I wanted to review the K&N Performance Air Intake System I purchased for my 2025 Ram 1500 Limited with 3.0L HO I6. I want to start by giving a shout out to K&N. They have always made good products at affordable pricing. They also support the military and will give you a 30% discount if you call them directly and place the order.
I called K&N last month to talk with them about the new air intake and to try and get an idea when they would be available. They told me early December and to just keep checking the website for updates. I have been checking daily for stock on their website and last Monday they finally got some. They weren't around long and still show out of stock on their website.
I ordered mine on Monday and had it by Thursday. I had some time on Saturday to install. The install was pretty straight forward but you could tell this was an early release.
1. Instructions are good but could use a little more detail. Such as socket size used on the actual step. Socket sizes are listed on the tools needed section but not on the actual steps in the Instructions.
2. The same goes for allen and torx sizes.
3. The K&N air filter box is tricky to line up and get into position. The hood strut is in the way and causes you to have to come in at an angle and makes alignment tricky. My first attempt had enough of an angle that the mounting grommets all pushed out.
4. The fit and finish was a little rough on the one I received. I totally understand they were rushing to get to market and I am just happy to have one. Rough edges around the air box cut outs are one example.
5. Step 12 in the Instructions is installing the mass air sensor mounting adaptor. They state to orient like their picture. Picture is black on black and almost impossible to pick up the correct orientation. Mainly because the adaptor is almost identical in either orientation. Needless to say, I got it wrong the first time but figured it out on step 14 when installing the mass air sensor.
6. My kit was missing one of the lock washers used on the adaptor plate. No big deal, I have plenty.
7. I was disappointed by the lack of engineering on securing the coolant bypass line and wiring harness for the mass air sensor. The factory air intake tube has 2 holders for the coolant bypass line and like 5 holders for the mass air sensor wiring harness. The K&N air intake tube has a make shift bolted on bracket with 1 wire tie to secure the coolant bypass tube and zero brackets for the mass air sensor wiring harness. You have to play with the orientation of the K&N air intake tube to get the bolted on bracket in the right position to secure the coolant bypass line without putting it in a bind. I just tied up the mass air sensor wiring harness the best I could with wire ties. Not a fan of leaving it hanging loose.
8. The black #88 hose clamp, item O in the parts list, was the wrong size and didn't have enough grooves to tighten down the air intake tube to the air filter. Luckily I had one laying around that worked. The other gripe I have is that the black #88 hose clamp is never mentioned in the Instructions. It should be in step 16 but never mentioned. You can see it in the picture, just no mention. The air filter is just wedged into the air box which had me concerned from the beginning. I originally thought the black #88 hose clamp would be used to somehow secure the air filter to the air box in step 11 but it wasn't. I really don't like the air filter not being secured to the air box!
I along with others was hoping the new K&N air intake system would enhance the sound of the engine especially with the open air box design. I didn't notice any real difference in the sound while driving.
The extra 41 horsepower is nice but so far not really noticeable while driving. Not that I expected to feel a big gain.
Overall, I am happy I made the purchase and happy with K&N for getting the product to market in such a short time. Most of my issues/concerns I still chalk up to early/first run issues and expect them to only get better over time.
Here is a link to the K&N website
NEXTGEN INTAKE; RAM 1500 L6-3.0L TT F/L, 2025
www.knfilters.com
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