6 Best Cold Air Intakes For 6.4 Powerstroke Reviews

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A cold air intake is necessary to improve the working of the engine of the vehicle.

If you are looking for great results in the working of the whole vehicle then you must go for cold air intakes.

Handling the vehicle becomes less of a tedious task. It becomes more manageable for the driver. Hence, this product is a must-have for most of the drivers.

So today, I will be writing the best cold air intakes for 6.4 powerstroke for all the readers who are looking for top intakes.

Below are the best mentioned and researched products to manage your truck. With great capabilities and specifications, you can pick from one of these to better manage your vehicle.

6 Top Rated 6.4 Powerstroke Cold Air Intakes Comparisons

IMAGEPRODUCTEDITOR'S RATINGPRICE
TOP PICK
S&B Filters 75-5104 Cold Air Intake

S&B Filters 75-5104 Cold Air Intake

9.7
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BEST BUDGET
K&N High Performance Cold Air Intake Kit

K&N High Performance Cold Air Intake Kit

9.5
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aFe Power Performance Intake System

aFe Power Performance Intake System

9.1
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Airaid Cold Air Intake System

Airaid Cold Air Intake System

8.8
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Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake

Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake

8.6
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S&B Filters 75-5085 Cold Air Intake

S&B Filters 75-5085 Cold Air Intake

8.2
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1. S&B Filters 75-5104 Cold Air Intake

TOP PICK
S&B Filters 75-5104 Cold Air Intake
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The S&B Filters 75-5104 Cold Air Intake gives the 6.4 Powerstroke vehicle more power and performance by giving it a high airflow to the engine.

It has been observed that more airflow considerably increases horsepower—the lesser the restriction, the more the airflow.

This kit reduces airflow hindrance while maintaining high filtration ratings to protect the engine.

Moreover, the Intake Tube has lesser bends as it joins to the turbo inlet. It is placed in a way with minimum hindrance from the turbo inlet to the intake box and air filter.

To apply the correct amount of oil to the filter, S&B utilizes robotics. It improves airflow over stock and pulls air from the two wide openings for maximum airflow.

Their new snap-in lid design does not require any screws to secure the box because its installation and inspection are made real quick and easy.

This device kit has two airflow configurations. Silicone Box Plug removed – this will give an extra air inlet that will be pulled from the passenger side area.

Silicone Box Plug installed – this configuration will seal the secondary air inlet located on the side of the box facing the vehicle fender.

The front-facing grill inlet and the front scoop will become the main source of airflow into the Intake Box.

The only drawback is that customers complain of a slight loss of MPG.

This means that with this product, the working or functionality affects the miles per gallon of the vehicle. It is making the whole process a little time-consuming.

PROS
  • Durable silicone parts
  • Legal in all fifty states
  • Replacement or removal of filter is easy
CONS
  • Not a great airflow system like other CAI systems

As compared to stock, it gives us better restrictions to the obstructions. It consists of premium silicon parts that guarantee a long-lasting life and also give a catchy look.

With its availability in all fifty states, this product is a must-have for your vehicle.

2. K&N High Performance Cold Air Intake Kit

This K&N High Performance Cold Air Intake Kit ensures an increase in your vehicle’s horsepower.

It also ensures an increase in the torque of the car. It also performs rigorous in-house testing to ensure that each kit meets the utmost standards of performance.

These gives 50% more airflow than the OEM feature. Their design improves the throttle response.

They also improve the sound of the engine and give a satisfying growl on acceleration that returns to quite once at speed because of the removal of excess baffles.

You can use the air filter up to ten million miles before any kind of service is required. Installing it is an easy process.

One just has to follow step-by-step instructions given with each kit, and it only requires simple tools to install.

Typically it only requires around an hour or less to install in 6.4 Powerstroke.

The throttle response of the vehicle is outstanding upon installation of the product. It comes with a ten-year warranty.

The slight misguiding step a customer often faces is that this product is not CARB-approved for safety and legal purposes.

