Does your 2020 Ram 1500 feel like it’s holding back, like it’s not quite reaching its full potential? You’ve probably heard about cold air intakes, those upgrades that promise more power and better sound. But when you start looking, it can get confusing fast. So many brands, so many different designs – how do you know which one is truly the best for your truck?
Choosing the right cold air intake for your 2020 Ram 1500 isn’t just about picking a cool-looking part. It’s about finding something that actually works, that won’t cause problems, and that gives you the performance boost you’re looking for. You want your truck to sound great and have a little extra pep in its step, but you also don’t want to waste money on something that won’t deliver or might even hurt your engine. It’s a common headache for truck owners!
That’s exactly why we’re here. In this post, we’re going to break down what makes a great cold air intake for your 2020 Ram 1500. We’ll help you understand the key features to look for, what to avoid, and how to pick the perfect upgrade. Get ready to learn how to unlock more power, enjoy a sportier engine sound, and make your Ram 1500 feel even more like the beast it is. Let’s dive in and find the best cold air intake for your ride!
Our Top 5 Cold Air Intake For 2020 Ram 1500 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cold Air Intake For 2020 Ram 1500 Detailed Reviews
1. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 19-24 Ram 1500 5.7L – 10477
Rating: 8.8/10
Unlock your Ram 1500’s potential with the Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 19-24 models equipped with the 5.7L engine. This upgrade is designed to give your truck more power and a quicker response when you hit the gas. It works by drawing in cooler, denser air. Cooler air has more oxygen, which helps your engine burn fuel more efficiently and creates a noticeable power boost. You’ll feel the difference when you accelerate.
What We Like:
- Boosts horsepower and makes your throttle response quicker.
- Uses a premium, reusable air filter that saves money over time.
- Installation is straightforward and can be done at home.
- Rough Country offers support to help you with the installation.
- Comes with a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty from Rough Country.
What Could Be Improved:
- The performance gains might vary slightly depending on driving conditions.
- While installation is easy, some users might prefer professional help for peace of mind.
This cold air intake is a smart investment for any Ram 1500 owner looking for a simple way to enhance their truck’s performance. Enjoy a more responsive and powerful driving experience with this quality upgrade.
2. K&N 19-24 Dodge Ram 1500 (5.7L V8) NextGen Cold Air Intake
Rating: 9.3/10
The K&N 19-24 Dodge Ram 1500 (5.7L V8) NextGen Cold Air Intake is designed to give your truck more power and a better sound. It helps your engine breathe easier, leading to a noticeable boost in performance. This upgrade is perfect for Ram owners looking to get more out of their 5.7L V8 engine.
What We Like:
- Dyno-proven horsepower and torque gains.
- Exciting engine sound during acceleration without annoying drone.
- NextGen Airbox improves airflow and lowers intake temperatures.
- Oversized air filter with a large surface area boosts airflow.
- Large-diameter intake tube increases airspeed and power.
- Precision-engineered for a stylish and high-performance engine bay.
- Quick and easy installation with K&N’s Quick-Lock technology.
- Trusted K&N air filter quality with excellent filtration.
- Backed by a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty.
- Designed and engineered in the USA with USA-based customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- While installation is designed to be easy, some users might still find it challenging without prior automotive experience.
- The “exciting roar” might be subjective and could be too loud for some drivers who prefer a quieter vehicle.
This K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake is a fantastic upgrade for your Dodge Ram 1500, offering a blend of performance enhancement and improved engine aesthetics. It’s a well-engineered system built for power and reliability.
3. K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to give your 2019-2024 RAM 1500 a serious boost? The K&N Cold Air Intake System (model 63-1578) is here to help! This system is designed to let your truck breathe easier, giving you more power and a better driving experience. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference.
What We Like:
- Guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque means your truck will feel more powerful.
- Dyno testing reports prove the performance gains, so you know it works.
- Enjoy an improved engine sound – your RAM will growl when you step on the gas!
- Better towing performance: improved acceleration and uphill power make hauling easier.
- Premium engine protection from K&N, a trusted brand.
- It won’t void your manufacturer’s warranty and comes with a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial installation might require some basic mechanical knowledge.
- The improved engine sound might be a bit loud for some drivers during everyday use.
