Does your diesel truck sometimes feel a little sluggish, like it’s holding back? You might be wondering if there’s a way to unlock more power and make your engine run better. Many diesel owners think about upgrading their air intake systems to get these improvements. But when you start looking, you quickly find out there are a lot of choices out there! It can be confusing to figure out which one is best for your truck and what each type actually does.
Choosing a diesel cold air intake can feel like a puzzle. You hear terms like “air flow,” “filtration,” and “horsepower gains,” and it’s hard to know what’s important. Will it really make a difference? Is it worth the money? We get it. That’s why we’re here to help clear the air, literally! This post will break down what a diesel cold air intake is, why it matters, and what to look for.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the benefits of a cold air intake and feel confident about picking the right one for your diesel. We’ll guide you through the key features and help you avoid common mistakes. So, let’s dive in and discover how a simple upgrade can make your truck breathe easier and perform better!
Our Top 5 Diesel Cold Air Intake Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Diesel Cold Air Intake Detailed Reviews
1. Oiled Cold Air Intake 7.3 Diesel Kit Air Intake Pipe With Oiled Filter Replacement For Ford F250 F350 F450 Super Duty 7.3L Power stroke Diesel 1999.5-2003 (1999.5-2003 F250 F350 F450 7.3L Diesel)
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your 1999.5-2003 Ford F250, F350, or F450 Super Duty with the 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel’s new Oiled Cold Air Intake Kit. This kit replaces your old air intake pipe and filter, giving your truck a boost in performance and a sleek, polished look. It’s designed to let your engine breathe easier, which can lead to better fuel efficiency and more power.
What We Like:
- Improved Airflow: The 4″ aluminum construction is CNC mandrel bent. This design helps maximize airflow to your engine.
- Durable Construction: Made from premium aluminum alloy, this intake pipe is built to last. It resists high temperatures and corrosion, and won’t crack like plastic parts.
- Enhanced Performance: Better airflow means your engine can perform at its best. Expect potential gains in power and fuel economy.
- Direct Fitment: The kit is designed as a direct replacement for your stock parts, making installation straightforward.
- Complete Kit: It includes the air intake pipe, an oiled filter, a silicone pipe, a mounting bracket, screws, and washers.
- Warranty: The product comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Instructions: The package does not include installation instructions, so you might need to research the process yourself or consult a mechanic.
- Fitment Verification: While designed for specific models, it’s always wise to carefully check part numbers before ordering to ensure a perfect match.
This cold air intake kit offers a solid upgrade for your 7.3L Powerstroke diesel. It’s a durable and performance-focused option that will help your truck run better.
2. K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your 2019-2024 RAM 2500 or 3500 with the K&N Cold Air Intake System, model 63-1583. This system is designed to give your truck more power and better performance, especially when you’re towing. It replaces your old air intake with a high-flow filter that lets your engine breathe easier.
What We Like:
- GUARANTEED INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: This intake system lets more cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine, giving you a noticeable boost in power.
- DYNO TESTING YOU CAN TRUST: K&N tests their systems on a dynamometer to prove the horsepower and torque gains. They even include the reports with your intake.
- IMPROVED ENGINE SOUND – HEAR THE GROWL: Your engine will sound more powerful when you accelerate, giving it a satisfying growl. It quiets down when you’re cruising.
- BETTER TOWING: Towing becomes easier and uphill climbs are smoother thanks to better throttle response and more overall power.
- PREMIUM ENGINE PROTECTION FROM A TRUSTED BRAND: K&N makes sure their intake won’t void your vehicle’s warranty and backs it with a Lifetime Limited Warranty.
- HIGH-FLOW REUSABLE AIR FILTER: The special cotton filter cleans the air entering your engine and only needs to be cleaned about every 100,000 miles under normal driving.
- EASY TO INSTALL: You can install the entire system in about an hour with basic tools, and it comes with clear, step-by-step instructions.
- MADE IN THE USA: This product is made in the USA, ensuring quality and reliability. You also get support from a US-based team.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sound is a plus for many, some drivers might prefer a quieter engine.
- The initial cost of a performance upgrade like this is an investment.
If you want to give your RAM truck a performance edge and enjoy a more powerful sound, the K&N Cold Air Intake System is a solid choice that’s built to last.
3. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 17-19 Ford Super Duty
Rating: 9.4/10
Want to give your 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty with the 6.7L Diesel engine a boost? The Rough Country Cold Air Intake (model 10490) is here to help. This upgrade helps your truck breathe better, leading to more power and a quicker reaction when you step on the gas. It works by bringing cooler, denser air into your engine. Cooler air has more oxygen, which helps your engine burn fuel more efficiently and create more power. This means your Super Duty can handle tough jobs and everyday driving with more pep.
What We Like:
- Gets you more horsepower and better throttle response.
- Uses cooler air, which means more oxygen and more power for your engine.
- Comes with a high-quality, reusable air filter that you can clean and use again.
- Easy to install at home. Rough Country also provides support if you need it.
- Protected by Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the installation is described as easy, some users might find it takes a bit of time and effort.
- The sound of the intake might be a little louder than the stock setup, which some drivers may not prefer.
This Rough Country Cold Air Intake is a solid upgrade for Super Duty owners looking for a performance edge. It offers noticeable gains and is built to last, giving you peace of mind with its warranty.
4. VVORHSBELL Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit w/Filter Compatible with 2007.5-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 3500 6.7L Cummins Diesel
Rating: 9.2/10
Give your 2007.5-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine a breath of fresh air with the VVORHSBELL Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit. This kit is designed to help your truck perform better by letting more cool air into the engine. It’s made from tough materials and engineered for better airflow.
What We Like:
- Exact Fit: This 4-inch cold air intake pipe kit is made specifically for 2007.5-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 models with the 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine.
- Strong and Lasting: It’s built from high-quality aluminum alloy and steel, so it resists rust and lasts a long time.
- Engineered for Performance: The aluminum tubes have smooth, computer-controlled bends that help air flow into your engine as easily as possible.
- Complete Package: You get everything you need to install it: the air intake kit, four filters, screws, and an O-shaped washer.
What Could Be Improved:
- Needs Careful Checking: Before buying, make sure to double-check your vehicle’s part number, make, model, and year to ensure this kit is the right one for you.
This VVORHSBELL Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit is a solid upgrade for your Cummins diesel. It promises better airflow and durability for your truck.
5. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 11-16 Ford Super Duty
Rating: 8.8/10
Want to give your 11-16 Ford Super Duty with a 6.7L Diesel engine a boost? The Rough Country Cold Air Intake (10476) is designed to do just that. It helps your truck breathe better, leading to more power and a quicker response when you hit the gas. This system brings cooler, denser air into your engine. More oxygen means a bigger bang in the combustion chamber, giving you that extra horsepower you’re looking for.
What We Like:
- It increases horsepower and makes your throttle respond faster.
- It uses a premium, reusable air filter that you can clean and use again.
- Installation is easy to do at home, and Rough Country offers support if you need it.
- It comes with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product is specifically for 11-16 Ford Super Duty models with the 6.7L Diesel engine, so it won’t fit other trucks.
- While installation is easy, some users might prefer a more detailed step-by-step guide beyond what’s provided.
Overall, the Rough Country Cold Air Intake is a solid upgrade for your Super Duty. It offers noticeable performance gains and is built to last.
Unleash Your Diesel’s Potential: The Ultimate Cold Air Intake Buying Guide
Got a diesel truck? Want it to run a little better, sound a little cooler, and maybe even save a bit on fuel? A diesel cold air intake might be just what you need. This guide will help you pick the right one.
What is a Diesel Cold Air Intake?
Think of your engine like a person needing to breathe. A cold air intake is like giving your diesel engine a bigger, cleaner straw to suck in air. It replaces your truck’s stock air intake system. Stock systems often have a small, restrictive pathway for air. A cold air intake opens this up. It also aims to bring cooler air into the engine. Cooler air is denser, meaning it has more oxygen. More oxygen helps your engine burn fuel more efficiently. This can lead to a little more power and better fuel economy.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cold air intake, keep these important features in mind:
- Airflow Design: Look for systems that have a smooth, large diameter pipe. This allows air to flow freely. Some intakes have a cone-shaped air filter. This shape helps capture more air.
- Filter Type: The filter is crucial. It stops dirt and debris from getting into your engine.
- Oiled Filters: These use a special oil to trap particles. They are very effective and can be cleaned and reused.
- Dry Filters: These use a special synthetic material to filter air. They don’t need oiling, which some people find easier.
