Ever feel like your 5.7 Hemi Challenger is holding back a little something extra? You know that deep rumble, the power waiting to be unleashed, but sometimes it just doesn’t feel like it’s all there. If you’ve been thinking about giving your HEMI a breath of fresh air, you’re probably looking at cold air intakes. But with so many choices out there, figuring out which one is truly best can feel like a confusing maze. It’s tough to know what will actually make a difference and what’s just for show.
Choosing the right cold air intake isn’t just about picking a shiny new part. It’s about getting more power, better fuel economy, and that awesome HEMI sound. But the sheer number of brands, designs, and promised benefits can leave you scratching your head. You want to make sure you’re investing in something that will truly benefit your Challenger, not just empty your wallet. That’s where we come in.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about cold air intakes for your 5.7 Hemi Challenger. We’ll explore what makes a good intake, the different types available, and what to look for to get the most bang for your buck. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to choose the perfect cold air intake to unlock your HEMI’s full potential. Let’s dive in and get your Challenger breathing easier!
Our Top 5 Cold Air Intake For 5.7 Hemi Challenger Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cold Air Intake For 5.7 Hemi Challenger Detailed Reviews
1. K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Cotton Filter: Compatible with 2011-2023 Dodge/Chrysler: Challenger
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to unleash more power and a thrilling sound from your Dodge Challenger, Charger, or Chrysler 300? The K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake System is here to do just that. This system is designed to give your engine a much-needed breath of fresh, cool air, leading to noticeable improvements in how your car performs. You’ll feel the difference when you press the gas pedal, and you’ll love the aggressive, sporty sound it adds.
What We Like:
- It’s proven to give your car more horsepower and torque, making it faster.
- You get a cool, sporty engine sound when you accelerate, but it’s quiet when you’re just cruising.
- The new airbox design helps keep the air cooler and cleaner, protecting your engine.
- The large air filter and special tube design help your engine breathe better.
- Installation is made much easier with fewer parts and a special locking system.
- K&N has been making quality filters for over 50 years, so you can trust their protection.
- It comes with a great warranty and is made right here in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sound is exciting, some drivers might prefer a quieter experience.
- The initial cost might be a bit high for some budgets.
This K&N intake system is a fantastic upgrade for your Dodge or Chrysler vehicle, offering a great blend of performance and sound. It’s a smart investment for any car enthusiast looking for more from their ride.
2. Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake System EVO5100
Rating: 9.2/10
Want to give your Dodge Challenger or Charger with a 5.7L Hemi engine a serious boost? The Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake System EVO5100 is here to help! This system is designed to let your engine breathe easier, unlocking hidden power and giving you a more exciting driving experience. It’s engineered for a direct fit, making installation straightforward.
What We Like:
- Dyno-Proven Performance: It adds up to 19 horsepower and 21 lb-ft of torque. You don’t need to retune your car to get these gains.
- Easy Installation: The Twist-Lock technology makes putting the SuperNano-Web Dry Air Filter on a breeze. No tools needed for this part!
- Built to Last: The tough roto-molded construction uses high-quality polyethylene. This housing and intake tube resist heat and will last a long time.
- Awesome Sound: Your engine will have a deeper, more aggressive growl when you step on the gas. It fits perfectly and looks great.
- Street Legal Everywhere: This intake is CARB compliant (EO# D-476-11). It’s legal to use in all 50 states.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sound Level: While the aggressive sound is a pro for many, some drivers might prefer a quieter experience.
- Initial Cost: As a performance upgrade, the upfront cost might be a consideration for some budgets.
This Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake is a smart upgrade for Challenger and Charger owners. It delivers real performance gains and a thrilling sound while being easy to install and street legal.
3. PHILTOP Cold Air Intake Kit with Filter Heat Shield Compatible With Dodge Charger 2006-2019
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to give your ride a serious boost? The PHILTOP Cold Air Intake Kit in vibrant red is designed to upgrade the performance of your Dodge Charger, Challenger, Magnum, or Chrysler 300. It’s built to fit specific V8 engines, making it a great choice for gearheads looking for more power and a better engine sound.
What We Like:
- Easy Performance Upgrade: This kit helps your engine breathe better, potentially adding up to 14 horsepower and 13 foot-pounds of torque. You’ll feel quicker acceleration and hear a satisfying engine growl when you step on the gas.