If you want your RAM 1500 to perform better and sound tougher, this K&N Cold Air Intake System is a fantastic choice. It’s a smart investment for any truck owner looking for more power and a more engaging driving experience.
4. KAX 4″ Cold Air Intake Kit System + Heat Shield Compatible with 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Ram 1500 V8 5.7L
Rating: 9.1/10
Boost your Ram 1500’s performance with the KAX 4″ Cold Air Intake Kit. This high-performance system, designed specifically for the 2019-2023 V8 5.7L engine, includes a heat shield to keep your engine running cooler and more efficiently. The vibrant red finish adds a stylish touch under the hood.
What We Like:
- This kit is made from strong, lightweight T-304 aluminum.
- It helps your engine get more cold air, which means better throttle response and more power.
- You can expect an increase of 8-10% in horsepower and 6-8% in torque.
- The installation is straightforward and doesn’t require any extra parts or drilling.
- It creates a deep, sporty sound when you accelerate.
- KAX offers a warranty for quality issues, so you can shop with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- Make sure to double-check that this kit fits your specific Ram 1500 model before buying.
This KAX cold air intake kit is a fantastic upgrade for your Ram 1500, offering noticeable performance gains and a great sound. It’s a smart investment for any truck owner looking to enhance their vehicle’s capabilities.
5. K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter
Rating: 8.9/10
Unlock the hidden power of your 2019-2024 RAM 1500 with the K&N Cold Air Intake System (77-1578KP). This system is designed to give your truck a serious boost, improving both performance and towing capabilities. It replaces your restrictive factory air intake with a less restricted path, letting your engine breathe in more cool, oxygen-rich air. You’ll feel the difference in acceleration and power, especially when you’re hauling a load.
What We Like:
- Guaranteed Horsepower & Torque Increase: K&N promises more power by letting your engine get more cool air.
- Dyno Tested Results: They show you proof of the power gains with reports from their own tests.
- Improved Engine Sound: Hear your engine roar when you accelerate, adding a sporty feel.
- Better Towing Performance: Your RAM 1500 will handle hills and acceleration better when towing.
- Premium Engine Protection: K&N’s high-flow filter cleans the air effectively and won’t void your warranty.
- Reusable Air Filter: The special cotton filter can be cleaned and reused for a very long time, saving you money.
- Easy Installation: You can install the whole system in about an hour with basic tools.
- Made in the USA: It’s built with quality right here in America.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the filter lasts a long time, it does require cleaning every 100,000 miles, which is a significant maintenance task down the road.
This K&N Cold Air Intake System is a fantastic upgrade for RAM 1500 owners looking for more power and better performance. It’s a smart investment for your truck’s capabilities.
Upgrade Your Ram 1500: The Ultimate Cold Air Intake Buying Guide
So, you want to give your 2020 Ram 1500 a little more pep in its step? A cold air intake might be just the ticket! This upgrade helps your truck’s engine breathe easier, leading to better performance and a cooler sound. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you make a smart choice.
Why a Cold Air Intake for Your 2020 Ram 1500?
Your truck’s engine needs air to run. The cooler and denser the air, the more oxygen it has. More oxygen means your engine can burn fuel more efficiently, giving you a bit more power and sometimes even better gas mileage. It also often gives your Ram a throatier, more satisfying engine sound when you step on the gas.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cold air intake, keep these important features in mind:
- Improved Airflow: The main goal is to let more air into the engine. Look for systems with larger diameter tubing and less restrictive air filters.
- Heat Shielding: Your engine bay gets hot. A good cold air intake will have a heat shield. This box or shield separates the new filter from the hot engine air, ensuring your engine gets cooler air.
- High-Flow Air Filter: The filter is crucial. Look for reusable filters made from materials like cotton gauze or synthetic dry media. These let more air through than standard paper filters.
- Easy Installation: Many cold air intakes are designed for a DIY installation. Check reviews to see if the instructions are clear and if all the necessary hardware is included.
- Sound Enhancement: While not a performance feature, many owners enjoy the deeper, more aggressive engine sound a cold air intake provides.
Important Materials
The materials used in a cold air intake can affect its durability and performance.
- Tubing: Most intake tubes are made from materials like:
- Polished Aluminum: This looks great and is lightweight. It also conducts heat, so good heat shielding is a must.
- Black Powder-Coated Metal: This offers a stealthy look and is very durable.