Often sites promote it as approved, which is a misleading concept. It causes customer outrage when the product is unable to work properly.

PROS
  • Easy installation in less than one hour
  • Improved throttle response
  • Quieter operation than other CAI systems
  • A warranty of ten years
CONS
  • Not CARB approved

With its ten-year warranty that allows up to ten million miles that your vehicle can run on. This product comes in handy when one requires a long-term product to support the vehicle.

One cannot miss an opportunity as such to try a product like this one. The installation process is even easy, elevating the customer experience further.

3. aFe Power Performance Intake System

aFe Power Performance Intake System
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The aFe Power Performance Intake System is an amazing cold air intake.

This one outflows the factory intake by forty-one percent, produces an additional twenty-eight horsepower and fifty-four lbs. worth of torque for 6.4 Powerstroke.

It has a perfect balance because of the three-layer non-oiled, washable synthetic media.

These come with sophisticated two-piece rot molded sealed airbox that utilizes stock mounting locations.

They also have a heat-insulating molded plastic intake tube and a unique turbo adaptor.

The process of installing is really simple and easy because this it does not require any cutting or drilling.

Performance hindering engine heat is blocked by a sturdy ten gauge powder-coated one-piece heat shield. It weighs about ten pounds.

The availability of this item in the market started in June of 2011, and it has existed ever since.

Moreover, these provide a 360-degree flow of the system with great volume control and provide consistently fresh amounts of cold air through the vehicle engine.

The company is known to produce high-quality, high-flowing filter systems for the vehicle.

The issue with this one is also that it does not increase the MPG. Meaning the miles per gallon are not increased. However, it does not perform any additional noise or sound.

There is no increase in the power of the vehicle either. These features put this product slightly behind others as speed is a high-demand requirement for most customers.

PROS
  • The installation process is rather simple
  • It weighs about ten pounds
  • Releases fresh amounts of cold air thoroughly
  • Great volume control
CONS
  • No increase in power
  • No increase in MPG

In today’s market, such products are a tad bit difficult to find or rather get your hands on. But an item as such can elevate the vehicle’s system.

With its lightweight and great volume control abilities, this product makes a list. It evenly releases proper amounts of cold air throughout the engine of the car.

4. Airaid Cold Air Intake System

Airaid Cold Air Intake System


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A power core consumption pack has explicit air conduits and further developed proficiency in the Airaid Cold Air Intake System.

For these particulars, this item is known as the component channel. You can attempt Volant in your vehicle for once and the last time.

Presently, the cost of ‘Volant Air Intake’ is viewed as modest!

The establishment requires close to 60 minutes or an hour, however worth you each penny it takes. This item has been available in the market since the November of 2013.

You will get the establishment guide accessible on the web. Right now, download it. This item meets every one of the necessities of the OEM standard.

Along these lines, your vehicle is suitable to get a smooth ride. This Volant item shows up practically 3mpg all the more immediately.

I guarantee you of this item in case you’re worried. It increases horsepower. Improves the filtration process of the vehicle and is compatible with 2008, 2009, and 2010 models of Ford.

Furthermore, the material of this cold air intake is polyethylene. It is manufactured in the United States.

It increases fuel efficiency of your 6.4 Powerstroke and comes with a long-lasting warranty.

It also improves the horsepower and torque of the vehicle. The installation process is easy with basic hand tools.

This item, however outstanding in itself is on the more expensive side of the market. It is not affordable for all types of buyers or customers.

With its high specifications, companies are bound to sell this item for as high as possible since its special parts are also especially difficult to find.

PROS
  • Establishment guide is accessible on the internet
  • Increase in horsepower
  • Improved filtration process
  • Compatible with older models of Ford
  • Increases fuel efficiency
CONS
  • Not affordable for people of every class

Easy to install cold air intake and does not require many tools. Moreover, it increases the power of the vehicle incredibly.

The company provides a long-lasting lifetime warranty, and it increases fuel efficiency. What more could one ask from a device of this sort.

5. Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake

Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake


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If someone is looking to get better performance, then this Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake is the right option to go for 6.4 Powerstroke.

Although the manufacturer states that it is good for many types of driving, daily drivers seem to benefit the most and are the most common owners of this system.

Sinister Diesel is made durable, has excellent and smooth airflow because of the aluminum tubing features.

The aluminum tubing is used to dissipate heat better than plastic-based products, which in return, are more consistent and cooler.

The SI to maximize the airflow there is long-lasting, reusable cotton filter media that is large.

The tubing is also polished and powder coated to prevent corrosion, and it also adds a great look.

Moreover, the throttle response is quite improved. It is great for someone who is looking for daily driving or if you want to have a race with someone.

Most buyers claim that the installations were easy and their system or vehicles improved their economy.

Lastly, this product one weighs around 6.7 pounds. The availability of the product in the market has been since August of 2016.

All the installation hardware is readily available with the cold air intake. Hence, there is no need to purchase extra tools.

One drawback is that this item requires tuning overtime. Depending upon the skills of the fixer, this item is not the easiest to figure out.

This is the first product out of all mentioned that requires after installation upkeep.

But in cases of perfect installation, it does not cause any other issue and runs smoothly to ensure efficiency.

PROS
  • CARB approved
  • Improved throttle response
  • Excellent quality material and construction
CONS
  • Requires tuning overtime

The speed and throttle response with this type of cold air intake are just as great as all others.

The aluminum tubing used to give off heat is better and safer than most plastic-based products.

The cotton filter media is big in terms of size. All these specifications make this product a great one.

6. S&B Filters 75-5085 Cold Air Intake

S&B Filters 75-5085 Cold Air Intake
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There is an enclosed airbox in these S&B Filters 75-5085 Cold Air Intake that protects the filter from dust and keeps the heat away from the 6.4 Powerstroke engine.

The intake systems made from 2017-2019 were supposed to minimize the air restriction and flow. This one is available in 8-layers of cotton which is totally cleanable or extendable media.

They weigh about sixteen pounds and have been available in the market since July of 2017.

S&B commits an immense measure of resources to engineer the intakes for the proper running of an engine with calibration or enhanced tuning.

This unit was intended to stay away from check motor lights with its appropriately planned Mass Air Flow Sensor.

Mass Air Flow Sensor is also there to avoid check engine lights. It has the additional feature of a large lid seal, which is used to keep out power-robbing engine heat.

This framework incorporates a battery plate, as establishment necessitates that the battery and the intake system change positions to improve better airflow by finding the intake directly before the air inlet.

The instruction manual is outdated and incomplete. The cold air intake is not the cheapest.

It comes with all the tools required for the installation process. However, the instructions manual does not contain all the steps necessary to install this system into the vehicle.

For this purpose, a source is required to better guide yourself and minimize the chances of errors.

PROS
  • Also legal in all fifty states
  • 100% improvement in efficiency
  • Easy to install
CONS
  • Users complain that MPG negatively affected by air restriction is caused by the filter box cover

As progression of this type of item takes place, new and improved items join the market the availability of this one stays consistent.

Due to its hundred percent improved efficiency and easy installation process, this item is among some of the best in the business.

Anyone with little too great knowledge can attest to this claim.

What To Look For When Buying A Cold Air Intake For Your 6.4 Powerstroke

If you want more power out of your 6.4 Powerstroke, a cold air intake is one of the best ways to go about it.

There are many different options out there, but in this guide, I’ll help you decide which will be suitable for your engine.

Find Out The Right Type

There are two options for buying air intakes for the 6.4 Powerstroke engine.

  1. Open Intake Systems
  2. Closed Intake Systems

Open and closed intakes are two different ways to get air into your engine. The air filter is either exposed or hidden by a box.

1. Open Intake Systems

Open intake systems are more susceptible to damage from engine heat. Their filters can be exposed, which allows for better airflow.

