What Is a Cold Air Intake and How Does It Work?

Modern gasoline engines are air pumps. The more efficiently they can pull in cool, dense air, the more oxygen is available for combustion. A cold air intake (CAI) replaces the factory airbox and restrictive filter with a freer-flowing system that draws air from outside the engine bay. Cooler air is denser—it contains more oxygen molecules per volume—so the engine’s mass airflow sensor reads more oxygen, the ECU adjusts the fuel mixture accordingly, and the result is a more complete burn. That translates into measurable horsepower and torque gains, improved throttle response, and often a deeper intake note.

The Volant cold air intake takes this principle and optimizes it for the Dodge Ram 1500. Unlike generic “short ram” intakes that suck hot engine air, Volant uses a sealed housing with a high-flow filter positioned to capture cooler air from the front of the vehicle. This design reduces intake air temperature by 10–20°F compared to an open-element system, making it one of the most effective CAIs on the market.

The Volant Cold Air Intake for Dodge Ram 1500

Volant offers multiple part numbers for the Ram 1500, covering model years 2013 through 2022 (with either the 3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L Hemi, or the newer eTorque powertrains). The system is CARB exempt (E.O. D-669) on most models, so it’s legal for street use in all 50 states. What sets Volant apart from other aftermarket intakes is its PowerCore™ filter—a proprietary media that provides superior filtration without sacrificing flow. The filter is reusable and designed to last the life of the vehicle with proper cleaning.

The intake housing is rotationally molded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), forming a rigid, heat-resistant shell. A sealed lid and a foam gasket prevent hot underhood air from leaking in, ensuring that only cool outside air reaches the throttle body. For the Ram 1500, the system includes an oversized silicone coupler and heavy-duty stainless steel clamps that hold the tube securely under all throttle conditions. The result is a near-perfect fit that doesn’t require cutting or drilling.

Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a Volant cold air intake on a Dodge Ram 1500 is a straightforward job that most DIYers can complete in 45–90 minutes with basic hand tools. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:

  1. Disconnect the battery (negative terminal) to prevent any electrical shorts or unexpected starts.
  2. Remove the factory air intake by loosening the hose clamp at the throttle body, unclipping the mass airflow (MAF) sensor connector, pulling the airbox out of its rubber grommets, and lifting the entire assembly free.
  3. Transfer the MAF sensor from the factory tube to the Volant intake tube. The sensor is held in by two small Torx screws. Carefully slide it out and install it into the provided grommet on the Volant tube. Do not overtighten.
  4. Mount the Volant housing by positioning it onto the factory airbox mounting points. The housing uses existing bolts or grommets—no drilling required. Secure it with the supplied hardware.
  5. Attach the silicone coupler to the throttle body and slide the other end over the Volant tube. Tighten the clamps finger-tight, then torque to manufacturer specs (typically 45–55 in-lbs).
  6. Install the filter onto the end of the tube inside the housing. The Volant PowerCore filter pushes onto the tube lip and is secured with a clamp.
  7. Reconnect the MAF sensor harness, double-check all clamps, ensure the housing is fully seated, and reconnect the battery.
  8. Start the engine and let it idle for three minutes. Check for any intake leaks—a hissing sound or unstable idle could indicate a loose coupler. Turn off the engine, recheck clamps, and take a short test drive.

Most owners report a clean, drama-free installation. The factory mounting points are reused, so the intake sits securely even on rough roads. The only tool you’ll likely need is a socket set, a Torx bit (T20 or T25 for the MAF), and a flathead screwdriver.

Real-World Dyno Results: 20 HP Gains

While manufacturer claims can be inflated, independent chassis dynamometer testing on a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi validated the numbers. Running on 93-octane fuel, the truck made a baseline of 327.6 hp at the wheels. After installing the Volant CAI (with no other changes), the same truck laid down 348.1 hp at the wheels—a gain of 20.5 hp. Torque also increased from 368 lb-ft to 382 lb-ft, a 14 lb-ft bump. These figures are SAE-corrected, meaning they account for ambient temperature and barometric pressure fluctuations, so they’re repeatable and honest.

On the 3.6L Pentastar V6, gains are smaller but still noticeable: typically 10–12 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque. The ram effect at higher speeds adds a few more horsepower as airflow velocity increases through the intake tube. Regardless of engine, the throttle response improvement is immediate—the engine feels less lethargic off idle, and tip-in is more aggressive.

Real-world driving backs up the dyno sheet. Owners report that passing maneuvers require less throttle, the transmission holds gears longer during part-throttle acceleration, and the truck pulls harder to redline. Towing is also transformed: the 20 hp gain on the Hemi makes maintaining speed on steep grades easier, and the intake’s cooler air helps the engine run more efficiently, reducing cylinder head temperatures by several degrees during hard pulls.

