A cold air intake is usually the first mod on a 6.7L Cummins, and the two names that come up every time are Banks and S&B. We stock both, so here's an honest comparison.
What an intake actually does on a 6.7
The factory airbox on Ram HD trucks is restrictive at high airflow, which matters most when you're towing heavy at sustained boost, running a tune that raises airflow demand, or just want faster turbo spool. An aftermarket intake lowers restriction and intake air temperature, which the Cummins pays back in EGT headroom.
Banks Ram-Air ($329)
Banks publishes actual airflow data, and the Ram-Air's strength is its enclosed housing with a huge filter and a streamlined inlet. It uses an oiled or dry filter option and is CARB-friendly in most configurations. Pick this if you tow heavy and care most about documented flow gains and EGT control. Banks Ram-Air Cold Air Intake – 6.7L Cummins
S&B Filters ($349)
S&B's box seals extremely well, has a clear sight window, and the filter options (cleanable cotton or disposable dry) are cheap to maintain. Fit and finish under the hood is excellent. Pick this if you want the best-sealing enclosed box and easy filter maintenance. S&B Filters Cold Air Intake – Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins
Our take
Towing rig that lives at max GCWR: Banks. Daily driver with occasional towing: either one, so buy on price and filter preference. Both bolt on in under an hour with hand tools.
Pair either intake with a 4" turbo-back exhaust and a tuner and you have the classic first-stage Cummins build.
Code RAMLAUNCH10 = 10% off your first order.