Imagine this: You’re behind the wheel of your incredible Hellcat, the supercharger whining like a hungry lion. You press the gas, and that raw power surges forward. But what if you could unlock even *more* of that beast’s potential? What if you could make that roar even louder and that acceleration even quicker?
That’s where a Cold Air Intake comes in. For Hellcat owners, this upgrade feels like a must-have. But oh boy, choosing the *right* one can be confusing! There are so many brands, so many claims, and it’s tough to know which one will actually make a difference and won’t cause problems. You want more horsepower, better engine sound, and maybe even a little fuel savings, but you don’t want to waste your money or hurt your amazing car.
In this post, we’re going to break it all down. We’ll explore what makes a Cold Air Intake work its magic for the Hellcat, look at the different types available, and help you understand what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect intake to unleash your Hellcat’s true power. Let’s dive in and get your supercharged ride breathing easier!
Our Top 5 Cold Air Intake For Hellcat Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cold Air Intake For Hellcat Detailed Reviews
1. CORSA EXHST Corsa – 19-21 Dodge Challenger SRT/Hellcat/Redeye/Demon Carbon Fiber Air Intake w/DryTech 3D No Oil (44004D)
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to boost your 2019-2021 Dodge Challenger SRT, Hellcat, Redeye, or Demon with the CORSA EXHST Corsa Carbon Fiber Air Intake. This high-performance upgrade is designed to make your powerful machine breathe better and perform even stronger. It’s a sleek, modern addition that looks as good as it performs.
What We Like:
- It lets your engine breathe more freely than the original setup, which means better performance.
- The special design helps keep hot air away from your engine, making the air going in colder and improving airflow.
- You have choices for your filter! Pick the DryTech 3D No Oil filter for a clean, maintenance-free experience, or consider the MaxFlow option. These filters can be cleaned and reused, saving you money.
- It’s a cold air intake, meaning it pulls in the coolest air possible for maximum power.
- The closed box design keeps everything protected and ensures only the best air reaches your engine.
- The carbon fiber construction is not only stylish but also strong and light.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation can be a bit tricky for beginners, so having some mechanical knowledge or help is useful.
- While it offers great performance gains, it is a premium upgrade and comes with a higher price tag.
This CORSA intake is a fantastic way to unlock more power and efficiency from your Challenger. It’s a smart investment for serious enthusiasts who want the best for their vehicle.
2. aFe POWER Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Cold Air Intake System w/Pro DRY S Filter
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to give your ride a serious upgrade with the aFe POWER Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Cold Air Intake System! This black beauty isn’t just about looks; it’s designed to unleash hidden power and make your engine sing. It features an open intake design that lets your engine breathe easier, giving you more horsepower and a more exciting exhaust note. Plus, it’s dyno-proven to deliver real gains and make your throttle feel super responsive.
What We Like:
- The open intake design really boosts power and makes your engine sound awesome.
- It’s proven on a dyno to give you more horsepower and a quicker throttle response.
- The huge Pro DRY S filter is super easy to clean and doesn’t need oil.
- It’s legal in all 50 states, which is a big plus!
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation might take a little time for some people.
- The price is a bit high for some budgets.
This intake system is a fantastic way to improve your vehicle’s performance and sound. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for noticeable gains and a cooler engine note.
3. K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash the beast within your Dodge Challenger, Demon, Redeye, or Charger with the K&N Cold Air Intake System (63-1577). This powerful upgrade is engineered to give your ride a serious boost in performance and sound. It replaces your stock air intake with a high-flow system that lets your engine breathe easier, bringing in more cool, fresh air for a noticeable jump in power and quicker acceleration. Get ready to feel the difference and hear the roar!
What We Like:
- GUARANTEED INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: Get more power and torque from your engine.
- DYNO TESTING YOU CAN TRUST: K&N tests their systems on dynamometers, and you get the reports.
- IMPROVED ENGINE SOUND – HEAR THE GROWL: Your engine will sound much more aggressive and powerful.
- BETTER ACCELERATION: Experience faster take-offs and improved performance for daily driving and highway cruising.
