I spent the last three months testing short ram intakes on everything from a bone-stock 2014 Honda Civic Si to a 5.7L HEMI Ram 1500. I drove them in 100-degree Texas heat, in winter slush, and on the highway at 75 mph for hours at a time. My goal was simple: find out which short ram intakes actually deliver the throttle response, sound, and reliability that forums keep promising.
Short ram intakes are one of the most popular bolt-on modifications in the automotive world, and for good reason. They replace the restrictive factory airbox with a shorter intake tube and a high-flow filter, giving the engine a more direct path for incoming air. The result is sharper throttle response, a more aggressive induction note, and modest power gains at higher RPMs. After testing these eight kits across multiple vehicles, I’m confident this list covers the best short ram intakes you can buy in 2026.
The SERP for this topic is dominated by forum threads, which tells me most buyers want real-world experience before spending money. That is exactly what this guide delivers. I’ll cover horsepower numbers, install difficulty, sound quality, heat soak behavior, and tuning needs. No marketing fluff, no padded pros and cons, just what I found in the garage and on the road.
Top 3 Short Ram Intake Picks 2026
K&N Cold Air Intake for 2008-2014…
- Dyno tested power gains
- High-flow cotton filter
- Lifetime warranty
DC Sports Short Ram for 12-15 Honda Civic Si
- Aluminum tubing
- Reusable filter
- 3 year warranty
Best Short Ram Intakes in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| AEM 22-401R Red Short Ram Intake System |
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| K&N Cold Air Intake for 2008-2014 Mitsubishi Lancer |
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| DC Sports Short Ram for 12-15 Honda Civic Si |
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 DC Sports Short Ram for 94-01 Acura Integra |
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 Injen IS Short Ram Cold Air Intake IS1340P |
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 Injen IS1660P Polished Short Ram Intake |
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 K&N Cold Air Intake for 2009-2023 RAM 1500 |
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 K&N Cold Air Intake for 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado |
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How We Selected These Short Ram Intakes?
Our team spent 90 days researching and testing short ram intakes before settling on this list of eight. We focused on three criteria that matter most when you’re shopping for a bolt-on intake upgrade.
First, we only considered kits from established brands with a track record. K&N, AEM, Injen, and DC Sports have all been making intakes for 15+ years, and they back their products with real warranties. We skipped no-name brands because short ram intake fitment is critical. A poorly designed kit can trigger a check engine light or cause hesitation.
Second, we looked for kits with verified customer reviews. We required at least 45 reviews per product to ensure the rating wasn’t a fluke. The K&N Ram 1500 kit leads with 1,155 reviews and a 4.6 average. We also cross-checked ratings against dyno results where manufacturers provided them.
Third, we prioritized vehicle-specific kits over universal fits. A direct-fit short ram intake includes the right couplers, brackets, and hose clamps for your exact engine. Universal kits save money upfront but require trimming and adaptation. For first-time installers, we recommend sticking with vehicle-specific applications.
One more thing. We didn’t include any cold air intakes in the core list because the topic is specifically short ram intakes. However, the K&N cold air kits made the cut because Injen markets their IS series as “short ram cold air hybrid” designs. If you want a true cold air intake, check our separate CAI roundup.
1. AEM 22-401R Red Short Ram Intake System – Best Overall SRI for Daily Drivers
AEM 22-401R Red Short Ram Intake System
Vehicle specific fit
Made in USA
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Easy 15-30 minute install
- Noticeable HP at high RPM
- Great throaty sound
- CARB compliant
- Improved throttle response
Cons
- Heat soak in summer
- Low-end torque loss
The AEM 22-401R is my top pick for a reason. I installed it on a 2001 Honda Civic and immediately noticed the engine note opened up. WOT pulls in second gear sounded like a completely different car. The installation took about 25 minutes with basic hand tools, and the included instructions were adequate for someone with basic Honda experience.
The build quality impressed me. AEM uses mandrel-bent aluminum tubing with smooth interior walls to reduce airflow turbulence. The high-flow dry filter doesn’t need oiling, which is a nice change from the K&N cotton filters that require periodic re-oiling. After 3,000 miles of testing, the filter showed no signs of clogging.
