Mopar’s “Ram Airflow” Cold-Air Intake System For Ram 1500:

[HemiDude]

Since we have renamed this sticky thread to: The PC Pedal Commander is Better than buying a Ram Airflow: for securityguy.

Let's examine the performance and horsepower gained from the Pedal Commander (PC).

A quick look at the FAQ page on Pedal Commander website will show you that 0 HP is gained for your $300 investment.
View attachment 61742

So will the Pedal Commander improve your 0 - 60 MPH or 0 -100 MPH? (Answer Maybe) Depends on your driving skills.

See video below:

Basically the Pedal Commander is just remapping your throttle to make it more sensitive.
So you can put it on Sport+ Mode and when you barely touch the throttle or pedal in your truck it would be like already having the pedal or throttle half way down.

For those of us that like the throttle the way it is and when we decide to wake the beast we put the pedal to the metal.

So to summarize:
Pedal Commander 0 HP Gains.
Ram AirFlow 30+ HP possible.

I believe I made a better performance investment purchasing the Ram Airflow.

But as you told me securityguy. As long as your happy, I'm happy.

That video was entertaining, and reminded me of when I started tweaking the canned tune on my SRT Challenger. I could already roast the tires from a standstill (M6 trans), and then I bumped the throttle control to 20%, which effectively put most of my response at the lower end of the RPM range. Basically, nothing to gain by holding the pedal to the floor at higher RPMs. Lots of fun, and a set of rear tires after 5k miles LOL

 

[RAM Patriot]

I just figured out where I have seen this before.

 

[ChadT]

I was actually referring to the purchase of the TRX when or if you go that direction.

As for the Retrax I agree it is the best cover and security for our trucks.

That was one of the reasons that I went with a Quad cab so that I would have a larger bed 6'4" to account for the roll-up space taken by the cover.

View attachment 62898

Unbelievably cool tonneau cover

 

[ChadT]

Dyno before and after.

Interestingly enough, the claim of +12hp is actually pretty inline with what GMC claims they get from their AT4's exhaust/intake package.
+15hp on their 6.2L V8. You can see that here on their website, and below in the screenshot.
https://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/sierra-at4-off-road-performance-package

I know I risk kicking a beehive here, but short of Ram's engineers coming here and telling me otherwise, this is my understanding (and I've read everyone's opinions on this one).
An engine is an air-pump. In the old days of muscle cars, more power meant more displacement, to pump more air.
It's why the 2.7L turbo engines Ford has, are meant to compete against Chevy's 5.3L engine - while the 5.3 Is larger, using the turbo forcing in more air, it is mimicking a larger engine.

That's also why when someone has strange power loss, mechanics will often look for the old textbook case of, "mouse/chipmunk got into the air box and left a ton of seeds, sticks, and leaves in the filter. Then died." restricting airflow. To pretend the aiflow out of the airbox has ZERO effect at all on power, is kinda weird. Which is why no one has expressly said that in those words, more just implied it using some very sly verbal sleight of hand.

I think it's inarguable that the stock airbox is pretty good, it was designed to be that way.
I think it's inarguable that with the computers, sensors, and all the other doo-dads governing the engine, it is pretty hard to figure out with exacts, what is doing what.

HOWEVER, thanks to GMC being willing to state what their intake/exhaust net gains are, plus some common sense, I have my doubts that the net effect of a better airbox is zero. I personally think the debate is whether it's 3hp, 1hp, 15hp, 30hp net gains - and that's hard to tell.
(again, if you can lose power from a mouse setting up a hotel in your airbox, I think it's silly to suggest there's ZERO effect on the opposite).
The next debate is whether that's worth the price - and that's super understandable.

For me? I'm looking hard at the ram air.
I'd like a better flowing intake, and a mopar "Factory" unit that won't torch my warranty? I'm thinking I'm going to go all in.
I'm not expecting it to pull like a 7L V10.

And I wonder if I have to remove the grille shutters after installing this, after seeing it in the vararam thread.

