S&B vs. K&N: Which Cold Air Intake is Best for the 5.7L HEMI?
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Your 2009–2018 RAM 1500 is too quiet.
You stomp on the gas, and instead of a V8 roar, you hear... a lot of wind noise.
The culprit is the factory intake silencer.
You want to upgrade to a Cold Air Intake, but you are stuck between the two heavyweights:
- K&N: The legendary "Open Element" intake known for being loud and aggressive.
-
S&B Filters: The modern "Closed Box" intake known for superior filtration and heat resistance.
Do you want maximum noise, or maximum protection?
If you drive in dusty environments or tow heavy loads, the S&B is the smarter choice because it keeps hot engine air away from the filter.
If you just want that satisfying WHOOSH sound every time you hit the throttle, the K&N delivers the drama.
In this guide, we compare the airflow data, installation difficulty, and sound profiles of the top intakes for the 5.7L HEMI.
Compare Intake Styles
Performance, Sound, or Show?
|
Intake Brand |
Box Style |
Sound Level |
Best For |
|
S&B Filters |
Closed Box. (Clear Lid). |
Medium. Deep growl. |
Performance. Best heat protection & filtration. |
|
K&N Series 63 |
Open Element. (Heat Shield). |
Loud. Aggressive roar. |
Sound. You want to hear the engine scream. |
|
Vararam Air Grabber |
Over-Engine. (Tray style). |
Loud. |
Looks. Old-school muscle car appearance. |
|
Spectre Performance |
Open Element. |
Loud. |
Budget. High flow for a lower price. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Cold Air Intakes)
Does a Cold Air Intake actually add horsepower?
Yes, but be realistic. On a naturally aspirated 5.7L HEMI, a high-quality intake (like S&B) can add 10–15 HP at high RPMs. You likely won't feel a massive "seat of the pants" difference in speed, but you will feel a sharper throttle response and better pull when passing on the highway.
Will it void my warranty?
No. In the US, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects you. A dealership cannot void your engine warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket intake, unless they can prove the intake caused a specific failure (like sucking in water). Most reputable brands (S&B, K&N) are engineered to be safe for your engine.
Do I need to tune my truck after installing this?
No. These intakes are designed to work with the factory ECU (computer). The truck's sensors will adjust the air/fuel ratio automatically. However, pairing an intake with a Performance Tuner (like DiabloSport) will maximize the gains and unlock even more power.
Let it breathe.
Unlock the sound and response your HEMI deserves. Shop our verified collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Cold Air Intakes.