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Best Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins

Written by  Diesel Josh
Dodge Cummins
best-cold-air-intake-for-6.7-cummins

If you're running a 6.7 Cummins, you know airflow is everything. A cold air intake (CAI) is one of the simplest and most effective upgrades you can make to boost performance, throttle response, and engine efficiency. The factory intake does its job—but it’s restrictive. More airflow means cooler intake temps, better combustion, and more efficient power delivery. That’s why upgrading to a high-performance cold air intake is a no-brainer to lower EGTs, improve MPG, and wake up your turbo.

But with so many brands and options, how do you pick the best cold air intake for 6.7 Cummins performance? We’re breaking down top-rated brands like S&B, Banks, and AFE to help you find the right setup for your build. Whether you want maximum airflow, a deeper turbo whistle, or the most durable design, we’ve got you covered. If you’re ready to shop, explore Cummins cold air intakes to see what’s in stock. Otherwise, let’s break down what you need to know.

Choosing the Best Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins Performance: What to Look For

Before throwing parts at your truck, it pays to understand what makes a good cold air intake. Not all CAIs are built the same, and picking the wrong one can mean gains you’ll never feel or filters that clog up faster than they should. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:

  • Open vs. Closed Air Boxes: Open air filters give you maximum airflow and turbo sound, but they’re exposed to heat from the engine bay. Closed airboxes provide better heat insulation, keeping intake temps lower for more consistent performance. (If you want more details on this, check out our deep dive: Open vs. Closed Cold Air Intake: Which is Better?)
  • Filter Type: Oiled cotton gauze filters offer reusable, high-flow performance, while dry synthetic filters are low-maintenance and better for dusty environments.
  • Build Quality & Fitment: Cheap plastics and weak clamps won’t hold up. You want OEM-like fitment with high-quality couplers, durable seals, and solid hardware.
  • Performance Gains: Not all intakes make the same power. A well-designed system increases CFM (cubic feet per minute) for better combustion and faster turbo spool, while poorly designed intakes might not flow much better than stock.

Best Cold Air Intakes for 6.7 Cummins (Brand Comparisons)

When choosing between the best cold air intakes for the 6.7 Cummins, different brands stand out for different reasons. Some prioritize maximum airflow, others focus on fuel efficiency, and some deliver an aggressive turbo sound. At Diesel Power Products, we only carry brands we trust, tested by real diesel enthusiasts who know what works. Below, we break down the top three cold air intakes for the 6.7 Cummins, based on performance, durability, and real-world customer feedback.

S&B Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins – Best for Maximum Airflow

If you want top-tier airflow without sacrificing filtration, S&B is the brand to beat. Their cold air intakes are dyno-tested, high-flow, and built with a fully enclosed airbox to prevent heat soak from under the hood. The precision-fit design ensures a tight seal, while the oversized filter allows for maximum cold air intake without restriction. Unlike cheap, open-style filters that suck in hot engine bay air, S&B keeps intake temps down for better throttle response and lower EGTs, making it an ideal choice for towing and high-load applications.

Real-world results back it up. One Cummins owner who installed an S&B on his 2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins said:

“Absolutely awesome… first of all shipping was super super fast! Amazing! Second of all the intake was very simple to install and gave me a little more volume from the turbo but REALLY INCREASED AIR FLOW AND LOWERED EGT. Stared at my programmer for about 3 miles hammer down and noticed significantly more airflow and lower intake temps as well as lower EGT. Great product represented by an awesome company.”

Another driver who upgraded his 2014 Ram 2500 was just as impressed:

“TOTALLY IMPRESSED! Installed on my cab in less than an hour. Very clear installation instructions! The turbo is noticeably louder inside and out (with some throttle). The exhaust brake has a deeper tone and more growl. Honestly, sounds more like a BIG RIG!! I should've bought it long ago… makes me smile!”

For a high-performance intake with superior fitment and filtration, S&B is the go-to choice for daily-driven and tuned Cummins trucks. Learn more about S&B Cold Air Intakes at Diesel Power Products or check out a "> detailed S&B Cold Air Intake review on YouTube to see how it performs.

AFE Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins – Best for Aggressive Performance

AFE intakes are built for maximum airflow and an aggressive, unrestricted intake sound. Their designs focus on high-velocity airflow with minimal turbulence, which means quicker turbo spool, sharper throttle response, and a noticeable difference in how the truck pulls. Unlike enclosed airboxes, many AFE intakes feature open-element designs that allow the turbo to breathe without restriction—perfect for those who want to hear the intake work.

Cummins owners running AFE intakes report immediate power gains and a more aggressive intake note. One owner, who has installed AFE intakes on his 1999 5.9 Cummins, 2008 6.7 Cummins, and 2015 6.7 Cummins, called it his “only cold air intake brand” and said he would definitely buy again.

Another driver said:

“This intake looks nice and sounds real nice! I can feel the power increase instantly. Installation was fast and easy with quality hardware. My only complaints are that the M4 screws supplied are too short for the inlet air temp sensor and the openings are not snug against the stock air inlet gaskets but I'm still overall very satisfied. AFE intake manifold is next.”

