Why Upgrade Your Ram 1500’s Intake System

Your Ram 1500’s factory air intake system is designed to balance cost, noise, and emissions, not peak performance. The stock airbox often restricts airflow, especially once you add larger tires, a tune, or simply want more response from the Hemi. A Volant cold air intake replaces the restrictive plastic box and paper filter with a smoother intake tube and a high-flow, reusable cotton filter. This allows your engine to breathe colder, denser air, which can lead to measurable gains in horsepower, torque, and fuel economy.

Volant is a respected name in aftermarket intakes, known for their sealed airbox designs that pull air from outside the engine bay, reducing heat soak compared to open-element intakes. Their systems are engineered for a precise fit and include a mass airflow (MAF) sensor adapter, making installation straightforward for most DIYers. Below, we’ll walk through the entire process, from gathering tools to post-installation checks, so you can get the most out of your upgrade.

What You’ll Gain: Performance and Efficiency

Before diving into the install, let’s clarify the real-world benefits you can expect from a Volant cold air intake on a Ram 1500, particularly the 5.7L Hemi or the 3.6L Pentastar V6.

  • Horsepower & Torque: Most Volant kits for Ram trucks advertise gains of 10–20 horsepower at the flywheel, with similar torque improvements. Peak gains occur in the mid-to-upper RPM range, where the stock intake becomes a bottleneck.
  • Throttle Response: The smoother, larger-diameter intake tube reduces air restriction. You’ll feel a crisper response when you step on the gas, especially from a stop or during passing maneuvers.
  • Fuel Economy: Under light throttle, the engine can breathe more efficiently, potentially increasing highway fuel economy by 1–3 MPG. This is highly dependent on driving habits and vehicle load.
  • Engine Sound: The intake adds a deeper growl under acceleration without being obnoxious. The sealed Volant box keeps noise levels reasonable at cruising speeds.
  • Filter Longevity: Volant uses a cotton gauze filter that is washable and reusable, saving you money on replacements over the life of the truck.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Volant kits come with all necessary hardware (clamps, brackets, and a pre-oiled filter). Still, you’ll want to gather your own tools to avoid mid-job trips to the hardware store.

  • Volant cold air intake kit (part number specific to your Ram’s engine)
  • Socket set: ¼-inch drive with 8mm, 10mm, and 13mm sockets
  • Ratchet and extension bar
  • Flathead screwdriver (for prying clips or hose clamps)
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Torque wrench (5–15 lb-ft range for small bolts)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Shop towels or rags
  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • Penetrating oil (if bolts are seized)
  • Digital camera or phone (for reference photos before disassembly)

Optional but helpful: A small pick set for removing stubborn vacuum lines, and a trim removal tool if your Ram has plastic push-pins.

Before You Begin: Important Pre-Install Steps

Set aside 60–90 minutes for the installation. Work on a level surface with good lighting. Ensure the engine is completely cool—touching hot exhaust manifolds or coolant hoses is a safety hazard and can burn you. Disconnect the negative battery terminal (10mm bolt) and let the truck sit for at least five minutes. This resets the ECU adaptions and prevents any electrical shorts while you handle the MAF sensor wiring.

Take a picture of the factory intake setup before removing anything. That reference can be invaluable if you get confused or need to revert to stock for warranty work.

Step 1: Remove the Factory Intake System

The stock intake on a Ram 1500 consists of the airbox (usually a large rectangular box on the passenger side), a resonator tube, the intake tube connecting to the throttle body, and the MAF sensor mounted in the tube.

  1. Disconnect the MAF sensor: Locate the electrical connector on the intake tube. Press the release tab and pull it straight off. Avoid pulling on the wires.
  2. Loosen the intake tube clamps: Use a flathead screwdriver or 8mm socket to loosen the clamp at the throttle body (the large metal ring) and the clamp connecting the tube to the airbox.
  3. Remove the intake tube: Gently wiggle the tube free from the throttle body and the airbox. On some Ram models, there may be a small vacuum line attached to the tube—unclip it first.
  4. Unbolt the airbox: The airbox is typically held by two or three 10mm bolts or plastic push-pins. Remove them and lift the airbox out of the engine bay. You may need to detach the fresh air inlet duct (a plastic snorkel that goes to the grille).
  5. Remove the old filter: The paper filter lifts out of the box. Discard it unless you plan to keep it as a backup.

