I think getting rid of the baffles/restriction inside the "hat" make an intake kit worth it. The stock pipe is 3.5 inches, as is the new one. The only other thing we gain is perhaps filter area which means less restriction. It made enough seat of the pants difference in mine that I wouldn't put it back to stock. I'm pretty jaded when it comes to performance gains; the intake is worthwhile.

 

I bought an ebay intake about 2 yrs ago, and haven't had any trouble with it. I gained 2 mpg with it. I think it cost me $65 after shipping and is the one that mounts to the throttle body, not the intake plenum (with "Hemi" on it). There was no way in Hell that I was going to pay $300 for a name brand one. Besides, mine is very short so that my dual battery tray setup fits in the stock air box location.. Just my $.02

 

Extra noise? Hmm... Have'nt noticed any extra noise..Tho at the same time i installed my "Ebay" intake.. I put in a Magnaflow Muffler.... and truthfully.... that was the only "extra" noise i heard....

 

Hank is pretty convinced that you can't really improve upon what the Chrysler engineers have designed for you, but that assumes that you and the Chrysler engineers have the same goals. The problem with intakes and exhausts is that the Chrysler engineers have noise restrictions that you and I do not. If you and the engineers have different restrictions, isn't it plausible that aftermarket parts could afford some gain?

While I am new to the Ram community, I did similar mods on my Ford Ranger in the past, and it made a real measurable difference. That, and the testimonials from other users, is why I have ordered a CAI, a tuner, and exhaust for my Ram.

For years I have seen the aftermarket improve on factory engineers products, and while the gap is narrowing, a multi-billion dollar industry wouldn't be built on hype alone.

But Hank, thanks for the 5000th warning.

 

I got one of those off of ebay, it sounds good. No problems with it. Going for 4 months now.

 

I have heard that some intake make odd noises.... But thats usally due to the fact that in was improperly installed.....But everyone has there own opinion .... others just ask and take advice .... thats it....

 

Sounds good? They definatley are not COLD AIR intakes. Unless you have no hood and it's 40* outside. You may be doing better if it is enclosed and pulling cooler air from an area not as hot as the air right next to the hot motor.