throttle. Available in oiled or dry filter. Fits 2013–2018 Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins. No tune required.
S&B’s swing gate pivots at full throttle to release cooler air from the ram-air duct behind the grille. Ideal for towing and high-altitude use.
Pros
- Highest flow (+54.60%)
- Swing gate ram-air
- Oiled or dry filter option
Cons
- 2013–2018 only (not 2010–2012)
- 6.7L Cummins only
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Engine?
| Engine | K&N 6.7L | Injen 6.7L | JLT | aFe Quantum | K&N 5.7L | S&B 6.4L | S&B 6.7L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 6.4L 392 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 6.7L Cummins 2010–12 | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 6.7L Cummins 2013–18 | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ = 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 6.7L Cummins. What are my options?
For 2010–2012: Injen Evolution (+22 HP / +65 lb-ft, dry filter). For 2013–2018: K&N 57 Series (budget), aFe Quantum (+46% flow), or S&B (+54.60% flow, swing gate ram-air).
I have a 6.4L 392 Power Wagon. What are my options?
S&B Cold Air Intake is the dedicated option for 2014–2018 Ram 2500/3500 6.4L 392. +37.28% flow; available in oiled or dry filter.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 2500 Intake?
Compare flow increase, horsepower, and torque above, pick the right fit for your engine (5.7L Hemi, 6.4L 392, 6.7L Cummins) and budget, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
