How much HP does a cold air intake add to a Dodge Charger?
In practical terms, a cold air intake typically adds about 5 to 15 horsepower at the wheels on most Dodge Chargers with naturally aspirated engines, with larger gains possible on certain tuned setups. On high-performance or boosted variants, gains are usually smaller and highly dependent on tuning and other supporting modifications.
What a cold air intake does for the Charger
Cold air intakes (CAIs) aim to replace the stock air box and intake path with a design that lowers aerodynamic resistance and feeds cooler, denser air to the engine. Cooler air can improve oxygen content and reduce throttle-induced restrictions, which can yield small increases in power and sometimes a more responsive feel. However, modern engines are calibrated to work with the stock intake under a wide range of conditions, so the real-world horsepower gain is often modest and can depend heavily on the vehicle’s tune, exhaust setup, and ambient conditions. Calibration and emissions considerations also play a role in determining the actual gains you’ll observe on a dyno or on the road.
Model-by-model expectations
Below is a model-by-model look at typical horsepower gains you might see when adding a CAI to a Dodge Charger. Numbers vary by brand, exact part, installation, and whether the car is stock or tuned. Use this as a general guide rather than a guaranteed outcome.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 (Charger GT/SXT) — Typical gains: about 5–12 horsepower at the wheels; roughly 7–15 hp at the crank in many cases; a tune can push total gains higher, often into the low double digits.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 — Typical gains: about 8–15 hp at the wheels; with a tune and high-flow components, 15–25 hp at the wheels is possible in some setups.
- 6.4L Hemi (392) — Typical gains: about 8–18 hp at the wheels; with tuning and complementary upgrades, 15–30 hp at the wheels can be achievable on optimized builds.
- 6.2L Supercharged (Hellcat) — Gains from a CAI alone are generally modest; many dyno tests show 0–8 hp at the wheels; with a proper tune and supporting mods, 10–20 hp at the wheels is possible, but this is less common and highly dependent on the overall setup.
The numbers above reflect typical real-world results and can vary based on air temperature, humidity, altitude, exact intake routing, filter design, and how the ECU adapts to the change. Independent dyno testing on your specific car will give you the most accurate readout.
Important considerations and tips
Heat soak and installation considerations
Air intake temperature and heat soak can influence gains. Some CAIs route intake air from outside the engine bay and use heat shields or cold air ducts to minimize heat transfer. Poorly shielded setups or ones that draw hot under-hood air can negate performance gains. A well-installed CAI with adequate heat shielding tends to perform best on a warm summer day or in stop-and-go traffic.
Warranty, emissions, and legality
Many modern Chargers are subject to warranty terms and emissions regulations that can vary by market. Some CAIs are not CARB-approved, which could affect legality or warranty coverage in certain states or countries. Check your local regulations and consult your dealer or a trusted tuner before making modifications. If you intend to tune the car, ensure the tune is compatible with the intake and any other exhaust upgrades.
Choosing a CAI and getting the most from it
Look for a reputable brand with dyno-tested results for your specific engine and model year. If you plan to tune, factor in the ECU calibration as part of your overall plan, since tuning can significantly influence the observed gains. Pairing a CAI with a high-flow exhaust or a performance intake manifold can amplify results, but gains will still depend on the overall configuration and tune.
Summary
Cold air intakes on a Dodge Charger deliver modest power improvements, typically in the single-digit to low-double-digit horsepower range at the wheels for NA engines, with larger gains possible on some tuned setups. On boosted variants like the Hellcat, gains from a CAI alone are usually small, and meaningful power increases generally require a comprehensive tuning strategy and supporting modifications. Real-world results vary, so verify outcomes with a dyno run after installation and ensure compliance with local regulations and warranty terms. For many enthusiasts, the CAI’s appeal lies as much in throttle response and intake sound as in raw horsepower figures.
Bottom line
If your goal is a noticeable horsepower boost, a CAI is a relatively modest upgrade. For a more substantial, measurable increase, consider pairing it with a professional tune and complementary performance parts, and always test the results on a dyno to confirm the gains for your specific Charger model and setup.
