Introduction to Banks Power Ram‑Air Intakes

Upgrading your vehicle’s air intake is one of the most effective ways to unlock additional horsepower, improve throttle response, and even increase fuel economy. The Banks Power Ram‑Air Intake is engineered to deliver cooler, denser air to your engine by drawing from a high‑pressure area near the grille or bumper. This design reduces restriction and allows the engine to breathe more freely, resulting in measurable gains in both power and efficiency. Whether you drive a diesel truck, an SUV, or a performance car, a well‑designed ram‑air intake can transform the driving experience.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of installing a Banks Power Ram‑Air Intake on your vehicle. From gathering the right tools to final testing, each step is explained in detail to ensure a safe, professional‑grade installation. By the end, you’ll be ready to enjoy the benefits of improved airflow and the unmistakable soundtrack of an engine that can breathe.

Understanding Ram‑Air Technology

Ram‑air intakes work on a simple principle: moving air has kinetic energy. By positioning the intake opening in the vehicle’s high‑pressure stagnation zone (typically just behind the grille), the incoming air is “rammed” into the air filter and throttle body at a higher density than what a conventional cold‑air intake can achieve. This effect is most noticeable at highway speeds, where the pressure differential becomes significant.

Banks Power has refined this concept with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and real‑world dyno testing. Their intake kits feature precision‑molded ducts, high‑flow filters, and smooth transition pieces that minimize turbulence. The result is not just more power—it’s more usable power across the entire RPM range, often with a reduction in intake air temperature (IAT) by 20–30°F compared to a stock system.

For a deeper dive into the science, you can read Banks’ own engineering resources or check independent dyno charts available through enthusiast forums such as Diesel Place.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, ensure you have all the items listed below. Using a torque wrench and following manufacturer torque specs will guarantee that seals hold and components stay secure under engine vibration. Most Banks Power Ram‑Air Intake kits come with everything needed for the hardware (clamps, brackets, bolts), but having the right hand tools on hand will save time.

  • Socket set with extensions (metric and SAE, depending on vehicle)
  • Combination wrench set (open‑end and box‑end)
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Torque wrench (ft‑lb range for intake bolts)
  • Banks Power Ram‑Air Intake Kit (specific to your vehicle)
  • Shop towels or clean rags
  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • Wheel chocks and jack stands (if removing underbody panels)
  • Dielectric grease (for sensor connections)
  • Trim removal tool (for plastic clips or push‑pins)

If your installation requires removing the front grille or splash shield, a trim tool will prevent scratches. Always check the installation manual included in the kit for vehicle‑specific tool requirements.

Preparation Steps

Safety and Vehicle Positioning

Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake. Allow the engine to cool completely—a hot engine can cause burns and make it easier to strip threads. Disconnect the battery’s negative terminal (use a wrench to loosen the clamp) and isolate the cable to prevent accidental contact. This step is critical, as many modern vehicles have electronic throttle bodies and sensors that can be damaged by electrical shorts or accidental reconnection during work.

Clearing the Work Area

Remove any loose objects in the engine bay. If your intake ducting routes down behind the bumper, you may need to partially remove the grille or inner fender liner. Many Banks kits are designed for direct fitment with minimal disassembly, but consulting the online vehicle‑specific guide from Banks Power is recommended. You can find these at Banks Support Center.

Removing the Factory Air Intake System

Locate and Disconnect Sensors

Most modern engines have a mass air flow (MAF) sensor or intake air temperature (IAT) sensor located in the intake tube. Unplug the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and gently pulling. Do not pry on the sensor body. If the connector is stiff, use a small flathead screwdriver to release the lock.

Unbolt the Air Box and Tube

Using a socket set, remove the bolts or screws that secure the air filter housing or the intake tube to the throttle body. On some vehicles, there may be a bracket attached to the inner fender or engine block. Label any bolts or brackets to simplify reassembly. Carefully lift the entire assembly out of the engine bay—take care not to damage nearby vacuum lines or coolant hoses.

Inspect and Clean the Throttle Body

With the intake tube removed, look into the throttle body. Accumulation of oil residue and carbon is common, especially on direct‑injection engines. Use a shop towel dampened with throttle body cleaner to wipe away deposits. Avoid getting cleaner inside the throttle body shaft or the idle air control valve (if present). A clean throttle body ensures the new intake’s airflow is not obstructed.

Installing the Banks Power Ram‑Air Intake

Assemble the Intake Components

Open the Banks kit and lay out all components on a clean surface. Refer to the installation manual for your specific vehicle—Banks provides detailed diagrams and often colour‑coded instructions. Typically, you will need to attach the ram‑air scoop to the filter housing, slide the silicone couplers over the tubes, and install the filter element. Hand‑tighten all clamps for now; final tightening comes after everything is aligned.

