If you’re looking to add horsepower to your ride, one of the best bang-for-buck upgrades is a cold air intake (CAI). More airflow equals more power! But with so many options out there, it’s tough to choose.
Two of the biggest names in cold air intakes are K&N and Mopar. In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at the design, performance, sound, price, and other factors that set these brands apart. Read on to see which CAI comes out on top!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | K&N | Mopar |
| Brand | K&N | Mopar (by Dodge/Chrysler) |
| Material | Aluminum tube, oiled cotton filter media | Plastic tube, dry filter media |
| Performance Gains | +10-15 HP, +5-10 lb-ft torque | +5-10 HP, +5 lb-ft torque |
| Sound | More aggressive intake noise | Minimal change in intake noise |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
| CARB Status | 50-state legal | 50-state legal |
| Install Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
Cold Air Intake Basics
Before diving into the K&N Vs. Mopar matchup, let’s do a quick overview of what exactly cold air intakes do:
- Draw in cooler outside air instead of hot engine bay air
- Open up airflow path with smooth, less restrictive tubing
- Replace stock airbox and filter with free-flowing setup
- Use an enclosed design to shield air from engine heat
The end result is your engine can “breathe” better, improving horsepower, torque, throttle response, and gas mileage. Now let’s compare some key design differences between these two giants of the CAI world.
Air Filter Design
One major variation is the type of air filter used to remove debris and particles.
- K&N – Washable and reusable cotton gauze filter that flows very well when cleaned and oiled.
- Mopar – Utilizes a traditional paper air filter element that must be replaced periodically.
Enthusiasts overwhelmingly prefer the high-flow K&N filter that simply needs occasional cleaning.
Intake Tubing
Smooth, less restrictive intake tubes optimize CAI performance.
- K&N – Uses large diameter mandrel bent aluminum tubing designed for minimal restrictions.
- Mopar – Tubes tend to be smaller diameter plastic or rubber and have more bends than K&N systems.
K&N definitely engineers their intakes for maximum high-flow performance.
Inlet Design
The inlet where cool outside air enters also impacts airflow.
- K&N – Extensive research into positioning the inlet away from hot engine air. Use scoops and shields.
- Mopar – Competent inlet designs but less research optimized for each vehicle application.
Mopar seems to focus more on ease of manufacturing than maximizing inlet performance.
Installation and Fitment
Ease of installation is another key intake factor:
- K&N – Very easy bolt-on install process. All parts and directions included. Usually 1-2 hours.
- Mopar – Also a simple bolt-on but may require slightly more disassembly. Install info available online.
Both DIY friendly options get the job done quickly. K&N just provides more explicit factory instructions.
Construction Quality
Build materials also impact durability and longevity.
- K&N – Preferred aluminum or composite housings. High quality aluminum tubing. Looks great for years.
- Mopar – Often uses cheaper plastic housings prone to cracking over time. Cost-driven materials.
K&N intake components simply hold up better over the long run.
Dyno Proven Performance
But actual dyno results reveal the real performance differences:
- K&N – 15-25 HP gains on average depending on motor and CAI model.
- Mopar – 10-20 HP increase, sometimes slightly behind K&N for the same vehicle.
Independent testing confirms K&N makes the most power, especially for the price.
Sound Differences
This one comes down purely to personal taste in intake noise:
- K&N – Aluminum tubing gives a metallic, raspy tone. Moderate to loud volume.
- Mopar – Often a more subtle whooshing sound from plastic tubing. Overall deep tone.
K&N announces itself loudly, while Mopar remains discreetly close to stock. Choose your flavor!
Cost Comparison
Given their reputation and results, K&N cold air intakes do cost more:
- K&N Cold Air Intake – $250 to $350 range depending on specific model
- Mopar Cold Air Intake – Around $175 to $250 for most applications
You’ll pay roughly $100 more for a K&N on average. But the performance justifies the premium.
Additional Engine Upgrades
CAIs provide excellent bang for buck. But you can maximize power further with:
- Custom tunes optimized for intake mods
- High flow exhaust catback or header mods
- Forced induction via supercharger or turbocharger
An intake kicks off project car mods. But don’t stop there to unlock max performance!
Also watch the video about Mopar Cold Air Intakes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Mopar claims 10-20 HP increase from their intakes depending on the vehicle. Independent dyno testing confirms similar gains, with 15 HP being a reasonable expectation for most applications.
Absolutely! Extensive dyno testing shows K&N cold air intakes produce 15-25 HP more compared to stock intakes on average. The noticeable bump comes from their unrestricted airflow design.
Mopar intakes provide the same core benefits as all cold air systems: better breathing for increased horsepower, torque, throttle response, and gas mileage. They just don’t maximize airflow and performance like K&N.
K&N is hands down the leader in CAI design and performance. AEM and Injen also make excellent high flow intakes worth considering. But K&N remains top dog for proven power gains across many vehicles.
Also Read: Is EZ Lynk Better Than H&S Mini Maxx?
The Verdict
When all is said and tested, K&N cold air intakes emerge as the clear winner in this battle. Their unmatched flow design, dyno-proven performance gains, and quality materials justify the higher cost for enthusiasts, especially with the reusable filter. Mopar is a cheaper alternative, but K&N intakes simply outclass them where it matters. For maximum CAI performance, go with K&N!
In summary, opt for a K&N if you want the absolute best power gains from a cold air intake. Mopar gets the job done for less cash but lags in dyno performance. Add a tune, exhaust, and other engine mods to really maximize your ride!