- PREMIUM ENGINE PROTECTION FROM A TRUSTED BRAND: K&N won’t void your warranty and offers a great lifetime warranty.
- HIGH-FLOW REUSABLE AIR FILTER: The special filter cleans the air and only needs cleaning every 100,000 miles.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Most people can install it in under an hour with simple tools.
- MADE IN THE USA: This system is proudly made in America with excellent customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the filter is reusable, it does require cleaning every 100,000 miles, which might be a task some owners prefer to avoid.
This K&N Cold Air Intake System is a fantastic way to upgrade your Dodge’s performance and sound. It’s a well-made product that delivers on its promises and is built to last.
4. HECASA Cold Air Intake Tube Inlet & Air Intake Box Compatible with 2019-2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Replacement for 68175164AC 6842623AA 68394595AA Plastic Black
Rating: 9.0/10
Give your 2019-2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat a boost with the HECASA Cold Air Intake Tube Inlet & Air Intake Box. This black plastic kit is designed to replace your factory parts (68175164AC, 6842623AA, 68394595AA) and help your engine breathe better. It’s a direct snap-on installation, making it a straightforward upgrade for your powerful Charger. Even some 2015-2019 Chargers with the appearance package and the newer dual snorkel grille can use this if they’ve upgraded their lower air box.
What We Like:
- Improves engine response, making your car feel quicker when you hit the gas.
- Enhances airflow to the engine, which can lead to better combustion and more horsepower.
- Designed for a direct snap-on installation, simplifying the upgrade process.
- Specifically designed for the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, ensuring a good fit.
- Comes with mounting hardware for your convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Instructions are not included, which might make installation a bit trickier for some.
- It’s made of plastic, so durability over the very long term might be a concern for some enthusiasts compared to metal options.
This HECASA intake kit is a solid choice for Hellcat owners looking to enhance their engine’s performance and responsiveness. It offers a noticeable improvement in how your car reacts to the accelerator.
5. Dodge Challenger Charger Hellcat SRT Air Intake Cleaner Box Mopar OEM
Rating: 9.3/10
Keep your Dodge Challenger, Charger, or Hellcat SRT running smoothly with this Mopar OEM Air Intake Cleaner Box. This part is made to fit your car perfectly, just like the original. It helps your engine breathe cleaner air. This is important for your car’s performance and health.
What We Like:
- Direct Fit: This air intake cleaner box is designed as a direct replacement. It fits your Dodge Challenger, Charger, or Hellcat SRT without any hassle.
- OE Spec Quality: It meets Original Equipment specifications. This means it’s built to the same high standards as the part that came with your car.
- Trusted Brand: It’s compatible with Mopar. Mopar is known for quality parts for Dodge vehicles.
- Manufacturer Warranty: It comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. This gives you peace of mind with your purchase.
- Easy Returns: Returns are accepted. If it’s not what you need, you can send it back.
What Could Be Improved:
- Mounting Hardware Not Included: You will need to reuse your old hardware or buy new mounting hardware separately.
This Mopar OEM Air Intake Cleaner Box is a solid choice for maintaining your Dodge’s engine. It offers the quality and fit you expect from an original part.
Unleash Your Hellcat’s Roar: The Ultimate Cold Air Intake Buying Guide
So, you’ve got a Hellcat. Awesome! Now, let’s talk about making it even better. A cold air intake is like giving your Hellcat a special breathing apparatus. It helps the engine get more cool air, which makes it run stronger and sound meaner. This guide will help you pick the best one.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Airflow Design
The most important thing is how well the intake lets air in. Look for a design that scoops up as much cool air as possible from outside the engine bay. Some intakes have special shields to keep hot engine air out. This is super important for getting the most power.
2. Filtration
You need to protect your engine from dirt and debris. Good cold air intakes use high-flow air filters. These filters let lots of air through but stop the bad stuff. Some are reusable, which saves you money in the long run. You just clean them and put them back in.