If you’re after performance and sound, AFE delivers a race-inspired feel with high-flow engineering. Take a closer look at AFE Cold Air Intakes available at Diesel Power Products to see if it’s the right fit for your truck.

Banks Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Cummins – Best for Efficiency & Durability

Banks Power is known for engineered performance—every product they make is tested, refined, and backed by data. Their Ram-Air Cold Air Intake isn’t just another high-flow filter—it’s been put through flow simulations, dyno testing, and real-world density analysis to optimize power, efficiency, and EGT reduction.

What does that mean for your Cummins? According to Engine Builder Magazine, the Banks intake flows 50% better than stock while maintaining higher air density at the turbo inlet than competitors. The result is better throttle response, more efficient combustion, and lower EGTs, making it an excellent option for those who tow frequently or run their trucks under heavy load.

Cummins owners running the Banks intake consistently praise its build quality and performance. One customer said:

“Great quality. Big fan of Banks products and will continue to recommend them. Fast shipping from DPP, have not been disappointed in any of my purchases from them.”

Another owner simply put:

“Worth buying. It definitely gives the truck some more life. Love the sound.”

For long-term reliability and proven efficiency, Banks Power is a rock-solid choice. See available options at Diesel Power Products and find the right intake for your Cummins build.

Year-Specific Recommendations: Which Cold Air Intake Fits Your 6.7 Cummins?

Choosing the right cold air intake for your 6.7 Cummins isn’t just about brand preference—it also depends on your truck’s model year. Dodge and Ram made several design changes to the intake system over the years, which means fitment, airflow characteristics, and installation details can vary. Below, we break down the best cold air intakes for each generation, ensuring you get the right setup for your truck.

2007.5 - 2009 6.7 Cummins Cold Air Intake Options

The 2007.5-2009 6.7 Cummins marked Dodge’s first 6.7L diesel engine, replacing the legendary 5.9L Cummins. While the engine introduced EGR and DPF emissions systems, the intake system remained relatively simple, making it an easy upgrade.

Top Picks for This Generation:

  • S&B Cold Air Intake (75-5093): Flows 37.06% better than stock while filtering 99.43% of airborne dirt, ensuring clean, dense airflow.
  • AFE Stage 2 Cold Air Intake Type Cx: Increases airflow by 81% over stock, delivering up to 5 HP and 12 lb-ft of torque gains.

Key Considerations:

  • Direct bolt-on installation—no special tuning required.
  • If your truck has high mileage, inspect intake boots and clamps for wear before installing a new system.
  • Some early 6.7 Cummins models develop soot buildup in the intake manifold due to EGR recirculation—installing a higher-flow intake can help mitigate restrictions.

2010 - 2018 6.7 Cummins Cold Air Intake Options

For the 2010-2018 6.7 Cummins, Ram made key updates, including a revised air intake system, improved emissions controls, and updated turbocharger designs. The factory intake became more efficient, but aftermarket intakes still provide better airflow, filtration, and responsiveness.

Top Picks for This Generation:

  • S&B Cold Air Intake: Flows 51.68% better than stock while filtering 99.50% of airborne dirt, making it one of the best upgrades for this generation. CHECK OUT THESE REVIEWS:
    • "Absolutely Awesome. Just started adding upgrades to the 2015 Ram 2500 6.7L and this thing is awesome, first of all shipping was super super fast! Amazing! Second of all the intake was very simple to install, gave me a little more volume from the turbo but REALLY INCREASED AIR FLOW AND LOWERED EGT. Stared at my programmer for about 3 miles Hammer down and noticed significantly more air flow and lower intake temps as well as lower EGT. Great product represented by an awesome company..more to come. Thank you DPP”
    • “TOTALLY IMPRESSED! Installed on my 2014 cab in less than an hour. Very clear installation instructions! The turbo is noticeably louder inside and out (with some throttle). The exhaust brake has a deeper tone and more growl. Honestly sounds more like a BIG RIG!! I should've bought it long ago...makes me smile!”
  • AFE Momentum HD Stage 2 Si Cold Air Intake: Outflows stock by 113%, significantly improving air volume and turbo response. CHECK OUT THESE REVIEWS:
    • “Very easy install. Will definitely buy again. I have 3 AFE cold air intake 1999 5.9 Cummins 2008 6.7 Cummins 2015 6.7 Cummins. This is the only cold air intake brand I will buy.”
    • “This intake looks nice and sounds real nice! I can feel the power increase instantly. Installation was fast and easy with quality hardware. My only complaints are that the m4 screws supplied are too short for the inlet air temp sensor and the openings are not snug against the stock air inlet gaskets but I'm still overall very satisfied. AFE intake manifold is next.”
  • Banks Ram-Air Intake System: Engineered for better air density recovery, improving power, efficiency, and throttle response. CHECK OUT THESE REVIEWS:
    • “Great quality, big fan of Banks products and will continue to recommend them. Fast shipping from DPP, have not been disappointed in any of my purchases from them.”
    • “Worth buying. It definitely gives the truck some more life. Love the sound.”

