Cold Air Intake Dry Filter, Ram-Air Intake System

Testing, testing & more testing. 

Banks Ram-Air Intake Systems are tested and proven. They start out as CAD software prototypes and are put through flow simulations. After a hardware prototype is made, it’s tested on a flowbench. Then it’s tested on the vehicle. And finally, Banks’ density-tests the Ram-Air against stock and many competitors.

Proven design. Proven performance. 

Thanks to its enclosed cold-air housing, huge inlet, giant dome-shaped filter and streamlined design, Banks Ram-Air Intake maximizes the flow of cool, dense air to the engine for greater power and fuel economy. It flows 50% better than stock-and delivers greater air density to the turbo’s inlet than the stock system and all competitors tested . Add on the optional Super-Scoop (42190 for standard bumper or 42191 for painted bumper), and the results are even better!

Longer service life, too. 

An aftermarket exclusive: with 4-1/2″ bellows, Banks Ram-Air accommodates engine movement, which protects the components and extends service life. What’s more, Ram-Air is designed to not cause fault or error codes.

It’s all about density. 

And Banks Ram-Air Intake delivers. The harder you work your truck, the more Banks Ram-Air Intake improves power and fuel economy!

• Extensively tested & validated
• Enclosed housing keeps out hot, power-robbing engine air
• Inhales cooler outside air for more power & MPG
• Giant filter maximizes high-flow filtration
• Helps engine run cooler
• Accommodates engine movement
• Prevents component damage
• Extends service life and requires fewer cleanings
• 5-year Limited Warranty
• Outflows stock up to 50%
• Reduces exhaust gas temps (EGTs)
• Optional Super-Scoop rams cold air for more power
• Exclusive 4-1/2 inch bellows to accommodate engine movement.
• OILED Air Filter Element

Emissions Compliant: D-161-118

6 Intakes Flunked Banks’ Density Test!

6 out of 7 “cold air” systems provide LESS air density to the turbo inlet than the stock system! That sucks for our competitors, because air density is the key to better performance. MORE DENSITY = MORE MPG AND HP.

It’s good to be dense, all right.  Check out our density ad for an informative look at intake airflow, air temperature and air density, and how they all come together in the Banks Ram-Air Intake. Bankspower.com/density ad

Testing so good, it’s patented!  Banks sets uncompromisingly high standards for testing. In fact, we were awarded an Engine Performance Evaluation patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Check it out: Engine Performance Evaluation: US Patent # 7,254,477

Overview Summary

We measured each intake’s effect on air density at the turbo compressor inlet. Intake temperatures will generally be higher than ambient conditions, but the more the system can duct cool air to the filter and preserve the cool temperature as the air is ducted to the turbo, the higher the air density will be. In addition, there will commonly be a pressure drop as air travels through the filter and the ducting due to any restriction that is introduced. If the design of the system can minimize the restriction and the pressure loss, air density will be preserved.

Test Setup

A 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Quad Cab Long Bed with the Cummins 5.9L engine and automatic transmission was used as the test vehicle. A data acquisition system was used to measure vehicle speed via GPS, along with multiple temperature thermistors and extremely accurate pressure transducers. The total vehicle weight was approximately 19,000 lbs. Tests were run in 2WD.

Testing was conducted on a moderate hill on the northbound CA-57 in the city of Pomona. Speed was maintained at 45 MPH until the vehicle was adjacent to a pre-determined start point on the road. At that point, the accelerator was fully depressed and the vehicle was allowed to accelerate while climbing the hill. Test data was observed at the same vehicle speed in all cases, with the engine at 2800 RPM, the point of peak engine power. This data point occurred between 60 and 90 seconds into the run—sufficient time to allow the engine to reach a stabilized operating condition.

Data Acquisition

Vehicle Speed, Engine RPM and Accelerator Pedal Position were logged to determine the load conditions and speeds. Temperature was measured using thermistors for increased accuracy. They were mounted to measure ambient temperature as well as temperatures at the filter and compressor inlets. Pressure transducers were used to measure pressure in the same locations. The intake system effect on air density was evaluated by comparing the temperature and pressure of the ambient air condition with the temperature and pressure of the air at the turbo compressor inlet.

All intake filtering systems will have some effect of diminished air density from ambient, including stock. The purpose of this evaluation is to compare this effect in relationship to the stock system. A replacement intake system is only valuable and effective if the intake air density percentage vs. ambient is greater than the air density percentage offered by the stock system.

All data presented assumes an ambient temperature of 77℉ and ambient pressure of 29.24 inches of mercury, per SAE standards.

Test Results

Bottom Line

Why on earth would anyone pay money for a product that kills power and mileage? It’s all about density — and Banks Ram-Air delivers.

NEW FILTER OPTIONS!  Choose from the traditional red, oiled filter or the all-new black, dry filter. Plus, you can even get an extra layer of filtration protection by adding a pre-filter to your order.