Despite being a muscle car, the 5.7 Hemi challenger is not considered to have an edge like its more powerful cousin, the 6.4 hemi challenger. So, if you want to give your car an edge, then a cold air intake is one of the best ways to do it.
But the installation of cold air intakes alone won’t significantly change your 5.7 HEMI challenger in terms of its speed or horsepower.
Yes, you might gain a few HP, but the engine sound is the biggest change you will notice. The installation of a cold air intake will wake up the 375 horsepower beast in your 5.7 Hemi challenger and let it roar as you have always wanted! Another noticeable change you will find is in the throttle response, which will become much smoother than it previously was.
So if you’ve been looking for a cold air intake for your 5.7 Hemi challenger, this buying guide will help you pick the best cold air intake for the 5.7 Hemi challenger you can get for the money.
4 Best cold air intake for 5.7 Hemi challenger
1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: Fits 2011-2019 Dodge/Chrysler (Challenger, Charger, 300) 5.7L V8,63-1114
The K&N Cold Air Intake Kit for the 5.7L Hemi Challenger is an excellent investment for anyone looking to get more performance out of their vehicle. The kit is made specifically for the 5.7 hemi challenger and includes a high-flow air filter and a cold air intake tube that replaces the stock air intake box. The result is a significant increase in airflow to the engine, which translates into more power and better performance.
It comes with a custom-tuned intake tube which is said to improve airflow and power, and it has a black powder-coated finish for durability.
The increased airflow that the K&N Cold Air Intake Kit provides will not only improve performance but will also help to improve fuel economy. Many users have reported seeing a 1-2 MPG increase in fuel economy after installing the kit.
2. Airaid Cold Air Intake System: Compatible with 2011-2019 CHRYSLER/DODGE (300, 300C, 300S, Challenger, Charger) AIR-350-210
Airaid Cold Air Intake System is an excellent quality air intake, but the question here is whether it is compatible with your 5.7 hemi challenger. Well this cold air intake can be installed on the 2011-2019 Challengers, so you have no worries about compatibility.
Airaid Cold Air Intake Systems utilizes Cold Air Dam technology to ensure you can get the maximum Hp and torque from your 5.7 Hemi challenger.
Not only that, Airaid lets you pick an air filter media that suits the environment you drive on. For example, if you live somewhere with a lot of dust and dirt, you can pick SYNTHAFLOW air filters. On the other hand, for your regular street driving, you can select SYNTHAMAX air filters.
Lastly, This Made in USA cold air intake can be a long-term investment for your 5.7 Hemi challenger as you will get a lifetime warranty once you purchase it.
3. S&B Filters 75-5106 Cold Air Intake
If you’re looking for a high-performance cold air intake system for your 5.7 Hemi challenger at an affordable price, this S&B Filters 75-5106 Cold Air Intake should be on the top of your list.
This system is designed to dramatically improve airflow to your engine up to 41.28%, which is not a marketing gimmick and has been proved in different dyno testings.
The S&B Filters 75-5106 Cold Air Intake system comes with a high-flow air filter specifically designed to provide your engine with the cleanest possible air with a 99.30% efficiency. In addition, this air filter is washable and reusable, so you’ll never have to buy a replacement. The air filter is also surrounded by a heat shield that helps to deflect engine heat away from the filter, further improving airflow and protecting your engine.
Once installed, you’ll immediately notice an increase in power and acceleration. Your engine will also run cooler, thanks to the increased airflow. And, because the air filter is washable and reusable, you’ll save money in the long run.
4. 2011-2013 Dodge Challenger/Charger and Chrysler 300 Cold Air Intake-5.7L Hemi
There are a lot of different cold air intakes on the market, but if you have a 2011-2013 Dodge Challenger or Charger with a 5.7L Hemi engine, then we highly recommend upgrading to a Mopar cold air intake.
Mopar is one of the leading manufacturers of cold air intakes, and their intakes are designed to give your car’s engine the perfect amount of airflow and acceleration.
