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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: Air Intake Reviews

Air intakes are a popular aftermarket modification that can help your engine breathe easy and free up some horsepower. This article compares four of the most popular intakes on the market to help you choose the right one for your Dodge Ram.

By Brett Foote - July 27, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

If you're looking to add horsepower and fuel economy to your Dodge Ram, an air intake filter can help you accomplish both at a reasonable price. Cold air intakes increase your engine's efficiency by drawing in the coolest air possible and increasing the amount of air it receives. Aftermarket air intakes remove all the restrictive twists, turns, and other air flow inhibiting aspects of a stock intake, providing a direct path for the air to enter your engine. Air intakes are also extremely easy to install and quite affordable, making them a very popular upgrade option for those seeking more power and efficiency from their trucks.

Cold Air Intakes

Volant
Spectre
K&N
S&B
Price
 $250 $150 $260 $280
Performance
 Excellent Good Excellent Excellent
Check Engine Light: Y/N?
 No No No No
Sealed Filter: Y/N?
 Yes No No Yes
Best Quality: S&B

Best Value: Spectre

Volante

Price – $250

Performance – Excellent

Check Engine Light Y/N? No

Sealed Filter Y/N? Yes

The Volante cold air intake features a sealed air filter that keeps dirt and debris out, and is very solidly built. The air ducts are constructed from molded polyethylene and are extremely solid. The filter door allows easy access to the filter when it's time to change it, and the box itself has a nice custom look. Volante also offers cool air scoops that can be paired with the air intakes, but these are not recommended for use off road or in areas that suffer from a lot of rain. The scoops add more power and fuel mileage at highway speeds by aiding air flow even more over stock.

Spectre

Price – $150

Performance – Good

Check Engine Light Y/N? No

Sealed Filter Y/N? No

Spectre cold air intakes cost considerably less than Volante intakes, but the quality suffers a bit as well in some regards. Spectres do not have enclosed air filters, meaning that outside dirt and debris is going to collect on your air filter at a faster rate. They also do not work with a throttle body spacer, and many have reported issues with filter to shroud fitment. If you don't mind having to modify some things to make it fit, the Spectre is an economical alternative to most other, higher priced intakes.

K&N

Price – $260

Performance – Excellent

Check Engine Light Y/N? No

Sealed Filter Y/N? No

K&N is easily the most recognizable name in cold air intakes, and for good reason. Their products are well made, easy to install, long lasting, and offer a big performance upgrade. They are also, by far, the most popular air intake upgrade among Dodge Ram forum members. Owners report an increase in horsepower and gas mileage, along with improved throttle response after installation. K&N filter elements are also washable and come with a million mile warranty.

S&B

Price – $280

Performance – Excellent

Check Engine Light Y/N? No

Sealed Filter Y/N? Yes

S&B makes arguably the best looking cold air intake of the bunch. They also feature excellent build quality for just a bit more than the Volante or K&N filters. S&B filters, like the Volantes, are sealed to protect the filters from outside elements and pollutants. They also deliver a noticeable increase in power and economy, according to owner feedback. Unlike some other options, installation is also easy and straightforward and everything you need comes with the intake.

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