2. Closed Intakes System

Closed intakes have an air box that protects from heat but doesn’t improve airflow or sound quality as much as open systems.

Both have pros and cons, and ultimately it falls upon you to decide which one will be a better fit for your 6.4 Powerstroke.

Make Sure Fuel Economy Does Not Take A Hit

When looking for a cold air intake for performance gains on your 6.4 Powerstroke, it’s important to ensure you’re not sacrificing fuel economy.

This can be a problem with some performance upgrades.

The best thing to do is check user ratings or talk with the manufacturer to know exactly how much of a hit your engine will take.

Should Be CARB Compliant

A CARB compliant cold air intake has been specially designed to meet emissions regulations.

If you’re in a state requiring this type of product, then it’s important to ensure the intake you choose is CARB compliant.

If it isn’t, then your 6.4 Powerstroke might not pass emission tests or, even worse, could be illegal on the road!

Should Not Require Regular Tuning

A high-quality cold air intake for your 6.4 Powerstroke should not require tuning regularly.

If the manufacturer says you’ll need to take care of it every few thousand miles, it’s probably not worth buying.

So, you need to ensure that your engine will not need to be adjusted so that the intake can work efficiently.

Keep Your Expectations Low

A 5 to 15 HP improvement is the norm with a new cold air intake for your 6.4 Powerstroke. You shouldn’t expect anything more than that.

However, if you expect more than that, you can certainly use other aftermarket parts to improve the performance.

Tricky Installation

The instruction manual should have all steps listed and be easy to follow. If you have any doubts, you can always get a professional mechanic to do the installation for you.

That way, you will not have to worry about getting anything wrong and causing damage to your 6.4 Powerstroke engine.

Installation costs will be involved, but it is better than paying thousands of dollars for an engine repair just because you thought you could do it on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is It Worth Putting A Cold Air Intake In 6.4 Powerstroke?

The answer is yes!

Why?

Well, because the general purpose of a cold air intake is to provide cold air throughout the engine of the car.

This feature is relatively necessary to improve the working mechanism and functionality of your vehicle.

This allows pressure drop, which in result allows airflow to go up, which can enhance the working ability of the car incredibly, making it run smoother than before.

Q2. Is It Bad To Drive A 6.4 Powerstroke Engine In The Rain With A Cold Air Intake?

It is not necessarily bad to drive the 6.4 Powerstroke engine. However, it is not recommended or encouraged either.

In heavy rain situations, the coolant system of the car can lower in temperature, causing double the amount of cooling, which can affect the working of the engine and freeze the engine oil—causing problems for your vehicle.

Q3. Can I Run A Cold Air Intake In The Winter?

Although it is not the worst-case scenario to run a cold air intake in the winter, however, there is no need for this product in the winter.

This is a summer used product largely. As in the summers, engine heating or overheating is a common issue, but with this device, it can be resolved.

For the winter season, however, one does not need it. Hence, there is no proper yes or no answer to this question.

Q4. What Happens When Cold Air Intake Gets Wet In The 6.4 Powerstroke?

There is nothing wrong with the cold air intake getting wet. However, a wet device does result in some issues.

What happens is that when it gets wet, the airflow system is highly affected—causing lesser airflow, which results in the improper working of the combustion chamber.

Often in trucks, the snow can freeze up the cold air intake, which needs to be taken out to continue or drive.

Conclusion

Let's find out who makes the most popular cold air intakes for 6.4 Powerstroke engine

A cold air intake is a great product for those looking to improve the engine work of their car or truck.

They work the best in the summers. They are a summer requirement for most drivers.

In this so far, I have discussed with you some of the best cold air intakes for 6.4 Powerstroke.

To bring this to a wrap, I would like to make the honorable mention that the product most efficient, according to my research, has to be the S&B Filters 75-5104 Cold Air Intake.

Due to its durable intake parts, easy to install a system, and ease of replacement and removal of the filter, it sits at the top of the list.