Can someone explain the difference?

[Cloviz]

Between this CAI:

A/CHARGER RAM 1500 5.7 09


And this one:

BLACKHAWK CAI DODGE RAM

Why is the more expensive one give less hp??

 

[JohnD72]

The most likely answer is: because two different people pulled those numbers out of their asses on two different days.
K&N will probably tell you the difference is the filters. One is the RF-1044 and the other is a RU-3101HBK.

 

[Cloviz]

Can I get a translator? I'm truck retarded lol. I never customized the performance with my vehicles until recently so this is all new to me.

 

[JohnD72]

Filters - different

Other parts - same

Horsepower number - ********

Don't buy a CAI for horsepower numbers. Buy it to feed other upgrades, such as throttle bodies, headers, etc.
A CAI on a stock truck is nothing but a $300 noise maker that may or may not look cool.

 

[Cloviz]

I just want a beefier sounding truck that's does other mechanical enhancements.

 

[JohnD72]

The open-element CAI's all sound pretty similar, so find one that looks cool to you and go for it.
Around here, everyone will tell you to get a Vararam, but I'm not crazy about the design.
I only bought one because I got a really good deal on it. If you're going for looks or sound, then do what makes you happy. If future performance is a concern, the S&B and Vararam seem to be the better performers on these trucks.

 

[Cloviz]

They both sound the same on YouTube. Can we get some real statistics?

 

[SIhemi]

http://www.ramforum.com/f44/vararam_intake-44323/

Had the same questions

 

[mattmaxx877]

If you are looking for 'under the hood noise' Vararam will not do that for you. At least it didn't on my truck.

 

[BlkRamRt]

I just want a beefier sounding truck that's does other mechanical enhancements.

straight pipe FTW.

 

[audio1der]

CAI's are an enhancement mod, at best. Open element designs (like the K&N) will be much louder at WOT. Together with other mods they may support a few extra ponies, but they won't make much by themselves.
I keep saying in these threads, that if I could go back in time I would add a scoop to the lower stock airbox, change the filter element to a panel S&B or Green and have saved hundreds of $$$.

 

[kkreit01]

Like others have said, don't believe in the manufacturer's dyno claims. The K&N Blackhawks are new, and use a performance dry filter. This is why it's more expensive. I would spend the extra for the dry filter. K&N's old, oiled-gauze filters are a PITA to maintain. You'd never want to go back once you've had a dry filter.

 

[Cloviz]

Okay so I drive dirt roads quite a bit; wouldn't the open air filters get dirty quicker? I'm talking red rock country roads here

 

[Hemi450hp]

S&B sounds like the best option for you. The Vararam is a better performer because it is the only kit that actually forces cold outside air into the motor, but the S&B will offer more protection for the filter on those dusty roads. There is no measurable difference in power between the oiled and dry filters, so just go with whichever you like best. K&N will be loud, but offer little on the performance side of things.

Vararam is very quiet because it seals off to the insulated liner on the bottom of your hood. The K&N is very loud and actually bothersome to me on the highway. The S&B is right in the middle as far as sound...not too loud and obnoxious on the highway, but you definitely hear it over stock.

 

[Casper]

Between this CAI:

A/CHARGER RAM 1500 5.7 09


And this one:

BLACKHAWK CAI DODGE RAM

Why is the more expensive one give less hp??

The Blackhawk (K&N#599-71-1561) has aluminum tubing. $$$
The A/Charger (K&N#599-63-1561) K&N 57 (FIPK) and 63 (AirCharger) uses "non-metallic molded tubes" (Read: Plastic)

These open CAIs are just noise makers. You get a lot of throttle noise, but they are not sealing up to keep hot air out. Do you get better flow than the stock air box? Maybe.
Bottomline: Same money buys better CAI from either S&B or Vararam. See Matt's (Hemi450) post above^^^.

 

[Cloviz]

I'm going to go with a vararam. It just seems like a smarter choice for the long run and I love how it looks. Can someone point me to a website? Preferably one that offers free shipping or good deals

 

[Hemi450hp]

Right now, we have these marked down to $344 with free shipping.

http://www.moes-performance.com/Vararam_Air_Grabber_Intake_2009_14_Dodge_Ram_5_7L_p/vr-hemi-4g.htm

We are Vararam's only stocking dealer for the Ram kits, but we actually sold out of these kits earlier today. They are making a run of 20 just for us, and said they will be ready for us to pick up on Tuesday. All Vararam orders placed between now and then will ship on Tuesday afternoon.

 

[Cloviz]

I'll defiantly place an order as soon as my darn tax refund comes in! Grrrr. If I was able to use both a $300 visa gift card and my debit card for remaining balance I'd order on tomorrow

 

[Cloviz]

What throttle port would my truck be?

 

[Hemi450hp]

I'll defiantly place an order as soon as my darn tax refund comes in! Grrrr. If I was able to use both a $300 visa gift card and my debit card for remaining balance I'd order on tomorrow

Give me a shout tomorrow, and we can process the order over phone using the gift card. I have numerous customers that use prepaid credit cards to order parts. We just have to put the info in manually in order to use more than 1 card. You can reach me direct at 214-789-1110.

Matt