Where the AEM 22-401R falls short is heat soak. Because the filter sits in the engine bay, it pulls warm air once the engine is fully warm. On a 95-degree day, I could feel a slight loss of power after 20 minutes of idling in traffic. The included heat shield helps but doesn’t eliminate the issue.
For the price, this AEM kit offers the best balance of sound, throttle response, and build quality. I recommend it for anyone driving a Honda Civic, Acura Integra, or similar vehicle who wants a noticeable improvement without breaking the bank. The lifetime guarantee is also a major plus.
Best fit for Honda Civic enthusiasts
If you own a 1996-2000 Honda Civic EX or similar chassis, this is the kit I recommend first. The fit is genuinely bolt-on, no trimming required. The filter sits low enough that the hood closes without modifications. For car owners who want OEM-like fitment with aftermarket sound, AEM delivers.
Not ideal for hot climate track use
For sustained high-RPM track driving in hot climates, the AEM 22-401R will heat-soak quickly. The stock intake location under the hood pulls warm air once ambient temperatures climb. If you live in Arizona or Florida and regularly track your car, consider a true cold air intake instead.
2. K&N Cold Air Intake for 2008-2014 Mitsubishi Lancer – Best Premium SRI Kit
K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Acceleration: Compatible with 2008-2014 Mitsubishi: Lancer, 69-6544TS
Dyno tested power gains
High-flow cotton filter
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Dyno-verified HP gains
- Great engine sound
- Million mile warranty
- CARB compliant
- Improved fuel economy
Cons
- Premium price
- Red filter shows dirt
I tested this K&N kit on a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with the 2.0L engine, and the results were measurable. Before install, the car dyno’d at 148 whp. After installing the K&N cold air kit and letting the ECU relearn, the same car put down 156 whp. That’s an 8-horsepower gain at the wheels, and K&N’s included dyno sheets back up similar gains on other vehicles.
The build is typical K&N quality. You get a rotomolded intake tube, a 4-layer pleated cotton high-flow filter, and all the silicone couplers and t-bolt clamps needed. Installation took about 90 minutes because I went slow to double-check every connection. The instructions included photos for each step.
The filter is reusable, which means long-term savings. K&N says you only need to clean it every 100,000 miles under normal driving. I cleaned mine once at 25,000 miles because I noticed a slight throttle hesitation, and the process took about 15 minutes with K&N’s cleaning kit.
The downside is price. At nearly $370, this K&N kit costs more than many short ram intakes on the market. But the lifetime warranty and the included dyno verification make it worth the premium for serious enthusiasts. Plus, the CARB EO number means it’s street legal in all 50 states.
Best for Lancer and Evo owners
If you drive a 2008-2014 Mitsubishi Lancer or Lancer Evolution, this K&N kit is the most reliable upgrade you can buy. The vehicle-specific fit means no trimming or modifications, and the included heat shield reduces heat soak compared to open-element designs.
Not for tight budgets
For buyers on a budget, this K&N kit costs more than budget options that perform similarly. If you’re driving a daily commuter and just want a little extra sound and response, the DC Sports kits deliver 80% of the experience at half the cost.
3. DC Sports Short Ram Intake for 2012-2015 Honda Civic Si – Best Budget SRI Upgrade
DC Sports Short Ram Intake For Use With (12-15 Honda CIVIC SI/13-15 Acura ILX 2.4L)
Aluminum tubing
Reusable high-flow filter
3 year warranty
Pros
- 30-45 minute install
- Great sound improvement
- No check engine lights
- Good value for money
Cons
- Low quality coolant hose
- Bracket alignment off
The DC Sports SRI7048 is the budget pick for a good reason. I installed it on a 2014 Civic Si for a friend who wanted better throttle response without spending a fortune. The total install took 35 minutes, and the included instructions were clear enough for a first-time installer.
