What is the best cold air intake for a Dodge Challenger?

There isn’t a single universal “best” cold air intake for every Dodge Challenger. The ideal choice depends on your engine (V6, Hemi V8, or supercharged) and your goals (more power, crisper throttle response, or a louder intake roar). In general, trusted brands such as Injen, aFe Power, K&N, and Airaid are the most commonly recommended, with the best pick tailored to your specific Challenger model year and engine.

How to choose the right cold air intake

Choosing the right cold air intake starts with identifying your engine and your aims. NA (naturally aspirated) V6 and V8 engines tend to respond with noticeable but modest horsepower gains and improved throttle response, while highly engineered setups for supercharged engines require careful consideration of tuning and compatibility with forced induction systems. Always confirm fitment for your model year, check emissions/ CARB status if you’re in a regulated area, and understand whether a tune is recommended or required to realize the full potential of the kit.

Best options by Challenger engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

For the 3.6L V6 Challengers, the most practical gains come from reputable brands that maintain a sealed intake path and a high-flow filter. The goal is to improve air delivery without introducing intake noise or fitment issues.

Before listing options, note that the following are widely used by Challenger owners seeking better throttle response and a modest horsepower uptick without invasive modifications.

• Injen SP Series Cold Air Intake for the 3.6L Pentastar — known for reliable fit and improved airflow with a sealed intake path.


• K&N performance air intake kit designed for the 3.6L Challenger — budget-friendly, reusable filter, easy installation.


• Airaid MXP Cold Air Intake for the 3.6L — solid all-around performance with a focus on durability and serviceability.

In this engine, gains are typically in the low-to-mid single digits in horsepower, with a noticeable change in throttle response and acceleration feel when paired with proper supporting modifications.

5.7L Hemi

The 5.7L Hemi sees more pronounced gains from well-designed cold air systems, thanks to its larger displacement and torque curve. The best options emphasize a high-flow intake path and compatibility with modern electronic throttle control and sensors.

Before listing options, here are commonly recommended families that suit the 5.7L Hemi Challenger well.

• aFe Power Magnum FORCE or Momentum line for the 5.7L Hemi — high-flow, performance-oriented, with strong filtration.


• Injen SP Series or similar Injen kits for the 5.7L — reliable improvements with a sealed path and good support.


• K&N performance intake designed for the 5.7L Challenger — straightforward install and reusable air filters.

Expect roughly a 5–15 horsepower gain on a well-tuned NA 5.7L setup, along with crisper throttle response. Real-world results depend on other supporting upgrades and proper calibration.

6.4L Hemi (392)

For the 6.4L Hemi, options that preserve the engine’s breathing efficiency while maintaining driveability are favored. These intakes typically emphasize a robust, high-flow filter and a streamlined feeding path to the throttle body.

Common recommendations include:

• aFe Power Magnum FORCE or Momentum series for the 6.4L Hemi — designed for higher flow and strong filtration.


• Injen SP Series for the 6.4L — notes on improved airflow with a sealed intake track.


• K&N performance intake designed for 6.4L Challengers — recognized for value and ease of maintenance.

Gains on the 6.4L are similar in order to the 5.7L, with the potential for a modest horsepower bump and sharper response, particularly when paired with a tune or ECU calibration.

Hellcat and Redeye (6.2L Supercharged)

Challengers equipped with the Hellcat or Redeye powertrains run a forced-induction setup, where the impact of a cold air intake on power is more nuanced. Gains from a basic cold air intake can be modest, and some kits require additional tuning to avoid drivability issues or warranty concerns. Installation quality and proper sealing are critical to prevent water ingestion and to maintain the air-fuel ratio at high boost.

Important caveats:

• Some aftermarket intakes are marketed for high-performance NA engines and may offer limited benefits on supercharged applications without a tune.


• Check CARB legality and your warranty implications in your region.


• Consider a kit that includes a heat shield and high-flow filter designed to minimize intake heat soak under boost.

If you own a Hellcat or Redeye and want an intake upgrade, you’ll typically prioritize throttle response, sound, and reliability over large horsepower gains, and you should plan for a dyno-tuned ECU if required by the kit.

Installation, tuning, and legality considerations

Most modern Challenger cold air intakes are bolt-on and relatively straightforward to install with basic hand tools. However, several critical factors should guide your choice:

• Sensor compatibility: Mass air flow (MAF) sensors and manifold pressure sensors must read accurately after installation.