- Heat Shielding: Your engine produces a lot of heat. A good cold air intake includes a heat shield. This metal box or shield blocks hot air from the engine bay from reaching the filter. Cooler air means better performance.
- Ease of Installation: Some kits are bolt-on and take a couple of hours. Others might require more advanced tools or knowledge. Check reviews to see how easy it is to install.
- Sound Enhancement: Many diesel owners love the improved sound a cold air intake provides. You’ll often hear a deeper, more aggressive intake sound, especially when you accelerate.
Important Materials
The materials used in a cold air intake affect its durability and performance.
- Pipes: Most intake pipes are made from either plastic or metal (like aluminum or stainless steel).
- Plastic: Lighter and often cheaper. Can sometimes be more prone to heat soak if not properly shielded.
- Metal: More durable and can help dissipate heat. Aluminum is light, and stainless steel is very strong and resistant to rust.
- Filters: The filter material itself is important. High-quality cotton gauze (often used in oiled filters) or synthetic fibers (for dry filters) offer good filtration.
- Clamps and Hardware: Look for stainless steel clamps and hardware. They resist rust and ensure a secure fit.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a cold air intake great or not so great.
- Improved Quality:
- Smooth, Mandrel-Bent Tubing: This means the pipe has a consistent diameter throughout its bends, allowing for maximum airflow.
- High-Quality Filter Media: A filter that effectively stops dirt without restricting airflow is key.
- Effective Heat Shield: A well-designed heat shield is vital for keeping intake air cool.
- Reduced Quality:
- Sharp Bends or Restrictions in Piping: These can slow down airflow.
- Cheap, Flimsy Materials: They won’t last long and might not seal properly.
- Poorly Designed Heat Shield: If hot engine air gets to the filter, performance suffers.
- Filters that Clog Easily: This will choke your engine.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most people install a cold air intake to get more out of their diesel.
- Everyday Driving: You might notice slightly better throttle response and a more satisfying engine sound. Some drivers report a small improvement in fuel economy.
- Towing: When you’re pulling a heavy load, your engine works harder. A cold air intake can help it breathe better, potentially giving you a bit more power and making towing feel less strained.
- Performance Enthusiasts: For those who like to push their trucks, a cold air intake is often one of the first upgrades. It prepares the engine for other performance modifications.
- Off-Roading: If you take your truck off the beaten path, a durable intake system with good filtration is important to protect your engine from dust and dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diesel Cold Air Intakes
Q: Will a cold air intake make my diesel truck faster?
A: It can make it feel more responsive and might add a small amount of horsepower. The biggest gains are often seen when combined with other modifications.
Q: How much will a cold air intake improve my fuel economy?
A: The improvement varies a lot. You might see a small increase, maybe 1-3 miles per gallon, but it depends on your driving style and the specific intake.
Q: Do I need a special tune for a cold air intake?
A: For most basic cold air intakes, a tune is not required. However, if you plan on doing other performance upgrades, a custom tune is highly recommended.
Q: How often do I need to clean or replace the air filter?
A: Oiled filters usually need cleaning every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Dry filters might need replacement sooner, or they can sometimes be cleaned.
Q: Can a cold air intake void my truck’s warranty?
A: It’s unlikely that just installing a cold air intake will void your entire warranty. However, if a problem arises that can be directly traced to the intake, the manufacturer might deny a warranty claim for that specific issue.
Q: What kind of sound can I expect from a cold air intake?
A: You’ll typically hear a deeper, more throaty engine sound, especially when you accelerate. It’s often described as a more aggressive or sportier sound.
Q: Are all cold air intakes compatible with my diesel truck?
A: No. You must buy a cold air intake specifically designed for your truck’s make, model, and year. They have different engine bays and mounting points.
Q: Is it hard to install a cold air intake myself?
A: For many people, installation is straightforward and can be done with basic tools. However, some kits might be more complex. Reading reviews can help you gauge the difficulty.
Q: Will a cold air intake make my truck run hotter?
A: No, the opposite is true. A good cold air intake is designed to bring cooler air into the engine, which helps it run more efficiently and potentially cooler under load.
Q: What’s the difference between an oiled and a dry air filter?
A: Oiled filters use a light oil to trap dirt, offering excellent filtration and reusability. Dry filters use synthetic media and don’t require oil, making maintenance simpler for some users.
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.