Wipe down the throttle body opening with a clean rag—over time, oil and dirt can accumulate there. If you see heavy carbon buildup, consider using a throttle body cleaner before reinstalling the new intake.

Step 2: Prepare the Volant Components

Open the Volant kit and lay out all parts. You should have:

  • The main intake tube (usually black plastic with a smooth inner bore)
  • The airbox base and lid (sealed with weatherstripping)
  • A cotton filter (pre-oiled or dry—some kits require you to oil the filter yourself)
  • MAF sensor adapter (if required for your engine)
  • Mounting brackets and fasteners
  • Silicon hoses, couplers, and stainless-steel clamps
  • Installation manual (read it even if you think you know the process)

If the filter is not pre-oiled, apply the included oil evenly across the gauze, then let it sit for 20 minutes before handling. This allows the oil to wick into the fibers. Do not over-oil—excess oil can contaminate the MAF sensor.

Step 3: Install the MAF Sensor Adapter

Your stock MAF sensor needs to be transferred from the factory intake tube to the Volant tube. Most Volant kits provide a dedicated mounting plate or a cutout in the intake tube itself.

  1. Remove the two Phillips-head screws holding the MAF sensor to the old intake tube.
  2. Carefully extract the sensor—handle it by the plastic housing, not the delicate sensing elements.
  3. Orient the sensor so the arrow (if marked) points in the direction of airflow (toward the engine).
  4. Screw it into the Volant’s adapter plate using the supplied hardware. Torque to 4–6 lb-ft (hand-tight plus a quarter turn is fine).
  5. Inspect the rubber gasket between the sensor and the tube—it must be seated properly to avoid vacuum leaks.

Step 4: Mount the Volant Airbox

The sealed airbox design is what sets Volant apart from open-element intakes. It keeps hot engine air out and pulls cool air from the wheel well or grille.

  1. Position the airbox base in the engine bay where the stock box was. It should align with the fresh air inlet duct (you may reuse the stock duct or modify it—check your kit’s instructions).
  2. Secure the box using the provided bracket and bolts. On Ram 1500s, there is often a threaded hole on the inner fender that matches Volant’s bracket.
  3. Insert the conical filter into the airbox lid first, then snap or screw the lid onto the base. The filter should sit snugly inside the box.
  4. Connect the silicone coupler or reducer hose between the airbox and the intake tube. Tighten the clamps finger-tight initially—leave them loose enough to rotate the tube for final alignment.

Tip: Some Ram models have a secondary vacuum line that connected to the old intake. If your Volant kit does not include a barb for it, cap it with a rubber vacuum cap (available at any auto parts store).

Step 5: Route and Secure the Intake Tube

Now slide the intake tube onto the throttle body opening. It should slide on smoothly without excessive force. If it’s too tight, loosen the throttle body clamp slightly and use a tiny amount of dish soap on the lip.

  1. Push the tube fully onto the throttle body until it seats against the stop ring.
  2. Tighten the throttle body clamp to 8–10 lb-ft (snug but not crushing the plastic).
  3. Attach the opposite end of the tube to the silicon coupler from the airbox. Align the tube so it does not rub against the radiator hose, fan shroud, or power steering lines.
  4. Tighten all clamps evenly. Recheck the MAF sensor plug—make sure it’s fully seated and the locking tab clicks.

Double-check clearance around the alternator and belt—the new tube should not contact moving parts. If it does, rotate the tube slightly to reposition it.

Step 6: Final Wiring and Vacuum Line Checks

Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Before starting the engine, verify that all electrical connectors are plugged in securely, especially the MAF sensor and any secondary sensors (like intake air temperature, if your Ram has one).

If your kit included a crankcase ventilation hose adapter (sometimes required to keep the PCV system functional), ensure it is routed away from the hot exhaust manifold and secured with the supplied clamp. A loose PCV hose can cause a vacuum leak and rough idle.