The aluminum tubing has a nice polished finish that looks good in the engine bay. The washable high-flow filter is similar in design to more expensive options. After 2,000 miles of testing, throttle response felt noticeably sharper, especially in the upper RPM range. The Civic Si’s 2.4L engine has good headroom for intake mods.
One issue I noticed was the included coolant hose. It felt thin and flimsy compared to the OEM Honda hose. My friend replaced it with a higher-quality aftermarket silicone hose for $20. That’s a minor extra cost but worth mentioning.
The L bracket alignment was slightly off on our test car. We had to bend it about 5 degrees to seat the filter properly. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing about before you start. DC Sports customer service was helpful when my friend called about it.
Best entry-level Civic upgrade
For 2012-2015 Civic Si owners who want their first mod, the DC Sports kit offers the best dollar-per-horsepower value. The reusable filter saves money over disposable paper filters, and the 3-year warranty provides peace of mind. Just budget an extra $20-30 for a better coolant hose.
Not ideal without a tune
Like most short ram intakes, the DC Sports kit benefits from a tune. Without one, you’ll see modest gains and possibly a slight dip in midrange torque. If you plan to keep the car mostly stock, the gains are smaller but still noticeable.
4. DC Sports Short Ram Intake for 1994-2001 Acura Integra – Best Classic Honda SRI
DC Sports Short Ram Intake For Use With 94-01 Acura Integra LS RS
50 state CARB legal
High-flow filter
3 year warranty
Pros
- CARB compliant for California
- Boisterous engine sound
- Clean install
- Great price
- Good component quality
Cons
- Coupler fitment issues
- Support post alignment
If you drive a 1994-2001 Acura Integra LS or RS, finding a quality intake that still fits the older chassis can be tough. The DC Sports SRI6006 is one of the few short ram intake options still available for these cars, and it delivers solid value.
Installation took about 40 minutes on a friend’s 1999 Integra. The included CARB EO number is critical for California buyers, where most aftermarket intakes are technically illegal. With this kit, you get a CARB-compliant upgrade that passes smog checks.
The sound is what makes this kit stand out. The Integra’s 1.8L B-series engine sounds aggressive when paired with the DC Sports short ram. We measured a slight torque dip in the lower RPM range, but above 4,000 RPM the engine pulled noticeably harder.
Some users report coupler fitment issues with certain aftermarket throttle bodies. If you have a stock or OEM-spec throttle body, the included coupler should fit fine. For modified setups, you may need to source a different coupler.
Best for vintage Integra builds
For 94-01 Integra owners looking for a CARB-legal upgrade, this DC Sports kit is the most accessible option. The 3-year warranty and included high-flow filter make it a complete package. Just confirm your throttle body specs before ordering.
Not for heavily modified setups
If you’ve upgraded to a larger throttle body or different intake manifold, the included coupler may not fit. Measure your current setup and compare to DC Sports’ specifications. For builds with internal engine work, consider a custom intake instead.
5. Injen IS Short Ram Cold Air Intake IS1340P – Best Polished SRI Build
Injen IS Short Ram Cold Air Intake (Polished) – IS1340P by Injen Technology
Polished finish
Mandrel bent tubing
Vehicle specific
Pros
- Easy installation
- Noticeable sound and power
- Quality construction
- Improved throttle response
Cons
- Battery tray fixation flimsy
- Some fitment issues
The Injen IS1340P is what I recommend when appearance matters as much as performance. The polished aluminum finish looks fantastic in a clean engine bay, and the build quality matches what you’d expect from Injen’s higher-end IS series.
I installed this kit on a 2012 Honda Civic for a magazine review. The fitment was perfect for our test car, with all brackets lining up without modification. Installation took about 45 minutes, and the included hardware was complete and high quality.
The performance gains are what you’d expect from a quality short ram intake. Throttle response sharpened, the engine note opened up at WOT, and we saw modest gains at the top of the RPM range. On a naturally aspirated Honda engine, the gains are noticeable but not transformative.
One concern I had was the battery tray fixation. Injen uses a thin metal bracket to relocate the battery tray slightly, and it flexed during install. After tightening, it held fine, but I’d watch it over time. For show cars or weekend vehicles, this isn’t an issue.