• Tuning requirements: NA engines often benefit from a tune to maximize gains; forced-induction setups may require more extensive calibration or may rely on the stock tune with limited improvements.


• Warranty and emissions: Some kits may affect warranty coverage or emissions compliance; verify CARB status and dealership policies for your model year.


• Heat management: Look for kits with a proper heat shield and a route that minimizes intake air heating, especially for high-boost applications.


• Fitment and clearance: Confirm compatibility with your hood, wipers, and other nearby components for your exact Challenger year and option package.

Selection should balance performance goals with reliability and legal considerations. If you plan to tune, ensure the kit supports or is compatible with your preferred ECU calibration.

What to expect in real-world results

Across Challenger models, a well-chosen cold air intake typically yields noticeable improvements in throttle response and a modest increase in peak horsepower, particularly on NA engines. The most dramatic gains come when the intake is paired with a tune and other supporting mods. On Hellcat/Redeye models, horsepower gains from a standalone cold air intake are usually modest unless accompanied by calibration and other airflow-focused upgrades.

Summary

For most Dodge Challenger owners, the best cold air intake is the one that fits your exact engine and complies with your emissions rules while delivering reliable performance gains and easy maintenance. Injen, aFe Power, K&N, and Airaid are the brands most often cited by enthusiasts for their balance of fit, filtration, and measurable gains. NA 3.6L, 5.7L, and 6.4L engines tend to see the clearest benefits, while Hellcat and Redeye setups require careful consideration of tuning and warranty. Always verify fitment for your model year and consider a tune to maximize the kit’s potential.

Summary of recommended options by engine (quick reference)

The following are commonly used families rather than model numbers to keep the guidance versatile across model years:

• 3.6L Pentastar: Injen SP Series, K&N performance intake, Airaid MXP


• 5.7L Hemi: aFe Magnum FORCE/Momentum, Injen SP Series, K&N performance kit


• 6.4L Hemi: aFe Magnum FORCE/Momentum, Injen SP Series, K&N performance kit


• Hellcat/Redeye (6.2L supercharged): consider kits emphasizing heat management, robust filtration, and compatibility with tuning; verify legality and warranty

Bottom line: the best choice depends on your Challenger’s engine and your goals. Do your due diligence—check fitment charts, read owner reviews, and consult a professional installer or tuner if you plan to crank up the boost or run a custom calibration.

What brand makes the best cold air intake?

Some of the best cold air intake brands include K&N, Airaid, Injen, aFe Power, and Spectre, known for factors like performance, durability, and value. K&N is popular for its long history and wide coverage, while Airaid is recognized for its quality materials and innovative designs. Injen offers patented technology and is often praised for its sound, while aFe Power is known for performance gains and aFe Power is well-regarded for providing increased power and improved throttle response. Spectre provides a budget-friendly option with a custom look.
 
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• K&N: A popular and established brand known for its performance, washable/reusable filters, and extensive vehicle coverage. 
• Airaid: Offers various series, such as the MXP, featuring quality filter media, computer-aided design for a precise fit, and cold air dam technology to isolate the filter from engine heat. 
• Injen: Known for its patented technologies for optimizing air-to-fuel ratios, a distinctive intake sound, and superior filtration. 
• aFe Power: A popular brand for trucks that provides increased power and improved throttle response, with a wide variety of filter options to choose from. 
• Spectre: A more budget-friendly option that still provides a high-flow filter and polished aluminum tubing, with a focus on value and an easy installation process. 

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How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a Dodge Challenger?

GAINS 10-15 HORSEPOWER!
Extensive dyno-testing throughout the development of the intake kit ensures that it makes the most Horsepower possible. This stock Challenger 3.6L, had gains ranging from 10-15 HP.

What does a cold air intake do for a Dodge Challenger?

A genuine Dodge cold air intake replaces restrictive stock components with a smooth, insulated intake tract and a high‑flow filter. By drawing in cooler air from outside the engine bay, you'll see: INCREASED HORSEPOWER when you really put your foot down.

Which cold air intake tube is best?

Plastic is better, it insulates the air inside from the engine bay better. They use aluminum for heat syncs because it is good at transferring heat you don't want it to do that.... saying that, the factory air box on a challenger performs better than any cold air intake I've came across.