Step 7: Start and Test the System

Start the engine and let it idle for one to two minutes. The idle should be stable—no surging or misfires. If the idle is rough, check for intake leaks (listen for hissing sounds) or a mis-seated MAF sensor. Shut the engine off and inspect all clamps for tightness.

Take the truck for a short test drive (5–10 miles) under varying loads—stop-and-go, gentle acceleration, and a highway cruise. Pay attention to:

  • Throttle response: Should feel crisp and immediate.
  • Engine sound: A deeper intake note is normal, but loud sucking noises may indicate a leak.
  • Check Engine Light: If the CEL comes on, it’s often due to an air leak or a MAF sensor that has not been properly connected. Use an OBD scanner to read the code.

After the test drive, let the engine cool and re-torque the throttle body clamp and airbox mounting bolts. The heat cycle can loosen them slightly.

Maintenance and Tuning Considerations

Filter Cleaning

Volant recommends cleaning the cotton filter every 30,000–50,000 miles (more often if you drive in dusty conditions). Use a dedicated cotton filter cleaning kit: gently rinse the filter with low-pressure water from the clean side out, apply the cleaner, let it soak, rinse again, then re-oil evenly. Allow the filter to dry for at least 12 hours before reinstalling.

ECU Adaptation

Your Ram’s engine control unit (ECU) will automatically adapt to the increased airflow over several drive cycles. You may notice that peak performance improves after 100–200 miles as the fuel trims adjust. To speed up this process, disconnect the battery for 15 minutes after installation to clear adaptive memory, then drive the truck in a mix of city and highway conditions.

Optional Tuning

If you want to maximize power gains, consider pairing the Volant intake with a custom tune from a trusted provider like DiabloSport or HP Tuners. A tune can adjust air-fuel ratios, ignition timing, and transmission shift points to take advantage of the increased airflow. Without tuning, you will still see modest gains, but a tune unlocks the full potential of the intake system.

Potential Issues

The most common issue after installing a cold air intake is a check engine light related to MAF sensor readings (P0101, P0102). This usually means the sensor is not properly seated, or there is a leak between the MAF and the throttle body. Another possibility is over-oiling the filter—oil residue on the MAF hot wire will cause skewed readings. If this occurs, clean the MAF sensor with a dedicated MAF cleaner (do not touch the wire) and ensure the filter is properly dried after oiling.

Comparing Volant to Other Ram 1500 Intakes

Volant’s closed-box design gives it an advantage over open-element intakes (like K&N or S&B) in hot climates or heavy towing situations. The sealed box reduces heat soak, keeping intake air temperature closer to ambient. Open-element intakes can pull in hot underhood air when moving slowly, which reduces power. However, open intakes often offer slightly higher peak airflow numbers on a dyno. For a daily-driven Ram that sees traffic jams, off-road use, or towing, Volant’s heat management is a worthwhile trade-off.

Another popular choice is the Mopar cold air intake, which is essentially a Mopar-branded version of an open-element intake. It costs more than Volant and does not offer the same thermal barrier. Volant also provides a CNC-machined billet aluminum MAF sensor housing on some kits, which improves sensor consistency.

Conclusion

Installing a Volant cold air intake on your Ram 1500 is one of the most satisfying and cost-effective bolt-on upgrades you can tackle in your driveway. The process is simple enough for a beginner with basic hand tools, yet the results—better throttle response, a more aggressive exhaust note, and real horsepower gains—are immediately noticeable. By following the steps above, you’ll ensure a leak-free installation that will serve you for years.

If you run into any issues during the install, consult the detailed instruction booklet included in the box or check online forums like RamForum.com for advice from other owners who have done the same swap. For more information on the science behind intake tuning, the folks at Engine Builder Magazine offer deep technical articles that explain airflow dynamics. And if you’re considering a complementary upgrade, a Holley EFI throttle body spacer can further smooth out airflow, though gains from spacers alone are minimal compared to a proper intake.

Enjoy the enhanced sound and performance on your next drive—your Ram 1500 will thank you every time you step on the gas.