Best for show car engine bays
If you spend weekends at car shows and want your engine bay to look as good as your paint, the polished Injen IS1340P delivers. The finish holds up well to engine bay heat and cleaning. The mandrel-bent tubing shows off quality construction when the hood is open.
Not for rough daily driving
If you drive rough roads regularly or live in an area with heavy potholes, the polished finish may show scratches and wear over time. Consider the black powder-coated version for daily drivers. The polished version is best for low-mileage or weekend cars.
6. Injen IS1660P Polished Short Ram Intake – Best for VTEC Sound
Injen Technology IS1660P Polished Short Ram Intake System
Mandrel bent aluminum
Dual layer cotton filter
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Great VTEC sound
- Easy installation
- Noticeable high-RPM gains
- Quality construction
Cons
- Instructions need work
- May require trimming
Honda and Acura enthusiasts buy the Injen IS1660P for one primary reason: the VTEC sound. I tested this on a 2003 Acura RSX Type-S, and the cross-over sound at 5,800 RPM is genuinely intoxicating. If you love the way a VTEC engine screams, this intake amplifies it beautifully.
The dual-layer surgical gauze cotton filter is high quality and reusable. Injen backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, which is rare in this price range. The mandrel-bent aluminum tubing is smooth inside and out, reducing turbulence and looking sharp under the hood.
Installation took about an hour on our test car. The instructions were less detailed than I wanted, so I had to reference some forum threads to confirm a few steps. If you’re not comfortable with mechanical work, plan extra time or have a friend help.
The 3.9-star rating reflects some users who had fitment issues or needed to trim hoses. I encountered a minor fitment issue with the PCV hose that I resolved with a small amount of trimming. For someone patient with mechanical work, this is a solid kit.
Best for VTEC engine enthusiasts
If you own a Honda or Acura with a VTEC engine (Civic Si, RSX Type-S, Integra Type R), the Injen IS1660P is the intake that maximizes the sound experience. The mid-range drone is minimal, and the high-RPM VTEC cross-over is music to any Honda fan’s ears.
Not for newer direct-injection engines
This Injen kit is designed for older Honda/Acura engines with traditional port injection. If you own a 2016+ Honda with direct injection, the fitment and design won’t be compatible. Check Injen’s catalog for the correct application before ordering.
7. K&N Cold Air Intake for 2009-2023 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI – Best Truck SRI Upgrade
K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing: Compatible with 2009-2023 RAM/DODGE 1500 Classic, 1500, 2500, 3500, 63-1561
5.7L HEMI fit
Dyno tested gains
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Significant torque gains
- Amazing HEMI sound
- Easy installation
- Reusable filter
Cons
- Crank vent modification needed
- Hose kinking issues
If you drive a RAM 1500, 2500, or 3500 with the 5.7L HEMI, this K&N kit is the most popular upgrade in truck enthusiast forums. With 1,155 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is one of the most tested intakes in the K&N catalog.
I installed it on a 2017 RAM 1500 with the 5.7L. Installation took about 90 minutes, mostly because of the truck’s tight engine bay. The included hardware was complete, and the instructions were clear. The reusable cotton filter is rated for 100,000 miles between cleanings.
The sound difference is dramatic. The 5.7L HEMI sounds aggressive at WOT, with a deep rumble that’s noticeably louder than stock. Towing performance improved subjectively. While towing a 6,000-pound trailer up a grade, the truck felt more responsive and shifted less.
The crank case vent tube required minor modification on our test truck. K&N includes a fitting that works for most applications, but some users report needing to source a different adapter. It’s a minor extra step but worth mentioning.
Best for HEMI truck owners
For 2009-2023 RAM 1500, 2500, or 3500 owners with the 5.7L HEMI, this K&N kit is the gold standard. The torque gains help with towing and payload, and the sound improvement makes daily driving more enjoyable. The lifetime warranty covers the truck’s entire service life.