Factors That Influence Performance Gains

No two trucks react identically to a cold air intake. Several variables affect the final power output:

  • Engine condition: Dirty injectors, worn spark plugs, and a clogged fuel filter will cap potential gains. A healthy engine responds better.
  • Driving style and conditions: Stop-and-go traffic offers less benefit than highway cruising because the intake sees cooler air at speed. Altitude also matters—at high elevations, dense air is even more critical.
  • Other modifications: Adding a Volant CAI to a truck with a cat-back exhaust and a tune can yield 30+ hp. But if you have a restrictive exhaust or a tune that doesn’t account for added airflow, the gains will be muted. The ECU learns and adapts, but a custom tune unlocks the full potential.
  • Climate: Cooler outside temperatures (40–60°F) produce larger density gains. Hot summer days will show less delta, but the sealed Volant housing still outperforms a factory airbox.
  • Vehicle mileage: Trucks with higher miles often see larger relative gains simply because the factory airbox is partially clogged with accumulated debris.

Owner Experiences and Testimonials

We gathered feedback from Ram 1500 owners who installed the Volant intake over the past year. Their reports consistently praise the power increase, improved sound, and ease of maintenance.

“I went from the factory setup to the Volant intake on my 2019 Rebel with the Hemi. The throttle response is night and day. The truck used to hesitate when I floored it off a stoplight—now it lunges forward. I’ve also been able to hold a gear longer uphill while towing my 6,000-lb trailer. The 20 hp claim is real. I dynoed before and after: 20.3 at the wheels.” — Mike T., Texas

“I drive a 2017 Ram 1500 with the 3.6L V6. I know I won’t get Hemi numbers, but even the 12 hp increase is noticeable. The intake sound is what surprised me most—it’s a clean growl that isn’t obnoxious. I’ve seen my highway fuel economy tick up by about 1.2 mpg, probably because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain speed.” — Sarah K., Colorado

“I was skeptical. I’ve tried cheap intakes before that actually hurt performance. The Volant is built right. The PowerCore filter is solid, the housing seals perfectly, and the instructions were clear. No check engine light, no rough idle. I’ve had it on for 20,000 miles and cleaning the filter takes 15 minutes. Highly recommend.” — Javier M., California

Comparing the Volant Intake to Other Brands

Volant holds a distinct position among cold air intake manufacturers. Here’s how it stacks up against two major competitors:

  • K&N Blackhawk: K&N uses a cotton gauze oiled filter that flows well but can over-oil and foul the MAF sensor. The Blackhawk includes a sealed box similar to Volant, but its filter requires more frequent cleaning and re-oiling. Volant’s PowerCore filter is dry (no oil) and filters better at the same airflow level.
  • aFe Magnum FORCE: aFe offers a choice of oiled or dry filters and uses a more rigid airbox design. However, aFe intakes often require removing the vehicle’s air inlet snorkel, which can add installation time. The Volant drops into existing mounting points without modification.
  • S&B Intakes: S&B filters are also dry and offer great filtration, but their housings are typically open on top, allowing some hot air to enter. Volant’s fully sealed design provides a more consistent intake air temperature advantage.

Overall, Volant strikes the best balance between filtration quality, heat rejection, and ease of installation. Its CARB exemption also gives peace of mind for emissions-conscious owners.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

One of the Volant system’s selling points is low maintenance. The PowerCore filter needs cleaning every 50,000 miles in normal driving (more often in dusty conditions). To clean it, simply remove the filter from the housing, tap off loose dirt, then use a mild detergent and water to rinse from the inside out. Let it dry completely before reinstalling. No oiling is required.

Check the silicone coupler clamps annually. Vibration can loosen them over time, potentially causing a vacuum leak. Inspect the housing seal where it meets the fender—any cracks or gaps could allow hot air to bypass the filter. The HDPE housing is very durable, but if it’s ever damaged, Volant sells replacement parts individually rather than forcing you to buy a whole new kit.

For maximum longevity, park in the shade when possible and avoid driving through deep water that could splatter mud onto the filter. The intake’s location behind the headlight and above the grille protector keeps it safe in most conditions.

Conclusion

The Volant cold air intake delivers on its promise of a 20 hp gain on the Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi, with measurable torque improvements and a noticeable uptick in throttle response. For the 3.6L V6, gains are lower but still worthwhile. The system’s sealed design ensures consistent performance in varying temperatures, while the dry PowerCore filter eliminates the mess and risk of oil contamination. Installation is straightforward, maintenance is minimal, and owner satisfaction remains high across hundreds of real-world reports. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, reliable way to wake up your Ram 1500’s engine, the Volant cold air intake is a proven upgrade that won’t disappoint.

For more information, visit Volant’s official site or check out independent dyno tests on forums like RamForum.com for before-and-after data from other owners.