Position the Intake and Secure

Fit the new intake onto the throttle body. The silicone coupler should slide over the throttle body flange easily. If it is tight, warm the silicone slightly with a heat gun on low setting (do not overheat). Align the mounting brackets to the existing factory holes—Banks kits are engineered for bolt‑on fitment. Tighten the bracket bolts to the torque spec listed in the manual, usually between 8–12 ft‑lb for small fasteners and 15–20 ft‑lb for larger ones. Use a torque wrench to ensure accuracy.

Connect All Sensors

Reattach the MAF or IAT sensor to the new intake tube. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector pins to prevent corrosion and ensure a solid electrical connection. Push the connector until it clicks. If your vehicle has secondary air injection or a crankcase ventilation hose, attach those to the Barb fittings provided in the kit. Verify all hoses are routed away from hot surfaces (exhaust manifolds, turbochargers).

Double‑Check Clearances

Rotate the steering wheel lock‑to‑lock and observe the intake tube for contact with the power steering or axle components. Also ensure the air filter element does not rub against the inner fender or the battery tray. Adjust the position of the couplers if needed, then fully tighten all clamps to the recommended torque (typically 4–5 Nm for silicone connections—do not overtighten).

Post‑Installation Checks and First Start

Reconnect the Battery

Once the intake is securely installed and all wiring is reconnected, reattach the negative battery terminal. Tighten the clamp so that it cannot be moved by hand. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine, and let the fuel pump prime and the sensors re‑calibrate (about 10 seconds).

Start the Engine

Start the vehicle and allow it to idle. The engine management system may take a few seconds to adjust the air‑fuel ratio to the new airflow. Listen for any hissing sounds from loose connections, whistles from misaligned gaskets, or metallic rattles from touching components. If you hear anything abnormal, shut the engine off and inspect.

Inspect for Leaks

With the engine running, spray a small amount of starting fluid or soapy water around the intake joints (couplers, throttle body, sensor ports). A change in engine idle indicates an air leak. Tighten or reposition as needed. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature—watch the temperature gauge to ensure cooling system remains unaffected.

Test Drive and Performance Evaluation

Take the vehicle for a test drive on a safe road. Accelerate gently at first, then perform several wide‑open‑throttle passes to allow the ECU to learn the new intake characteristics. You should notice a crisper throttle response and increased pull, especially in the mid‑range. Many drivers report a subtle change in induction sound—a deeper, more aggressive note under load.

To quantify the improvement, consider logging intake air temperature and boost pressure (if turbocharged) via an OBD‑II scan tool. Banks Power publishes expected gains for each kit; for example, many of their Ram‑Air intakes deliver 10–25 horsepower and a similar percentage increase in torque, depending on engine tuning and condition. For real‑world numbers, check independent reviews on platforms like Trucks.com or owner feedback on Ram Forum.

Maintaining Your Banks Power Intake

Air Filter Care

Banks kits typically use high‑flow cotton gauze filters that can be cleaned and reused. Every 15,000–25,000 miles (sooner in dusty conditions), remove the filter and inspect it for dirt buildup. Wash with a dedicated filter cleaner, rinse with low‑pressure water (from the inside out), and let dry completely before re‑oiling with the included oil. Over‑oiling can contaminate the MAF sensor, so follow instructions carefully.

Inspect Clamps and Ducts

Every oil change, visually check all hose clamps for tightness and inspect the silicone couplers for cracking or hardening. Replace bolts if they show corrosion. The ram‑air scoop itself may collect debris—remove any leaves or bugs that could restrict airflow.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

  • Check Engine Light: If the CIL comes on post‑installation, the MAF sensor may be contaminated or the electrical connector loose. Clean the sensor or reseat the harness. Reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery for five minutes.
  • Idle Surge: This can occur if there is a vacuum leak at the throttle body or if the intake system is not sealed. Re‑torque all connections.
  • Insufficient Power Gain: Verify that the air filter is not oversized or the duct is kinked. Ensure the ram‑air inlet is positioned correctly behind the grille opening.

If problems persist, Banks Power offers technical support via phone or their website’s knowledge base. Do not hesitate to contact them—the engineers are very responsive.

Conclusion

Installing a Banks Power Ram‑Air Intake is a rewarding upgrade that delivers genuine performance improvements through better airflow and lower intake temperatures. By following this detailed guide, you can complete the installation with confidence, knowing every bolt, clamp, and sensor is correctly placed. The result is a vehicle that runs stronger, sounds more purposeful, and achieves greater efficiency on the road.

Regular maintenance—especially filter cleaning and clamp inspection—will preserve these gains for many thousands of miles. For further reading on maximizing your intake’s performance, visit the official Banks Power product page for your specific vehicle.