6.4 HEMI Intake Upgrade Guide
The 6.4 HEMI engine is known to be an impressively powerful V8, especially with some simple bolt-on upgrades. Chrysler first introduced the original version of this engine in 2005 with 525 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. In 2011 Dodge introduced the 6.4 HEMI in their lineup of SRT8 models with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking to boost their power and performance, a cold air intake upgrade is one of the best options. These 6.4-liter engines respond well to modifications, but how do they react to an upgraded air intake specifically? Cold air intake upgrades offer power gains, efficiency, and increased induction sounds. Simply put, more airflow allows more for more power.
Different types of available intake upgrades offer various benefits. This guide will showcase some of our most highly recommended air intakes and examine their different benefits. Make sure you check out our previous article on the 4 most common 6.4 Hemi engine problems for further info on your 392 HEMI. Within this article, we will be using the names: 392 HEMI, 6.4 HEMI, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Ram 6.4 HEMI. To clear any confusion, these names are all in reference to the same engine.
6.4 HEMI Intake Upgrade Benefits
This guide will help to analyze the benefits and gains from an upgraded intake on a stock 6.4L HEMI engine. The stock intake in the 6.4 HEMI is efficient on engines without heavy or extreme modifications. However, as you keep increasing your horsepower, an upgraded cold air intake can become necessary to reach your engine’s full potential.
Supporting mods can become restricted by stock intake systems in the 392 HEMI. It’s essential to balance out your car’s upgrades and modifications appropriately. Various supporting mods are necessary to maximize your car’s performance, never just one mod regardless of its quality, price, or advertised promises. Benefits of a 6.4. HEMI intake upgrade include the following:
- 3-10 whp gains
- 5-15 wtq gains
- 20-50% improved overall airflow
- Better MPG/gas mileage improvement
- Better throttle response
- Louder induction noises
The results listed above can be significantly affected by a good tune and proper engine maintenance. An upgraded intake can add substantial horsepower to the 6.4 HEMI with a tune. Thus an intake will offer drastically less improvement overall without a tune, proper supporting mods, and proper maintenance.
6.4L HEMI Cold Air Intake vs Other Systems
There are generally two main types of cold air intakes, closed versus open. Closed intakes are housed or boxed within an enclosure to reduce induction noise. Open Intakes generate the most airflow without any surrounding enclosure and thus generate a louder induction sound.
Two more subcategories of intakes are the “short ram” and the classic cold air intake. Short ram intakes aim to reduce friction and increase airflow for the engine. Cold Air Intakes differ, re-routing the filter to a cooler area in the engine bay, allowing cooler air to enter the intake.
The market produces a wide variety of classic cold air intake systems (closed or open) due to the demand and ease of installation on many vehicles. Easier installation means our recommended intake mods can be easier to access for maintenance and repairs. Now, let’s finally get into our list of the three best-recommended intake upgrades for the 6.4 Hemi engine.
Best 6.4 HEMI Intake Upgrades
There are a great number of intake options on the market for the 6.4L Hemi. Below we will cover a few of our highest recommended options, their performance, and their prices. Its important to first determine if you want an open or closed intake upgrade, then you can narrow down the best options for your 6.4 HEMI.
Different fitments may be associated with these recommendations due to the different models the 6.4 HEMI engine was used in. It is always essential to have the correct fitment before purchasing any upgrade for your car. A simple google search can quickly highlight the proper fitment needed for your specific model. Many distributors will directly list the proper fitting fitment for the exact car within the product description.
Finally, let’s jump into some of the top cold air intake upgrades that made our list for the 6.4 HEMI.
1) K&N Series 69 Typhoon Cold Air Intake
K&N is a very reputable manufacturer known for its array of different air intakes and accessories. This open-air intake is a perfect choice for those seeking to increase power with a dependable product. The K&N Typhoon is constructed out of streamlined aluminum tubing and an easy access filter. This allows for easier maintenance and repairs as well as a cleaner overall aesthetic for the engine bay.
As seen below, K&N’s Series 69 Typhoon is an open cold air intake upgrade offered for mainly 2011-2022 6.4 Hemi Chargers (without shaker hoods). This product also requires no calibration before installation. Installation is intended to be easy as this product was designed to be a direct fit replacement for OE air intake systems. Most drivers know K&N for being high-quality and dependable intakes. This Series 69 Tycoon intake also comes along with K&N’s “10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.”
This cold air intake upgrade is currently listed at $419. It’s definitely a high-quality and reputable option for those seeking extra power for their 6.4L HEMI.
Price: $420
Buy it here: K&N Series 69 Typhoon 6.4L Hemi Intake
2) SB Intake for 6.4L HEMI
Our following recommendation is a closed 6.4 Hemi intake with the option to convert into an open intake. This fitment for this intake is specifically for the Ram 2500-3500 models in the last three production years. It’s important to exercise caution when reading any specifically advertised gains in horsepower (there are too many variables). With that said, this S&B upgraded filter is sure to add to the performance and overall sound of your 6.4L Hemi engine.
This enclosed box has the benefits of keeping dirt and debris out of the filter and displacing heat surrounding the air intake. The closed intake can quickly convert into an open system with a removable top section. The simple installation is meant for various Dodge Ram trucks with varying power gains. As we’ve stated many times before, a simple installation means easier maintenance and repairs. The silicon casing and snap-on lid can stand up to temperatures of 400 degrees Fahrenheit without deteriorating or breaking.
This intake promises to bring that healthy performance sound that many drivers seek for their trucks. Coming in at a price of $349, S&B’s closed box upgrade is hard to disregard in terms of power and performance.
Price: $350
Buy it here: S&B 6.4L Closed Hemi Intake
3) K&N Blackhawk Cold Air Intake
The K&N Blackhawk intake rounds up our list of recommendations for your 6.4 Hemi intake upgrades. Even with the intake looking like Johnny Cash himself designed it, this option still guarantees an improvement in power and performance at a decent price: $449. Considering the “Million Mile Limited Warranty” that K&N offers with most of their upgraded filters on the market, that price is not too bad.
This cold air intake also promotes increased throttle response. High-quality materials and aesthetics sync together with the powder-coated welded aluminum intake. Not only will this intake add a clean aesthetic to your engine bay, but it can also add the extra induction noise that many drivers crave. Increase power, induction sounds, and gain easier access and maintenance with the K&N Blackhawk Cold Air Intake.
Price: $450
Buy it here: K&N Blackhawk 6.4L Hemi Intake
Dodge 392 V8 Intake Upgrades Summary
Increasing your horsepower and torque are dependent on many variables, such as increased airflow. 6.4 HEMI intake upgrades are the reasonable next step needed to reach your engine’s full power and performance with increased airflow. As previously mentioned, an upgraded intake noticeably increases your induction sounds and horsepower. An upgraded air intake also can extend mileage and longevity on the lifespan of an engine.
As long as you consider reputable companies with high-quality fabrication materials, there are no wrong options for your 392 HEMI intake upgrade. However, it’s important to remember the main priority is upgrading your stock intake to increase healthy airflow, not necessarily the brand or exact intake you choose.
We examined 3 of our top recommendations; however, there are many options for intake upgrades. First, know your fitment, manufacturer, research reviews, power gains, and noise differential, then make a strong choice. There are plenty of options for the 6.4 HEMI engine to choose from.
Let us know below in the comments what Dodge 6.4 Hemi intake upgrades you have utilized or are considering within the future!
