Imagine the roar of your Hellcat’s engine. It’s a sound that demands respect, a promise of raw power. But what if that powerful engine could breathe even better, unleashing even more of its fury? That’s where a cold air intake comes in, and for Hellcat owners, it’s a game-changer.
Picking the perfect cold air intake for your Hellcat can feel like navigating a maze. You want more horsepower, a better engine sound, and maybe even a little more fuel efficiency. But with so many brands and designs out there, how do you know which one is truly the best? It’s easy to get lost in technical jargon or worry about making the wrong choice. You want a performance upgrade that’s worth your hard-earned money and actually delivers on its promises.
This guide is here to clear the air. We’ll break down what makes a cold air intake work, explore the top options for your Hellcat, and help you understand what to look for. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge you need to confidently choose an intake that makes your Hellcat scream louder and perform stronger than ever before.
Top Cold Air Intake For Hellcat Recommendations
- GUARANTEED INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: K&N cold air intake systems provide a less restrictive path for airflow, increasing the volume of cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine.
- DYNO TESTING YOU CAN TRUST: K&N air intake horsepower/torque testing is performed on wheel-based dynamometers and the reports are included with each intake system.
- IMPROVED ENGINE SOUND - HEAR THE GROWL: K&N’s intake systems allow your engine to breathe and sound as it should- your engine will growl on acceleration and return to quiet once at speed.
- BETTER TOWING: K&N Air intake kit improves acceleration and uphill performance when towing by improving throttle response, overall horsepower and torque. Excellent for daily and highway driving.
- PREMIUM ENGINE PROTECTION FROM A TRUSTED BRAND: K&N air intake will not void manufacturer vehicle warranty & No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty protects for the life of your vehicle.
- Open intake design for added power and sound
- Dyno-proven gains and improved throttle response
- Massive air filter with Pro DRY S dry synthetic media for maximum convenience
- This item is 50-State legal: CARB EO# D-550-22
- Oiled Pro 5R Filter, 5-Layers Of Progressively Finer Mesh Cotton Gauze Oiled Media
- Large 9" Tall Inverted Top Filter, CAD Roto-molded Intake Tubes
- Accommodate Hellcat Headlight Air Inlet (2015 Dodge Challenger Models Only)
- This product is 50-state legal (CARB E.O Number D-550-22)
- This product is 50-state legal (CARB E.O Number D-550-22)
- GUARANTEED INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: K&N cold air intake systems provide a less restrictive path for airflow, increasing the volume of cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine.
- DYNO TESTING YOU CAN TRUST: K&N air intake horsepower/torque testing is performed on wheel-based dynamometers and the reports are included with each intake system.
- IMPROVED ENGINE SOUND - HEAR THE GROWL: K&N’s intake systems allow your engine to breathe and sound as it should- your engine will growl on acceleration and return to quiet once at speed.
- BETTER ACCELERATION: K&N Air intake kit improves acceleration and uphill performance by improving throttle response, overall horsepower and torque. Excellent for daily and highway driving.
- PREMIUM ENGINE PROTECTION FROM A TRUSTED BRAND: K&N air intake will not void manufacturer vehicle warranty & No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty protects for the life of your vehicle.
- CONVENIENT DRYFLOW REUSABLE AIR FILTER REQUIRES NO OIL: The quality you trust from a K&N Air Filter in an easy to clean, no hassle, washable dry air filter
- GUARANTEED INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: K&N cold air intake systems provide a less restrictive path for airflow, increasing the volume of cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine an estimated increase up to 9HP
- GUARANTEED INCREASE IN HORSEPOWER & TORQUE: K&N cold air intake systems provide a less restrictive path for airflow, increasing the volume of cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine an estimated increase up to 9HP
- FEATURING K&N’s DRYFLOW, REUSABLE AIR FILTER: 2 layers of premium, pleated, synthetic media help block dirt and dust particles, allowing clean air to continue flowing into your engine, only needs cleaning every 50,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions
- DYNO TESTING YOU CAN TRUST: K&N air intake horsepower/torque testing is performed on wheel-based dynamometers and the reports are include with each intake system
- Dyno-Proven Performance: Dyno-proven to deliver a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque on your engine's stock tune. Experience the exciting roar of your engine during acceleration, without any drone at cruising speeds.
- NextGen Airbox: The hybrid airbox features a semi-enclosed airbox that helps lower air temperatures, an enlarged fresh air inlet for improved airflow, and better protection against contaminants.
- Oversized Air Filter: An oversized air filter features an increased surface area and a radius-entry design, both engineered to increase airflow and enhance performance.
- Large-Diameter Tube: The large-diameter, CAD-designed intake tube features strategically positioned air channels that increase airflow, boosting airspeed and delivering more air to your engine for added performance.
- Precision Engineering: Each NextGen intake is precisely engineered for your vehicle, enhancing the style of your engine bay while increasing horsepower, torque, and airflow.
- [Compatibility] - EVIL ENERGY cold air intake compatible for 2011-2023 Chrysler 300 3.6L, 2014-2015 Chrysler 300 C 3.6L, 2011-2023 Dodge Challenger 3.6L, 2011-2023 Dodge Charger 3.6L. Please be sure to check compatibility. Installs in 40 minutes with basic tools
- [Stay Road-Ready] - Unlock your engine’s potential with the EVIL ENERGY cold air intake system. Enjoy a smooth and confident driving feel across varied road conditions. The intake system supports steady vehicle operation during highway cruising, uphill driving, and load-carrying conditions
- [High-Efficiency Air Filter] - The multi-layer synthetic non-woven air filter delivers over 98% filtration efficiency and is fully washable and reusable. The pre-filter blocks larger particles to extend the filter life in dusty environments
- [Cold Air Delivery]- The cold air intake kit features aluminum tube with smooth walls and precision. A steel heat shield blocks engine heat, delivering cooler
- [Hear the Engine Roar] - Hear your engine’s true sound with a deeper, more aggressive tone under acceleration, while maintaining a smooth and quiet ride at cruising speeds. Enjoy the perfect blend of performance and refinement
- Compatible with 2019-2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 6.2L V8 Supercharged.
