Actually 'dog, the last couple I've built have gotten a cone K&N from Advance that cost $34.95...

 

Well, I was going on the high side of what I remembered and was thinking of the inverted cone filters more so than the regular cone style which flow >30% more cfm. That's where I got the price from, but judging by THIS they are still under $40. I know the panel filters that are vehicle specific cost upwards of $50+. I would purchase the inverted style if I was going cone. It made an impressive 3rwhp more on my mustang when dynoed as compared to conventional style cone.

Inverted cone style will flow as much as a panel filter. Basic cone filter I cannot see flowing as much as the panel filters in the Ram because of their large panel size. I'm sure the snorkel reduces flow plus it centers the air to specific parts of the filter element, but if you poked holes in the bottom of the OEM box, I'd say it will outflow a standard cone filter by alot. There are no major pressure changes with panel filters as there are with cone style. The inverted design I'd bet keeps the pressure fluctuations to a minimum. The biggest thing with cone styles is keeping them isolated from engine heat and areas they'll get wet or really dirty.

Don't worry, I'm not hatin' on cone filters, just trying to exaggerate the comparisons of each. There's a place for both style filters. Cone is usually best for tight areas such as inside of fenders(which is where my mustang filter was located)
I'd go a DIY intake over an Ebay one any day of the week. Weed's are plastic schedule 40 PVC and ready for paint or painted black(I think?) which is best for heat transfer. Even though black is hottest to the touch, it just means it expels the heat better than lighter colors like silver or white which actually cause a hotter intake temp believe it or not. I'd still opt for a pre-filter cover with something like that. It won't restrict flow and you basically peel it off, wash it, and put it back on. Keeps your filter super clean!

 

I've decided on definitely going the DIY route. Have any of you seen the plastic universal intake pipe pieces that you can find at any Advance, Autozone, etc.? I think they are Spectre brand. I've used them before on past cars and they worked out pretty well. Came in an assortment of bends/lengths. I know they are just chrome plated plastic but they might look a little better than the heavy industrial PVC look after they are painted. Just looking for other options and thought I'd throw that out there.

 

I'd stay away from a make-shift build kit. You can buy a custom Spectre CAI that is meant for the Ram for $150.
Not sure on longevity of the kit. When I hear Spectre it screams Import as well as cheap. The one in the link looks pretty good though. Not sure what type of filter element they provide?

 

Ya the Spectre build-it-yourself pieces are pretty thin. Are the hardware store PVC pipes 3" I.D. or O.D.?

 

All plumbing Schedule 40 are ID measurements.
HERE's a chart as I think it'll be handy for your build so you can find a suitable air filter inlet as well as rubber attachements.

You could go with sewer pipe as it's thinner and I dont have a chart for the measurements.

 

Awesome! Thanks.

 

No prob. I'm sure Weed will still answer your questions even though you don't want one of his master pieces...rofl
He's the Hemi intake guru of what fits and doesn't!

 

Ha ha.

I'm gonna do the traditional 3" ABS pipe with a street elbow, straight, elbow, straight into a K&N re-0950 filter. I'm going to tie that PCV line off the oil filler tube into the intake pipe just past the filter kinda where it is stock. I'm gonna use one of those brass threaded inserts with the barb fitting on the end and thread it in and then JB weld around it and sand it before paint. Do you have any pics of what the IAT looks like? I'm just wondering how to tie that in.

 

I'm kinda getting sick of seeing my Sig pic in this thread..haha

The IAT sensor is in your intake tube on the backside of the stock intake tube near the T/B. The one in the Airraid is on the backside of the D in Airraid just to give you an idea. The IAT sensor is roughly 1/2" in diameter where it protrudes the intake tube and is smooth, round and uses a rubber plug to keep it in place. You'll prob wanna jbweld that rubber bung into your PVC tubing as well. The IAT sensor wire isn't that long and even if you cut the tape that holds it, you'll only get another 1-2"max. You'll want to keep the IAT sensor as close to your T/B as possible because it'll give the best air temp that is entering the T/B. if you install it closer to your filter, the temps can rise a few degress before entering the T/B and run your truck slightly lean.
I'd get a plastic barb fitting and just use a tap/die set to thread the pipe. This will keep the brass from absorbing unecessary heat.