Best Cold Air Intake for Diesel Trucks Guide 2022
For diesel trucks, you will need the best cold air intake for your truck. The key to running a diesel engine is proper combustion chamber design, a good air filter, and clean air flowing into the engine. A bad air filter and poor airflow will cause your engine to run rich which will lead to excessive wear on piston rings, rod bearings, valves, etc.
You want clean air for your diesel engine to run well. If you have poor air flow through the filter, then you will not get the proper fuel/air ratio and you will get a lot of blowby in the form of unburned fuel exiting the tailpipe of your diesel truck. In this article, we will discuss Best Cold Air Intake for Diesel Trucks in 2022 and also share the detailed reasons why you will consider them. Let’s start!
Quick Shopping Tips for Buying Cold Air Intake of Diesel Trucks:
Here are some Quick Shopping Tips for buying them:
Material:
The material of the filter is a crucial part of the whole filter because it affects the efficiency and durability of the whole filter. There are three main materials for air intake filters, namely glass fiber, polyester and stainless steel.
- Glass fiber :
Glass fiber is mainly used in the air intake filters for diesel trucks, which is usually made of polypropylene (PP) fiber. PP is a kind of synthetic fiber, which is used to make various products such as plastic bottles, sheets, and bags. It’s usually cheaper than the other two types of materials, but it has some disadvantages.
- First, it’s fragile and easy to break when hit by a sharp object.
- Second, it is prone to contamination and thus is easy to clog.
- Third, it is likely to crack when exposed to high temperatures.
Glass fiber is a good choice for air intake filters, because it’s sturdy, and it’s less likely to crack.
- Polyester:
Polyester is the most commonly used material for diesel truck air intake filters. Its advantage is that it is less likely to crack, and it’s cheaper than glass fiber. However, polyester filters tend to get clogged easily, and the contaminants are more likely to stick to it. Polyester air intake filters are usually coated with Teflon to reduce the possibility of contaminants sticking to the filter.
- Stainless steel :
Stainless steel is a good alternative to polyester. It is also less likely to crack, and it is less likely to get clogged. It is also more durable than polyester. But it is a little bit more expensive than the other two types of material.
Water protection mechanism:
To protect the engine from water, diesel trucks use a special mechanism called the “water protection system”. There are many different types of water protection systems, and they vary in their effectiveness, durability, and price. The water protection system for air intake filters must be able to keep water and dirt particles from entering the air intake filter. It is also required to keep out the salt and other contaminants from entering the engine.
Oiled/dry filter:
The oiled filter is a kind of air intake filter, and it is used for diesel trucks. The main difference between the oiled filter and the air intake filter is that the oiled filter is oiled to increase its filtering efficiency, while the air intake filter is oil-free. An air intake filter with oiling is less likely to clog, and it can be replaced more easily than an oil-free filter. The disadvantage of the oiled air intake filter is that it requires more maintenance.
Design:
The design of the filter is also a crucial factor that affects the durability and life of the filter. The design of the filter should allow the air to flow smoothly, and it should have a reasonable size. A large filter will easily clog. A small filter will reduce the air volume that passes through the air intake filter, and it will also reduce the airflow through the engine.
Durability:
The durability of the filter is another crucial factor that affects its life. The durability of the air intake filter is determined by the material of the filter and the design of the filter. There are four main factors that affect the durability of a diesel truck air intake filter. These are the material, size, shape, and coating.
1. Material:
The material of the filter has a direct influence on the durability of the filter. The more durable the material is, the longer the filter will last.
2. Size:
The size of the air intake filter determines the airflow, and it will affect the air volume that passes through the air intake filter. The smaller the air intake filter is, the more airflow it will have, and the less chance of clogging. But it will be harder to clean and replace.
3. Shape:
The shape of the air intake filter determines how much air can pass through the filter. The more airflow it can have, the less chance of clogging. But a round filter is more difficult to clean.
4. Coating:
The coating of the air intake filter can reduce the chance of clogging. If the coating is thick enough, it will be difficult for the contaminants to get stuck on the filter. It will also reduce the chance of contaminants blocking the airflow.