- Rotomolded Plastic: Some systems use plastic that is shaped to fit perfectly and acts as a good insulator against engine heat.
- Air Filter:
- Cotton Gauze: This is a popular choice. It needs to be oiled to trap dirt effectively. It offers excellent airflow.
- Synthetic Dry Media: These filters don’t require oiling, making maintenance easier. They also provide great filtration and airflow.
- Heat Shield: This is often made from metal (like aluminum) or durable plastic. Its shape is important for blocking engine heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Improved Quality:
- Proper Fitment: A system designed specifically for the 2020 Ram 1500 will fit best. This ensures optimal airflow and easy installation.
- Quality Construction: Well-made welds, secure clamps, and durable materials mean your intake will last longer.
- Reputable Brands: Established brands often invest more in research and development, leading to better-performing products.
- Reduced Quality:
- Poor Sealing: If the intake isn’t sealed well against the heat shield, hot engine air can still get in, reducing performance gains.
- Cheap Materials: Thin tubing or low-quality filters can break down over time or restrict airflow.
- Generic Fitment: Intakes that claim to fit many different vehicles might not be optimized for your specific Ram.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most owners install a cold air intake for a few key reasons:
- Performance Boost: Drivers often report a noticeable increase in throttle response and a bit more power, especially when accelerating.
- Engine Sound: The rumble and growl of the engine become more pronounced, which many truck enthusiasts love.
- Towing and Hauling: The extra airflow can help your engine perform a little better when pulling heavy loads.
- Off-Roading: A well-designed intake can help your engine breathe cleaner air in dusty conditions, though proper filter maintenance is key.
Installation is usually straightforward for experienced DIYers. Most kits come with detailed instructions. It’s a popular modification that many Ram 1500 owners enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Air Intakes for Your 2020 Ram 1500
Q: Will a cold air intake void my warranty?
A: Generally, if the cold air intake is installed correctly and doesn’t cause any damage, it shouldn’t void your warranty. However, it’s always a good idea to check your owner’s manual or speak with your dealership.
Q: How much horsepower can I expect to gain?
A: Gains vary, but most cold air intakes for the 2020 Ram 1500 offer around 5-15 horsepower. It’s more about improved airflow and throttle response than a massive power jump.
Q: Will it improve my gas mileage?
A: Some users report slight improvements in fuel economy, especially if they drive more conservatively. However, if you use the extra power, your mileage might decrease.
Q: How do I clean a reusable air filter?
A: Most reusable filters come with a cleaning kit. You’ll typically wash the filter with a special cleaner, rinse it, let it dry completely, and then re-oil it if it’s a cotton gauze type.
Q: Is a cold air intake noisy?
A: Yes, it often makes the engine sound deeper and more aggressive, especially when you accelerate. Some people love this sound, while others might prefer a quieter ride.
Q: Can I install it myself?
A: For most 2020 Ram 1500 owners, yes! Many cold air intakes are designed for easy bolt-on installation with basic tools. Check product reviews for installation difficulty.
Q: What’s the difference between a cold air intake and a short ram intake?
A: A cold air intake typically has a longer tube that reaches lower in the engine bay, often near the fender well, to draw in cooler air. A short ram intake has a shorter tube and the filter is closer to the engine, meaning it might draw in warmer air.
Q: Do I need a tune for a cold air intake?
A: For most basic cold air intakes on a 2020 Ram 1500, a tune is not required. However, if you plan on adding other performance modifications, a tune might be beneficial.
Q: How often do I need to replace the air filter?
A: Reusable filters can last the lifetime of your truck if properly cleaned and maintained. Disposable filters will need replacement according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Q: Are there specific brands you recommend?
A: Popular and well-regarded brands for Ram truck cold air intakes include K&N, Airaid, S&B Filters, and Volant. Always check reviews specific to your 2020 Ram 1500 model.
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.
Hey there, My name is Joe Martin & I’m the author of OffroadersGuild.com. I’ve been hitting the dirt for a while now. I’ve been off-roading in all sorts of vehicles, from Jeeps to trucks and everything in between.
I’ve also built and modified a few off-road vehicles of my own, so I know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to upgrading and modifying off-road vehicles. I started this website to share my experience and help others get the most out of their off-roading adventures. Let’s hit the trails!