Made specifically for 5.7 Hemi challengers, this excellent cold air intake from Mopar will fit into your vehicle quite snugly. In addition to the performance benefits, Mopar cold air intakes also tend to give the engine a deeper, more aggressive sound. This is one of the reasons they’re so popular with Hemi enthusiasts.
The only downside of this excellent cold air intake is that it’s a bit costly compared to all the other cold air intake for the 5.7 Hemi challenger we reviewed here. But if you want a noticeable HP gain rather than change how your 5.7 Hemi challenger sounds, this Mopar air intake will do the job for you.
Buying Guide
When you purchase a cold air intake (CAI), there are several factors you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure that you get a quality product that meets your needs. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to choose a cold air intake that will give you the performance you need.
Filter Quality
The first thing to consider is the quality of the filter. Cold air intake filters are designed to capture a higher percentage of dirt and debris than a stock air filter, so it’s important to choose one that is durable and stands up to the rigors of use.
If the cold air intake filters aren’t of high quality, these particles will cause wear and tear on engine components, leading to costly repairs or even engine failure. A high-quality filter will help prolong your engine’s life by keeping these particles out.
Capability
You’ll also need to inspect the capability of the cold air intake you are getting. Make sure it can flow the air your engine needs, as this will help ensure optimal performance.
Housing for Air Filter
Pay attention to the housing for the air filter. A well-designed housing will help protect the filter from dirt and debris and make it easier to clean and maintain. There are a few different types of housings, but the most popular are made from aluminum or plastic. So, it is important to choose a house made from durable material to keep the cold air flowing into the engine.
Ease of use
Consider the ease of use when picking a cold air intake for your 5.7 Hemi challenger. It should be easy to install and maintain, so you can keep your vehicle running at its best.
FAQ:
How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a 5.7 Hemi?
Does a cold air intake add any significant change of Horse Power to the 5.7 Hemi? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as straightforward as we would like. While many studies and dyno tests have been done on the subject, the results can vary greatly depending on the car, the type of cold air intake, and even the weather.
That being said, most folks agree that a cold air intake will add between 5 and 10 horsepower to your bone stock 5.7 hemi challenger. And that’s a pretty significant increase, especially if you’re starting with a stock engine.
But dyno testing has shown that a typical cold air intake installation on the 5.7 hemi challenger can increase horsepower by about 5-15 HP if you also go through other tunings required for optimal results of CAI installation.
How much HP does a cold air intake Add to a challenger?
The thing about cold air intake is that the more powerful your engine is, the less impact a cold air intake will have. So if you’ve got a Hellcat-powered Challenger, don’t expect a massive power boost from a cold air intake. But if you’ve got a less powerful engine, a cold air intake can help wake it up.
The increase will be greater on naturally aspirated engines (not forced induction) and on” bottom-breathing” engines where the air filter is located near the ground. On the other hand, the power gain from a CAI will be less on “top-breathing” engines where the air filter is high near the engine’s throttle body.
Which is better: S & B or K&N cold air intake?
If you are looking for increased Airflow and more efficient filtration within budget, then the S&B is the better choice. However, if you are looking for better horsepower and torque, then the K&N is the better choice.
The K&N cold air intake has been shown to increase horsepower by up to 5% and torque by up to 7%. It is also said to improve throttle response and acceleration. The K&N, on the other hand, has been shown to improve airflow by up to 40%.
Is plastic or aluminum better for cold air intake?
So many cold air intakes are now manufactured with plastic materials rather than aluminum because plastic is less likely to corrode than aluminum. This is important because the last thing you want is your cold air intake to start rusting!
Also, plastic is lighter than aluminum so it won’t add as much weight to your car. This is important because a more lightweight car will be more fuel-efficient.
Lastly, plastic is a better insulator than aluminum. This means it will keep the cold air in and the hot air out, making your car’s engine run more efficiently.
Conclusion
So, which cold air intake should you pick for the 5.7 Hemi challenger? From my experience, selecting either the S & B or K&N cold air intake will do the job for your 5.7 Hemi challenger. If you have a few more bucks, you can get the Mopar cold air intake.
For those confined within a budget, even the Airaid Cold Air Intake System can also be a great pick.