- Durable Construction: Made from sturdy aluminum, the intake tubes are built to last. The custom heat shields are a smart addition, keeping hot engine air away from the cooler air your engine needs.
- Low Maintenance Filter: The reusable air filter is a big plus. It only needs cleaning about every 100,000 miles under normal driving, which means less work for you.
- Simple Installation: You can install this kit yourself with basic tools in under an hour, making it an accessible upgrade for many car owners.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific Fitment: While it covers several popular models, it’s crucial to double-check the exact year and engine size to ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
- Initial Cost: As with many performance upgrades, the upfront cost might be a consideration for some budgets.
This PHILTOP Cold Air Intake Kit offers a straightforward way to enhance your vehicle’s performance and sound. It’s a solid option for drivers seeking noticeable improvements with a durable and low-maintenance design.
4. Lvdrwi 68256672AA High Performance Air Fi-lter Fit for 2011-2021 Do-dge Challenger Charger Ch-rysler 300 5.7L & 6.4L HEMI V8 Cold Air Intake Kits
Rating: 9.2/10
Give your Dodge Challenger, Charger, or Chrysler 300 the breathing room it deserves with the Lvdrwi 68256672AA High Performance Air Filter. Designed specifically for 2011-2021 models with the powerful 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI V8 engines, this filter is a direct replacement for your old, clogged one. It’s built to work seamlessly with your cold air intake kit, helping your engine perform at its best.
What We Like:
- Direct Fit & Easy Installation: This filter is designed to fit your specific HEMI V8 engine, making installation a breeze. You can get it installed and start enjoying its benefits right away.
- Reusable & Eco-Friendly: No messy oils needed! This dry filter is washable. Just use soap and water, let it dry, and it’s ready to go again. This saves you money and is better for the environment.
- Long-Lasting Performance: With a service life of up to 200,000 km, this filter is built to last. You won’t have to worry about replacing it for a very long time.
- Easy Maintenance: A quick check every 8,000 km is all it needs. Keeping it clean is simple, ensuring your engine always gets clean air.
- Works with Various OEM Numbers: It’s compatible with several OEM part numbers, meaning it’s a great upgrade option for many vehicles.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific Model Fitment: While it covers a good range of years and engines, it’s important to double-check that your specific vehicle model and year are listed.
- Dry Filter Performance Nuances: Some enthusiasts prefer oiled filters for very specific performance tuning, though for most drivers, this dry filter offers excellent performance.
This Lvdrwi air filter offers a great balance of performance, convenience, and value for your HEMI-powered vehicle. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to keep their engine running smoothly and efficiently.
5. KAX 4″ Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible With Dodge Charger 2006-2019
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash the power hidden within your Dodge Charger, Challenger, Magnum, or Chrysler 300 with the KAX 4″ Cold Air Intake Kit. This blue intake system is designed to give your 5.7L or 6.1L Hemi engine a breath of fresh air, leading to noticeable performance gains and an aggressive, sporty sound.
What We Like:
- Performance Boost: Experience improved throttle response and a significant horsepower and torque increase, estimated at 8-10% and 6-8% respectively.
- Superior Construction: The intake pipe is crafted from lightweight, polished T-304 aluminum for maximum airflow and durability.
- Aggressive Sound: Enjoy an intense, deep sporty sound that announces your engine’s power.
- Easy Installation: This kit is designed for a quick and straightforward installation with no drilling or extra parts required.
- Long-Lasting Filter: The reusable cotton air filter captures dirt and dust effectively and only needs cleaning every 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions.
- Wide Vehicle Compatibility: Fits a broad range of Dodge and Chrysler models with 5.7L and 6.1L engines from specified years.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific Year Fitment for 6.1L: While generally compatible, double-check the exact year range for 6.1L engines to ensure a perfect fit for your specific model.
This KAX cold air intake is a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance and sound. It offers a great balance of power, quality, and ease of use for Hemi engine owners.
Cold Air Intake for Your 5.7 Hemi Challenger: A Buying Guide
Thinking about giving your 5.7 Hemi Challenger a little more pep? A cold air intake can be a great way to do it! It’s like giving your engine a fresh, cool breath of air. This guide will help you pick the best one.
What is a Cold Air Intake?