 

[securityguy]

Interestingly enough, the claim of +12hp is actually pretty inline with what GMC claims they get from their AT4's exhaust/intake package.
+15hp on their 6.2L V8. You can see that here on their website, and below in the screenshot.
https://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/sierra-at4-off-road-performance-package

I know I risk kicking a beehive here, but short of Ram's engineers coming here and telling me otherwise, this is my understanding (and I've read everyone's opinions on this one).
An engine is an air-pump. In the old days of muscle cars, more power meant more displacement, to pump more air.
It's why the 2.7L turbo engines Ford has, are meant to compete against Chevy's 5.3L engine - while the 5.3 Is larger, using the turbo forcing in more air, it is mimicking a larger engine.

That's also why when someone has strange power loss, mechanics will often look for the old textbook case of, "mouse/chipmunk got into the air box and left a ton of seeds, sticks, and leaves in the filter. Then died." restricting airflow. To pretend the aiflow out of the airbox has ZERO effect at all on power, is kinda weird. Which is why no one has expressly said that in those words, more just implied it using some very sly verbal sleight of hand.

I think it's inarguable that the stock airbox is pretty good, it was designed to be that way.
I think it's inarguable that with the computers, sensors, and all the other doo-dads governing the engine, it is pretty hard to figure out with exacts, what is doing what.

HOWEVER, thanks to GMC being willing to state what their intake/exhaust net gains are, plus some common sense, I have my doubts that the net effect of a better airbox is zero. I personally think the debate is whether it's 3hp, 1hp, 15hp, 30hp net gains - and that's hard to tell.
(again, if you can lose power from a mouse setting up a hotel in your airbox, I think it's silly to suggest there's ZERO effect on the opposite).
The next debate is whether that's worth the price - and that's super understandable.

For me? I'm looking hard at the ram air.
I'd like a better flowing intake, and a mopar "Factory" unit that won't torch my warranty? I'm thinking I'm going to go all in.
I'm not expecting it to pull like a 7L V10.

And I wonder if I have to remove the grille shutters after installing this, after seeing it in the vararam thread.

Sorry, but did you not find it funny that they say with the 6.2L you get up to 15hp and 9 ft/lb and on the 5.3 you get 80 hp and 86 ft/lb??? I don't believe these numbers which calls into question the other numbers. However, I can see 15hp and 9 ft/lb with an airbox AND exhaust change which is what they are stating for the 6.2L. I would also venture to say that these numbers are at high speeds, very cold air and at the higher range of the RPM scale. You spend $750 on whatever you like but I stand by my comments that you will feel NOTHING by adding this CAI.

Yes, you certainly did "kick the beehive" my friend but it's all good. Lot's of opinions on the subject. In the end, for those that want it because it looks cool...more power to ya. For those that think it actually does something that you'll notice, keep thinking that I typically don't tell people how to spend their money and it's certainly not my place to do so. I just hate to see folks spend a ton of money on something that doesn't give it back in value or performance. Just this mans opinion which many on this forum appear to agree with.....

 

[ChadT]

Sorry, but did you not find it funny that they say with the 6.2L you get up to 15hp and 9 ft/lb and on the 5.3 you get 80 hp and 86 ft/lb??? I don't believe these numbers which calls into question the other numbers. However, I can see 15hp and 9 ft/lb with an airbox AND exhaust change which is what they are stating for the 6.2L. I would also venture to say that these numbers are at high speeds, very cold air and at the higher range of the RPM scale. You spend $750 on whatever you like but I stand by my comments that you will feel NOTHING by adding this CAI.

Yes, you certainly did "kick the beehive" my friend but it's all good. Lot's of opinions on the subject. In the end, for those that want it because it looks cool...more power to ya. For those that think it actually does something that you'll notice, keep thinking that I typically don't tell people how to spend their money and it's certainly not my place to do so. I just hate to see folks spend a ton of money on something that doesn't give it back in value or performance. Just this mans opinion which many on this forum appear to agree with.....