Top 3 Best Cold Air Intake for Diesel Trucks in 2022:
Let’s discuss our top 3 picks of Air Intake for Diesel Trucks in 2022:
1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Increase Horsepower: Compatible with 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty (F250, F350, F450, F550) 6.7L V8 Diesel,63-2597
K&N Cold Air Intake is great for those who are looking to increase the horsepower of their truck. They’re easy to install, and the included instructions are detailed enough to make them easy to do. As you can tell, the kit comes with everything you need to get started. You just need to have a good screwdriver to attach the intake, and you’re ready to go.
The kit includes a K&N high-flow air filter, a tube, a mounting bracket, and a few screws. The air filter is made of high-quality metal and is washable, which is important for cleaning the air filter. It doesn’t look like much, but it works really well, and it makes a big difference in the way your truck sounds.
The K&N cold air intake kit increases horsepower and torque by approximately 10%, according to the company. I’ve tested it on my F450 and it works really well. I’ve noticed an improvement in acceleration, as well as a better throttle response.
Installation is straightforward and it’s easy to understand how to do it. There are two different types of installation: one is the bolt-on method and the other is the tube-on method. I prefer the tube-on method because it’s easier to fit around the factory mounting location.
There are three different parts that make up the whole intake system: the intake tube, the high-flow air filter, and the air intake duct. You can purchase them separately if you want to, but I recommend buying the whole kit. It’s a lot more affordable and you’ll get a better deal.
Features:
- The new high-flow air filter increases airflow by up to 50% compared to factory filters.
- An air intake system is designed to improve acceleration, towing, and throttle response.
- Aerodynamic tube design contributes to a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque.
- Easy to install and maintain with air filter cleaning required only every 100,000 miles.
Benefits:
- It is simple to remove the air filter and clean it. It also looks good, and I think it’s a nice design.
Drawback:
- Nothing really. I like the design.
2. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: 50-State Legal: Fits 2003-2007 Dodge (Ram 2500, Ram 3500) 5.9L L6 Diesel,57-1532
3. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: Fits 2007-2008 Chevy/GMC/Cadillac (Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, Avalanche, Sierra 1500/Denali, Yukon, Escalade)57-3058
K&N air intake systems are engineered for increased performance, outstanding durability, and sleek aesthetics—and are available in an assortment of finishes and powder coatings.
I used K&N air intake systems in my last two vehicles, and they’re great. The performance increase is noticeable, especially when driving in cold weather.
The finish is sleek and attractive, and it looks good in my vehicle. It’s a very premium look, and it’s one of the first things that draws people’s attention.
They’re not as noisy as the stock air intake, and the performance increase is quite substantial.
K&N air intakes are dyno-tested and provide up to 50% more airflow compared to OEM intakes.
Features:
- Get an aggressive look with a sleek, polished finish.
- Reduce engine noise and improve performance.
- Provide up to 50% more airflow than stock.
- Dyno-tested for increased horsepower and torque.
Benefits:
- Very easy to work with.
- Very easy to install.
- The quality of the product is outstanding.
Drawback:
- Nothing, I would definitely recommend this product.
FAQ
Cold air intakes do help diesel trucks because they allow diesel trucks to run more efficiently. They also improve gas mileage. They also help prevent the formation of deadly pollutants, which leads to a cleaner environment. So, yes, cold air intakes do help diesel trucks.
Cold air intakes do not make diesel louder. Rather, they add an extra layer of filtration to your engine’s intake system. This is done to protect your engine from harmful particles in the air. If your diesel makes a loud noise, chances are, it’s a result of faulty filters and air ducts.
Conclusion:
We have top picks of the best cold air intake systems for diesel trucks, so you can use our guide above to find the right one for your needs. It’s important to know that when you’re buying a cold air intake, there are a few different factors to consider. If you’re buying a cold air intake for a diesel truck, you’ll want to consider the following: performance, price, weight, and installation.
Christian H.
I’m an automotive enthusiast and writer. My passion is in creating content that is useful, entertaining, and engaging to my audience.
I started this blog to help people who were thinking about buying a cold air intake system or were just getting into the world of performance and handling upgrades. I try to keep my reviews real, honest, and straightforward. I use my 20 years of experience and research to keep my articles as unbiased and honest as possible.