Key Considerations:

  • 2013-2018 models feature a redesigned airbox—ensure the intake you choose is compatible.
  • Many intakes for this generation integrate with the factory cold air duct, leveraging Ram’s OEM cold air feed for lower intake temperatures.
  • No tuning required, but upgrading your intake may complement exhaust and turbo upgrades for even better performance.

2019 - 2024 6.7 Cummins Cold Air Intake Options

The 2019+ Ram 2500/3500 6.7 Cummins introduced a new body style and intake routing, incorporating a factory cold air feed directly from the grille. This means modern cold air intakes are designed to enhance or replace that system for even better airflow.

Top Picks for This Generation:

  • S&B Cold Air Intake (75-5132): Designed to work with the factory grille air duct, delivering cooler intake temps and unrestricted airflow.
  • AFE Momentum GT Pro 10R: Features a single-piece sealed housing, improving fitment and heat resistance while flowing better than stock.
  • Banks Ram-Air Intake: One of the few intakes designed to integrate directly with Ram’s OEM cold air feed, ensuring optimized airflow and lower intake temps.

Key Considerations:

  • Many intakes for 2019+ models retain or improve upon Ram’s factory cold air duct—choosing an intake that works with this system will yield the best results.
  • Newer Ram models use advanced sensors, so ensuring a proper MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor fit is critical to prevent CEL (Check Engine Light) issues.
  • No tuning required, but improved airflow supports better efficiency, throttle response, and lower EGTs—especially for towing and performance builds.

Benefits of a 6.7 Cummins Cold Air Intake Upgrade

Upgrading to a high-performance cold air intake is one of the easiest and most effective ways to unlock more power, improve efficiency, and enhance throttle response on your 6.7 Cummins. The stock air intake is built to meet emissions and noise regulations, not necessarily for maximum performance. By switching to a better-designed intake system, you eliminate airflow restrictions, giving your turbo more of the cool, dense air it needs to perform efficiently.

Increased Airflow & Turbo Spool

The 6.7 Cummins relies heavily on airflow—more oxygen means better combustion, quicker turbo spool, and improved throttle response. Stock intakes, particularly on newer models, restrict airflow with smaller inlets, sound baffles, and inefficient filtration materials. Aftermarket intakes, like those from S&B, AFE, and Banks, use larger-diameter tubing and high-flow filters to increase airflow while maintaining proper filtration.

Lower Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs)

Heat is the enemy of any turbocharged diesel engine. Lowering EGTs (exhaust gas temperatures) extends turbo life, improves reliability, and helps maintain efficiency under load. By reducing intake restrictions, a cold air intake allows cooler, denser air into the turbo, preventing excessive heat buildup—especially beneficial for those towing heavy loads or running performance tunes.

Improved Fuel Economy

Some drivers report small but noticeable MPG gains after upgrading to a higher-flowing cold air intake. While fuel economy improvements vary, reducing restriction and improving combustion efficiency can lead to minor MPG increases under normal driving conditions. Gains are often more noticeable when paired with other upgrades like an efficient exhaust system or performance tuning.

Stronger Turbo Sound & Throttle Response

A cold air intake isn’t just about numbers—it enhances the driving experience. Many Cummins owners love the more pronounced turbo whistle and deeper intake growl that comes with a high-flow intake system. Under acceleration, you’ll notice sharper throttle response, especially at low RPMs when turbo lag is more apparent.

For more insight into why your Cummins benefits from a cold air intake, check out Why Your Dodge Cummins Needs a Cold Air Intake on the DPP blog.

The Verdict: Is a 6.7 Cummins Cold Air Intake Worth It?

For 6.7 Cummins owners, a cold air intake is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. It’s a simple bolt-on mod that improves airflow, turbo spool, and throttle response, while also helping to lower EGTs—critical for those who tow, haul, or push their trucks hard.

While you won’t see massive horsepower gains from an intake alone, the real benefit is in reducing restriction and optimizing airflow, which leads to smoother acceleration and better combustion efficiency. Some drivers also report small but noticeable MPG improvements, especially when paired with other airflow and tuning upgrades.

A well-built intake from brands like S&B, AFE, or Banks will also outlast stock components, with reusable high-flow filters that save money in the long run. Whether you want maximum airflow, aggressive turbo sound, or a reliable factory-style upgrade, a cold air intake delivers solid, real-world performance improvements.

Find the Best Cold Air Intake for Your 6.7 Cummins with DPP!

As we’ve explored, a cold air intake is one of the easiest and most effective upgrades for your 6.7 Cummins, delivering better airflow, lower EGTs, and improved throttle response. Choosing the right intake depends on your performance goals:

  • S&B → Best for balanced airflow, superior fitment, and high-quality filtration
  • AFE → Best for aggressive sound, unrestricted airflow, and race-inspired performance
  • Banks → Best for efficiency, durability, and emissions-friendly power gains

No matter which CAI you choose, upgrading from stock allows your turbo to breathe easier, improves combustion, and enhances your driving experience—whether you’re daily driving, towing, or pushing your truck to its limits.

Ready to upgrade? Explore the best Cummins cold air intakes at Diesel Power Products today.

Got questions or experience with a cold air intake? Contact us or drop a comment below! Let us know what you’re running and how it’s working for your Cummins.

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