Your car’s engine needs air to run. A cold air intake replaces your car’s old air filter box with a new system. This system brings cooler air into the engine. Cooler air is denser, meaning it has more oxygen. More oxygen helps your engine burn fuel better and make more power.
Key Features to Look For
1. Airflow Design
Look for an intake that is designed to move air smoothly. A wide, open tube and a well-shaped filter help air flow easily. This means your engine gets the air it needs without struggling.
2. Filter Type
There are two main types of filters: oiled and dry.
- Oiled filters catch dirt with a sticky oil. They often let in a little more air. You need to clean and re-oil them regularly.
- Dry filters use a special material to trap dirt. They are easier to maintain. You just clean them with air or water.
3. Heat Shielding
A good cold air intake will have a heat shield. This is a barrier that stops hot air from the engine from reaching the cool air filter. This is super important for getting the “cold” air effect.
4. Fitment and Installation
Make sure the intake is made specifically for your 5.7 Hemi Challenger. This ensures it will fit perfectly and be easy to install. Some kits come with all the parts you need.
Important Materials
The parts of a cold air intake matter.
- Tubing: Most good intakes use smooth, large-diameter tubing. This helps air move faster. Some are made of plastic, others of metal like aluminum.
- Filter Material: High-quality filters use materials like cotton gauze (oiled) or synthetic fibers (dry). These materials are good at filtering but still let air pass through.
- Heat Shield: This is often made of metal or a tough plastic. It needs to block heat effectively.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Cold Air Intake Better?
- Better Airflow: Smooth tubes and large openings let air in easily.
- Effective Heat Shielding: Keeping the air cool is the main goal.
- High-Quality Filter: A filter that cleans well but doesn’t block air is best.
- Good Fit: An intake that fits your car perfectly works better.
What Can Make it Worse?
- Poor Airflow Design: Bumpy tubes or small openings hurt performance.
- No Heat Shielding: If hot engine air gets in, it’s not a “cold” air intake anymore.
- Cheap Filter: A filter that’s too restrictive will slow down air.
- Bad Fitment: If it doesn’t fit right, it might leak or not work as well.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many owners report hearing a more aggressive engine sound with a cold air intake. This is often called a “growl” or “rumble.” You might also notice your car feels a bit quicker when you accelerate. Some people even see a small improvement in gas mileage, but this can vary.
A cold air intake is a good upgrade for drivers who want a little more performance and a sportier sound from their 5.7 Hemi Challenger. It’s a fairly simple mod that can make a noticeable difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will a cold air intake void my warranty?
A: In most cases, no. If the intake is installed correctly and doesn’t cause any problems, it shouldn’t void your car’s warranty. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your dealership.
Q: How much horsepower can I expect to gain?
A: For a 5.7 Hemi, you can typically expect a gain of around 5-15 horsepower. This can depend on the specific intake and other modifications your car has.
Q: Is a cold air intake hard to install?
A: For most people with basic tools and some mechanical know-how, installation is usually straightforward. Many kits come with detailed instructions.
Q: Do I need to tune my car after installing a cold air intake?
A: For most 5.7 Hemi Challengers, a tune is not required for a basic cold air intake. However, if you add other performance parts, a tune might be beneficial.
Q: How often do I need to clean or replace the filter?
A: This depends on the filter type and how often you drive. Oiled filters usually need cleaning every 15,000-30,000 miles. Dry filters might last longer before needing cleaning.
Q: Can a cold air intake improve my gas mileage?
A: Some users report slight improvements in gas mileage. This happens because the engine can breathe better and burn fuel more efficiently. However, it’s not guaranteed and often depends on how you drive.
Q: What is the difference between a short ram intake and a cold air intake?
A: A short ram intake is shorter and usually stays in the engine bay. A cold air intake has a longer tube that moves the filter outside the engine bay to get cooler air.
Q: Can I use a generic cold air intake?
A: It’s best to buy an intake specifically designed for your 5.7 Hemi Challenger. Generic ones may not fit properly and could cause issues.
Q: What brands are good for cold air intakes for my Challenger?
A: Popular brands known for quality cold air intakes include K&N, Airaid, Volant, and S&B Filters.
Q: Will a cold air intake make my Challenger louder?
A: Yes, most cold air intakes will make the engine sound a bit sportier, especially under acceleration. You’ll often hear a deeper intake roar.
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!