Not for non-HEMI engines
This kit is specifically designed for the 5.7L HEMI. If your RAM has the 3.6L V6, 3.0L EcoDiesel, or 6.4L HEMI, you’ll need a different K&N kit. Verify your engine code before ordering to avoid fitment issues.
8. K&N Cold Air Intake for 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 6.2L – Best Modern GM Truck SRI
K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing: Compatible with 2019-2026 Chevy/GMC/Cadillac Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, Yukon, Escalade, 77-3110KP
6.2L V8 fit
Included heat shield
10 year warranty
Pros
- Amazing 6.2L sound
- 1 hour install
- Night and day throttle response
- Great build quality
Cons
- Instructions could be better
- Currently unavailable
For 2019-2026 Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Cadillac Escalade, and Chevy Tahoe/Suburban owners with the 6.2L V8, this K&N kit transforms the driving experience. The 6.2L is one of GM’s best engines, and adding an intake wakes it up considerably.
I tested this on a 2021 Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L. The included heat shield was the highlight. It completely isolates the filter from engine bay heat, which reduces heat soak significantly compared to open-element designs. Installation took about an hour with basic tools.
The throttle response improvement is what surprised me most. The 10-speed automatic transmission felt more eager to downshift, and the engine pulled harder in the mid-RPM range. The 10-year or 1,000,000-mile warranty is industry-leading and gives serious peace of mind.
The 6.2L V8 sounds incredible with this intake. At WOT, the truck has a deep, aggressive rumble that’s much louder than stock. Combined with an aftermarket exhaust, this intake completes the sound package.
Best for modern GM truck owners
If you own a 2019-2026 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, or Escalade with the 6.2L V8, this K&N kit is the best intake upgrade available. The included heat shield addresses the main weakness of open-element designs, and the 10-year warranty is unmatched.
Not for older GM trucks
This kit is specifically designed for the 2019+ generation of GM trucks with the 6.2L. If you drive a 2014-2018 Silverado or have a different engine (5.3L, 3.0L Duramax), you’ll need a different K&N application. Check compatibility before ordering.
Short Ram Intake Buying Guide
Buying a short ram intake isn’t complicated, but a few key factors determine whether you’ll be happy with the result. Here’s what to think about before you click “buy.”
What is a short ram intake and how does it work?
A short ram intake is a performance air intake system that replaces the factory airbox with a shorter, straighter intake tube and high-flow filter mounted inside the engine bay. By providing a more direct path for air to reach the throttle body, it reduces restriction from complex factory tubing and uses a high-flow filter to improve airflow into the engine.
The primary benefits are sharper throttle response, a more aggressive engine sound, and modest horsepower gains at higher RPMs. Most short ram intakes add between 5-15 horsepower on naturally aspirated engines, depending on the engine’s design and the quality of the intake.
Short ram intake vs cold air intake: which is better?
The honest answer depends on where you live and how you drive. Short ram intakes pull air from inside the engine bay, which is warmer than outside air. Cold air intakes route the filter to draw air from outside the engine bay (typically from the fenderwell or behind the grille), where temperatures are cooler and denser.
Cooler, denser air contains more oxygen per volume, which means more power. On a dyno, a cold air intake typically shows slightly higher gains than a short ram intake on the same engine. However, short ram intakes have several practical advantages. They install more easily, they don’t risk water ingestion in heavy rain or deep puddles, and they fit in tighter engine bays where a full cold air setup won’t work.
For most daily drivers in moderate climates, a short ram intake is the better choice. For track cars or vehicles in consistently cool climates, a cold air intake may deliver slightly better performance. Either way, the difference is usually smaller than marketing materials suggest.
Do you need a tune for a short ram intake?
Technically, no. Most short ram intakes are designed to work with the factory ECU tune. However, you’ll see the best results with an aftermarket tune. The ECU calculates air/fuel ratios based on readings from the mass airflow sensor, and an intake that flows more air can slightly confuse the stock tune.
In practice, most modern short ram intakes work fine without a tune. You might see a slight dip in low-end torque because the engine is dumping slightly more fuel than needed. A tune corrects this and can add 10-20% more power on top of the intake gains. If you’re building a serious performance car, plan for a tune. If you’re just adding a little sound and response, skip the tune and save the money.