- 5" mandrel-bent aluminum tubing and reusable high-flow cotton air filter for improved air flow.
- Heavy duty powder coated steel heat shield keeps IAT's to a minimum.
- Adds a more aggressive and throaty tone that enhances the induction sound.
- Easy bolt-on installation. Some special tools are required. Improves acceleration with dyno proven gains of up to 14 horsepower and 14 lb-ft. of torque.
Unleash the Roar: Your Guide to Hellcat Cold Air Intakes
So, you own a Hellcat. That means you have a beast of a car that’s already incredibly powerful. But what if you want to give it even more pep? A cold air intake can help! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best one for your supercharged ride.
Why a Cold Air Intake for Your Hellcat?
Your Hellcat’s engine needs air to make power. When the air is colder and denser, the engine can burn more fuel, which means more horsepower and torque. A cold air intake system replaces your car’s stock air intake with a design that pulls in cooler air from outside the hot engine bay. This can give your Hellcat a noticeable boost in performance and a throatier engine sound.
Key Features to Look For
1. Airflow Design
Look for intakes with a smooth, unobstructed path for air. This helps the engine breathe easier. Some designs use a larger diameter pipe or a conical air filter to maximize airflow.
2. Filtration Efficiency
A good filter traps dirt and debris while letting plenty of air through. Many high-quality intakes use multi-layer gauze or synthetic materials. You want a filter that protects your engine without holding back performance.
3. Construction Quality
The intake tube and other components should be durable. This ensures it lasts a long time and can handle the heat and vibrations from your Hellcat’s powerful engine.
4. Ease of Installation
While some modifications require a lot of work, many cold air intakes are designed for a straightforward bolt-on installation. Check reviews to see if it’s a DIY-friendly job.
5. Tuner Compatibility
Some advanced users like to tune their Hellcats for even more power. Make sure the cold air intake you choose works well with aftermarket tuning software if that’s something you plan to do.
Important Materials
Intake Tubing
Common materials include polished aluminum, carbon fiber, and durable plastic. Aluminum is lightweight and helps dissipate heat. Carbon fiber is very light and strong, offering a premium look. High-quality plastic is also a good option for its heat resistance and cost-effectiveness.
Air Filter
Many performance filters use cotton gauze layered between wire mesh. These are washable and reusable. Synthetic dry filters are also popular. They offer excellent filtration and don’t require oiling, which can sometimes cause issues with sensors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improved Quality
- Smooth, mandrel-bent tubing (no kinks or restrictions).
- High-flow, reusable air filters.
- Durable construction that withstands engine heat.
- Proper fitment and sealed connections to prevent hot air leaks.
Reduced Quality
- Sharp bends or constrictions in the intake tube.
- Cheap, restrictive air filters.
- Poorly made components that might break or warp.
- Leaky connections that allow hot engine air in.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most Hellcat owners install cold air intakes to gain a little extra horsepower and torque. They also enjoy the more aggressive engine sound that comes with it. It’s a popular modification for those who want to feel their car’s performance more directly.
For daily driving, a good cold air intake offers a subtle but noticeable improvement. If you’re hitting the drag strip or participating in track days, the extra airflow can contribute to better performance when you need it most. It’s a relatively simple upgrade that can make your Hellcat even more thrilling to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will a cold air intake void my Hellcat’s warranty?
A: This can vary by dealer and the specific warranty. Some dealers consider aftermarket modifications a risk. It’s best to check with your dealership before installing.
Q: How much horsepower can I expect to gain?
A: Gains vary depending on the intake and your specific Hellcat model. You might see anywhere from 5 to 20 horsepower. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s noticeable.
Q: Do I need to retune my Hellcat after installing a cold air intake?
A: For many basic cold air intakes, a tune isn’t strictly necessary. However, to get the most out of the intake and ensure optimal performance, a tune is often recommended, especially with more aggressive designs.
Q: Can a cold air intake improve my Hellcat’s fuel economy?
A: While a more efficient engine can sometimes lead to better fuel economy, the primary goal of a cold air intake is performance. You’re unlikely to see significant fuel savings.
Q: How often do I need to clean or replace the air filter?
A: This depends on the filter type and driving conditions. Reusable filters usually need cleaning every 15,000-30,000 miles. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q: Will a cold air intake make my Hellcat louder?
A: Yes, most cold air intakes give your Hellcat a more aggressive and louder engine sound, especially under acceleration. This is a common reason owners choose them.
Q: Are there different types of cold air intakes?
A: Yes, there are open-element filters and enclosed systems. Enclosed systems aim to isolate the filter from engine heat even better.
Q: What’s the difference between a cold air intake and a short ram intake?
A: A cold air intake places the filter lower and further away from the engine to get the coolest air. A short ram intake is shorter and closer to the engine, making it easier to install but potentially drawing warmer air.
Q: Can I install a cold air intake myself?
A: Many cold air intakes are designed for DIY installation with basic tools. However, if you’re not comfortable with car modifications, it’s best to have a professional do it.
Q: Will a cold air intake affect my Hellcat’s emissions?
A: Reputable cold air intakes are designed to work with your car’s existing emissions systems. However, always check local regulations to ensure compliance.