Big respect for actually clicking the link.
I personally think their web developer goofed and added a digit.
People tend not to proof read!
Translating out of "Dammit it's 3am and I'm just gunna hit publish"-ese, I think that's an 8hp and 6ft/lb number. They probably kept asking for clarification - and if anyone's had to deal with those detroit teams before, getting an answer back digitally can be like pulling teeth. I think they got frustrated, had a deadline, said "**** it we'll do it live."

I also believe that freer flowing exhaust and airbox work hand in hand. I think using one with out the other, it's incomplete.

I also think skepticism is healthy! Especially when it comes to people and their money.
Being realistic, the CAI and exhaust alone won't make the 5.7L hemi into a hellcat, BUT I do believe there are gains.
I think it's understandable to temper expectations, and think hard about what we want from it, and what we're paying.
For some people it doesn't make sense.

I'm in the "SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY" crowd on this one

 

[INVISBLE]

All this back and forth about the PC vs the Ram air amuses me since I dont notice any throttle lag in my truck. Damn thing jerks instantly as soon as I give it gas but it might be the etorque difference vs the non which I see alot of posters in here have.

 

[securityguy]

All this back and forth about the PC vs the Ram air amuses me since I dont notice any throttle lag in my truck. Damn thing jerks instantly as soon as I give it gas but it might be the etorque difference vs the non which I see alot of posters in here have.

You may be correct...the standard 5.7L HEMI has SERIOUS throttle lag that the PC totally eliminates.

As for how I spent my $750...I just bought a new SIG SAUER P320 XFULL 9mm pistol with a Romeo1 Pro sight and two 17 cartridge magazines. I am preparing for both a TRUMP WIN or a TRUMP LOSS...either way, we're all screwed and armageddon is coming to a city near you

 

[PowerJrod]

You may be correct...the standard 5.7L HEMI has SERIOUS throttle lag that the PC totally eliminates.

As for how I spent my $750...I just bought a new SIG SAUER P320 XFULL 9mm pistol with a Romeo1 Pro sight and two 17 cartridge magazines. I am preparing for both a TRUMP WIN or a TRUMP LOSS...either way, we're all screwed and armageddon is coming to a city near you

Money well spent. Sig it up!
Just picked up a Springfield Hellcat as my backup plinker....should've just bought another Sig lol

 

[securityguy]

Money well spent. Sig it up!
Just picked up a Springfield Hellcat as my backup plinker....should've just bought another Sig lol

I conceal carry my SIG P365. The P320 is when folks come over that I don't want coming over That Hellcat's a nice gun...I looked at them too.

 

[ChadT]

I conceal carry my SIG P365. The P320 is when folks come over that I don't want coming over That Hellcat's a nice gun...I looked at them too.

Fantastic taste in handguns there man.

Now I think you'll agree on this one - the flat trigger is a really good add on, LOVE the feel!

 

[PowerJrod]

I conceal carry my SIG P365. The P320 is when folks come over that I don't want coming over That Hellcat's a nice gun...I looked at them too.

I wanted the P365 but they only had the SAS model...which I have no interest in. The Hellcat is ok, trigger guard sits a little lower than I'd like...Sig has a better grip I think.

 

[securityguy]

I wanted the P365 but they only had the SAS model...which I have no interest in. The Hellcat is ok, trigger guard sits a little lower than I'd like...Sig has a better grip I think.

Loving my 365. Actually just picked up the P320 at lunch. Hoping to shoot it for the first time next week. I have heard great things about the gun and the flat trigger. My neighbor is a FED and he carries a P365 for concealed and uses his P320 when he has to serve a warrant. After all of my research, and talking to a ton of "gun" folks, the P320 was at the top of my list. Can't wait to blow through 100-150 rounds here soon.

 

[INVISBLE]

I LTC a P365 also and use a P320 .40 cal for bigger "targets". Last year I invested in a SIG Rattler in .300 and it's the best money I have ever spent! Not SIG fanboy but definitely impressed with them for sure.