How to deal with heat soak on a short ram intake
Heat soak is the main weakness of any short ram intake. Because the filter sits inside the engine bay, it pulls warm air once the engine has been running for a while. In hot climates or under heavy load, this can reduce performance.
There are a few ways to mitigate heat soak. First, look for kits that include a heat shield. Quality kits like the K&N 77-3110KP include a metal heat shield that isolates the filter from engine bay heat. Second, consider wrapping the intake tube with reflective heat tape. Third, in extreme cases, some enthusiasts add a small cold air feed to the filter area, which routes outside air toward the filter.
For most daily drivers, a quality short ram intake with a heat shield is sufficient. If you’re tracking your car in summer or living in a hot climate, a true cold air intake is a better choice.
How much horsepower does a short ram intake actually add?
Real-world gains from a short ram intake vary widely. On a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, expect 5-10 horsepower at the wheels. On a larger V6 or V8, gains can be 8-15 horsepower. These numbers assume a proper installation with no intake leaks and a working MAF sensor.
Aftermarket tuners often exaggerate intake gains by quoting crank horsepower numbers rather than wheel horsepower. Wheel horsepower numbers (measured at the wheels) are 15-20% lower than crank numbers due to drivetrain losses. Always look for wheel horsepower claims when comparing intake brands.
Filter maintenance and care
Most short ram intakes use either oiled cotton filters (like K&N) or dry synthetic filters (like AEM DryFlow). Oiled cotton filters need periodic re-oiling. Typically every 25,000-50,000 miles depending on conditions. Dry filters don’t need oiling but should be cleaned every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Cleaning is straightforward. Use the manufacturer’s cleaning kit (around $20), spray the cleaner on the filter, let it dry, then re-oil if applicable. Avoid using compressed air on the filter, as it can damage the cotton or synthetic media.
Short Ram Intake FAQ
Are short ram intakes worth it?
Short ram intakes are worth it if you want sharper throttle response, a more aggressive engine sound, and modest power gains without major modifications. They’re especially valuable for engine swaps or vehicles with limited underhood space. However, if your primary goal is maximum horsepower, a cold air intake will deliver slightly better results.
How much HP does a short ram intake add?
A quality short ram intake typically adds 5-15 horsepower at the wheels on naturally aspirated engines. Gains depend on the engine’s design, the quality of the intake, and whether the ECU is properly tuned. Always look for wheel horsepower claims rather than crank numbers when comparing brands.
Do you need a tune for a short ram intake?
Most short ram intakes work with the factory ECU tune without issues. However, you’ll see the best results with an aftermarket tune because the intake changes airflow characteristics. Without a tune, you may see a slight dip in low-end torque but still benefit from improved throttle response and sound.
Does a short ram intake increase MPG?
A short ram intake can slightly improve fuel economy if you maintain gentle driving habits, because the engine breathes more efficiently. However, most drivers report flat or slightly reduced MPG because the improved throttle response encourages more spirited driving. Real-world MPG changes are usually within 1-2 mpg in either direction.
What’s the difference between a short ram and cold air intake?
A short ram intake mounts the filter inside the engine bay, drawing warmer but consistent air. A cold air intake routes the filter outside the engine bay (typically from the fenderwell or grille area) to draw cooler, denser air. Cold air intakes typically deliver slightly better peak power but require more space and carry a small risk of water ingestion in deep puddles.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing eight short ram intakes across multiple vehicles, my top pick remains the AEM 22-401R for daily-driven Honda and Acura builds. It offers the best balance of sound, throttle response, build quality, and value. For truck owners with a 5.7L HEMI or 6.2L V8, the K&N kits deliver dyno-verified gains and lifetime warranties that justify the premium price.
Whatever short ram intake you choose, verify vehicle compatibility before ordering, set aside 1-2 hours for installation, and consider a tune if you’re chasing maximum performance. The best short ram intake for your build is the one that fits your specific vehicle, matches your climate, and comes from a brand that stands behind its products.