3. Fitment and Installation
The intake needs to fit your Hellcat perfectly. A good kit comes with all the parts you need and clear instructions. Easy installation means you can get back to enjoying your car faster.
4. Sound Enhancement
Let’s be honest, a big part of the fun is the sound! Many cold air intakes make your Hellcat’s engine roar louder and more aggressively. If you love that supercharged sound, check reviews to see how different intakes change the exhaust note.
Important Materials
1. Intake Tubing
The tubing connects the filter to the engine. Many high-quality intakes use polished aluminum or durable plastic. These materials don’t heat up as much as metal, keeping the air cooler. They also look really sharp under the hood.
2. Air Filter Material
The best filters are often made from layered cotton gauze or synthetic materials. These are designed for maximum airflow and excellent filtration. Avoid cheap paper filters; they don’t last as long and can restrict air.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Design Efficiency
A well-designed intake uses smooth bends and a larger diameter tube. This allows air to flow freely without getting choked. Poor designs can actually make your engine work harder to suck in air, which is bad.
2. Heat Shielding
If the intake doesn’t have a good heat shield, it will pull in hot air from the engine. Hot air is less dense, meaning less oxygen for the engine. This reduces power. A good heat shield is a game-changer.
3. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Stick with well-known brands that have a good track record. Read reviews from other Hellcat owners. They will tell you what works and what doesn’t. Real-world experiences are very valuable.
User Experience and Use Cases
1. Daily Driving
For everyday driving, a cold air intake can make your Hellcat feel more responsive. You might notice quicker acceleration and a more satisfying engine sound when you step on the gas.
2. Track Days and Performance Driving
If you take your Hellcat to the track or enjoy spirited driving, a cold air intake is almost a must-have. It helps your engine perform at its best when it needs to. More cool air means more power when you’re pushing the limits.
3. Show Car Builds
Many owners choose cold air intakes because they look amazing. The polished tubing and performance filter add a custom, high-performance look to the engine bay. It’s a great way to show off your Hellcat’s power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hellcat Cold Air Intakes
Q: Will a cold air intake add horsepower to my Hellcat?
A: Yes, most cold air intakes will add a few horsepower and torque. The biggest gains come from the improved airflow and cooler air entering the engine.
Q: Do I need to tune my Hellcat after installing a cold air intake?
A: For many basic cold air intakes, a tune is not strictly required, but it is highly recommended. A tune optimizes the engine’s computer to take full advantage of the extra airflow and can unlock even more power.
Q: How often do I need to clean or replace the air filter?
A: Reusable filters usually need cleaning every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Disposable filters need to be replaced when they get dirty, typically around the same mileage.
Q: Will a cold air intake void my Hellcat’s warranty?
A: Generally, installing an aftermarket part like a cold air intake does not automatically void your entire vehicle warranty. However, if the intake causes a specific problem, the manufacturer might deny a claim related to that problem.
Q: Can I install a cold air intake myself?
A: Yes, for most people with basic tools and some mechanical knowledge, installing a cold air intake is a manageable DIY project. Kits come with instructions.
Q: What is the difference between a “short ram” and a “cold air” intake?
A: A cold air intake moves the filter outside the engine bay to draw in cooler air. A short ram intake keeps the filter inside the engine bay, which can be easier to install but draws in warmer air.
Q: Will a cold air intake make my Hellcat sound different?
A: Absolutely! You’ll likely hear a more aggressive intake sound, especially when you accelerate. The supercharger whine might also become more pronounced.
Q: Are there different types of filters for cold air intakes?
A: Yes, the most common types are oiled cotton gauze filters and dry synthetic filters. Oiled filters offer excellent filtration and airflow but require oiling after cleaning. Dry filters are easier to maintain.
Q: How much does a good cold air intake for a Hellcat cost?
A: Prices can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the brand, materials, and features. Higher-end intakes often use better materials and have more advanced designs.
Q: Can a cold air intake improve fuel economy?
A: While not the primary goal, a more efficient engine can sometimes lead to slight improvements in fuel economy, especially during steady cruising. However, aggressive driving will negate any such benefits.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.