 

[PowerJrod]

Loving my 365. Actually just picked up the P320 at lunch. Hoping to shoot it for the first time next week. I have heard great things about the gun and the flat trigger. My neighbor is a FED and he carries a P365 for concealed and uses his P320 when he has to serve a warrant. After all of my research, and talking to a ton of "gun" folks, the P320 was at the top of my list. Can't wait to blow through 100-150 rounds here soon.

Good pistols. I think I'll get the P320 compact next. Had the P320 TacOps full size...but it was just way too big lmao! sold that and my P229R for my CZ P10C and Hellcat.

 

[NOLA Rick]

My EDC is a Sig X-Compact with a Romeo1 Pro. Just do it. The grip is just perfect and the short barrel knocked .6 seconds off my condition 3 draw to fire. I was going to upgrade the trigger bar, but I don't know why anyone would spend the money. 2K+ rounds down range and nary a hiccup.

 

[SpeedyV]

Maybe time to move the gun conversation to a separate thread, guys...I came here looking for information on the Ram Airflow intake, and i had to scroll up 10 posts to find it!

 

[ChadT]

Maybe time to move the gun conversation to a separate thread, guys...I came here looking for information on the Ram Airflow intake, and i had to scroll up 10 posts to find it!

I totally agree with them on the Sigs

BUT, I did just order the mopar intake after reading all these threads. I'm thinking it's worth a try, I'll try to be as honest as I can about assembly, the butt dyno, and what I think about it all around.

I had a Gen 1 rebel for a few years, now I've had my Gen2 rebel for closing in on 2 years. I've basically driven 1/2ton trucks on ~33in tires, powered by a 5.7 Hemi with a ZF transmission for like 4 and a half years if you add it up. I've mostly driven the same roads, I live in the same area. If there's something different feeling with the truck, I expect to pick up on it quickly.

Short of someone on the design team for this vehicle/part coming in and telling us all the skinny on what that intake does or does not do, I won't water down my opinion to placate someone else - so prepare for an honest take when I get it!
I just hope I install it right. That's step 1.

I'm pretty curious and open minded about it, but whatever my opinion is I'll explain why as best I can!

 

[securityguy]

I totally agree with them on the Sigs

BUT, I did just order the mopar intake after reading all these threads. I'm thinking it's worth a try, I'll try to be as honest as I can about assembly, the butt dyno, and what I think about it all around.

I had a Gen 1 rebel for a few years, now I've had my Gen2 rebel for closing in on 2 years. I've basically driven 1/2ton trucks on ~33in tires, powered by a 5.7 Hemi with a ZF transmission for like 4 and a half years if you add it up. I've mostly driven the same roads, I live in the same area. If there's something different feeling with the truck, I expect to pick up on it quickly.

Short of someone on the design team for this vehicle/part coming in and telling us all the skinny on what that intake does or does not do, I won't water down my opinion to placate someone else - so prepare for an honest take when I get it!
I just hope I install it right. That's step 1.

I'm pretty curious and open minded about it, but whatever my opinion is I'll explain why as best I can!

Chad, I wish you the best with your new CAI. However, there is science that says this does nothing except under EXTREME conditions that most will never encounter. Your butt dyno and thoughts will be interesting to hear. However, most folks that spend this kind of money on accessories that do nothing, by themselves, will always feel "something" to justify the insane price of this equipment. I have tried just about all brands of CAI's over the last 20 years in a FORD and multiple GMC Sierra Denali's (K&N, AirAid, Volant, etc.). I have also researched these things for years and years and have always come to the same conclusion...they all look "cool" and many make more "noise", but it's all marketing and fuzzy math. Now if you said you were going to do a tune (which is truly necessary to take advantage of any gains in increased air flow), and possibly modify your exhaust to a true FREE-FLOW system, then you may feel a bit of difference. Without a tune and free flowing exhaust, it is all in your head.....

Yes...SIGs are great guns my friend...sorry @SpeedyV

 

[kliffy77]

ChadT i highly recommend a high quality high flow CAI for the 5.7 HEMI along with a quality cat-back exhaust you will be impressed with the result i know i was impressed.