Best Cold Air Intake for 24 Valve Cummins

When I first started modifying my 24 valve Cummins, one of the quickest gains I found was improving airflow. The stock intake setup is notably restrictive, especially on the early 5.9L diesel engines, creating bottlenecks both before the turbo and at the intake manifold. If you’re looking for better throttle response, lower EGTs, and a healthier engine sound, investing in the best cold air intake for 24 valve Cummins is essential. This comprehensive guide reviews full intake systems, specialized intake horns, and critical plenum upgrades to help you choose the right component for your specific performance goals.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Cold air intake with heat shield for 5.9L 12/24V Cummins…	View on Amazon
	Intake horn and cold side piping kit for 5.9L 24V…	View on Amazon
	Generic Cold air intake for 5.9L 12/24V Cummins Engines…	View on Amazon
	ICT Billet 5.9L Intake Manifold Plenum Horn Plate 24…	View on Amazon
	AUTOVIC Intake Manifold Plenum Horn Plate Kit for Dodge…	View on Amazon

Cold air intake with heat shield for 5.9L 12/24V Cummins Engines in 1994-2002 Ram 2500/3500 pickups

This full intake kit provides a major step up from the factory air box, designed specifically for the 2nd generation Dodge Ram. By completely replacing the restrictive stock components, the system utilizes a massive filter element that allows your 12V or 24V Cummins to pull in a significantly larger volume of cooler air. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, this intake is built to handle the rigors of heavy hauling and demanding performance applications, delivering noticeable power improvements across the RPM range.

Key features that stand out:

• Stainless Steel Construction: Made from 304 stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
• Large Diameter Tubing: Features 4 inch diameter tubing to minimize restriction before the turbo.
• Massive Filter: Comes with an extra large 8.5x 12″ air filter for maximum flow and filtration.
• Includes Heat Shield: Designed to isolate the filter from engine bay heat, ensuring actual cold air induction.

Pros:
– Complete system replacement offers the highest airflow potential.
– Stainless steel construction ensures long-term reliability.
– Excellent filtration surface area minimizes maintenance frequency.

Cons:
– Installation is slightly more involved than simple filter replacements.

Best for: Enthusiasts looking for a complete, durable cold air intake system for maximum horsepower gains and EGT reduction.

Expert Opinion: This type of full system is the gold standard for performance improvement because it tackles the air restriction issue right at the source, offering the biggest overall benefit when paired with other engine modifications.

Intake horn and cold side piping kit for 5.9L 24V Cummins Engines in 1998-2002 Ram 2500/3500

Unlike a traditional cold air intake which focuses on the pre-turbo airflow, this product targets restriction after the turbo—specifically where compressed air enters the cylinder head plenum. The factory intake horn is notoriously restrictive on the 24V Cummins. By upgrading to this 3-inch stainless steel intake horn and accompanying cold side pipe, you significantly improve the distribution of charged air into the engine, resulting in better throttle response and efficiency. This is a crucial upgrade for modified trucks running higher boost levels.

Key features that stand out:

• Post-Turbo Improvement: Replaces the restrictive factory intake horn on the 24V engine.
• Stainless Steel Tubing: Utilizes 3 inch Stainless steel components for optimal airflow continuity.
• Complete Kit: Includes silicone coupler and necessary T-bolt clamps for a secure, leak-free connection.
• Necessary Gaskets: Comes with gaskets for the intake plenum, ensuring a proper seal.

Pros:
– Directly addresses a major factory restriction point on the 24V engine.
– Improves charged air flow and distribution significantly.
– High-quality T-bolt clamps offer superior clamping force compared to worm-drive clamps.

Cons:
– This is a supporting upgrade and must be combined with a high-flow air filter system for peak benefit.

Best for: Drivers focusing on improving turbo efficiency and those who already have an aftermarket air filter but need to eliminate the restrictive factory horn.

Expert Opinion: Many people look only at the air filter when seeking the best cold air intake for 24 valve cummins, but ignoring the intake horn is a mistake. This upgrade is essential for any truck running performance tuning or increased boost.

Generic Cold air intake for 5.9L 12/24V Cummins Engines in 1994-2002 Ram 2500/3500 pickups, 00012

For the budget-conscious consumer who still demands better performance than stock, this generic stainless steel cold air intake kit offers excellent value. While it may not carry a big brand name, it provides the core function of replacing the restrictive plastic stock piping with a free-flowing 4-inch diameter tube. It utilizes a vehicle-specific fitment, meaning installation is generally straightforward using common shop tools. This kit is a substantial upgrade for stock or moderately tuned trucks seeking reliability and a bump in air delivery.

Key features that stand out:

• Value Focus: Provides the benefits of an aftermarket intake without the premium price tag.
• Stainless Steel: Constructed from stainless steel for reliable performance.
• Wide Compatibility: Designed for 5.9L 12/24V Cummins Engines across the 1994-2002 model years.
• Dimensions: Features 4 inch diameter tubing standard for high-flow intakes.

Pros:
– Highly cost-effective entry point into high-flow intake modifications.
– Durable stainless steel construction.
– Simple, vehicle-specific installation process.

Cons:
– The quality of the included filter element may not be as high as premium brands, requiring potential replacement sooner.

Best for: Truck owners seeking the most affordable and reliable way to replace the stock air box and gain fundamental airflow improvements.

Expert Opinion: Sometimes, you just need the physics—a larger diameter, smoother tube equals better airflow. This intake delivers that critical improvement efficiently, making it one of the better choices if your budget is tight but you still need a functional best cold air intake for 24 valve cummins.

ICT Billet 5.9L Intake Manifold Plenum Horn Plate 24 Valve Compatible with Dodge Ram Cummins 6BT 5.9L Turbo Diesel Engines High Airflow Performance Design 551714

This isn’t a traditional intake, but a crucial performance component that fixes one of the biggest bottlenecks on the 24 Valve Cummins engine: the factory plenum opening. The original design restricts air entry into the cylinder head, especially to the rear cylinders. The ICT Billet plenum plate addresses this by being aggressively machined out at the rear, significantly improving air distribution and reducing restriction after the intercooler piping. This modification is vital for maintaining lower EGTs and achieving balanced performance across all cylinders in a performance truck.

Key features that stand out:

• Precision Engineering: Machined from heavy duty 1/2″ Thick Billet Aluminum.
• Airflow Improvement: Rear of the plate is machined out for improved air flow, solving a factory design flaw.
• Quality Construction: Made in Wichita, Kansas from Aerospace Grade, USA Produced, Billet Aluminum.
• Benefit: Increases engine efficiency, potentially leading to increased fuel economy from reduced air restriction.

Pros:
– Essential mod for highly tuned 24V engines to ensure even cylinder fueling.
– Extremely high-quality, durable billet aluminum construction.
– Directly reduces internal manifold restriction where factory components fail.

Cons:
– Installation requires removing the factory air horn and dealing with manifold bolts.

Best for: Serious performance enthusiasts and tuners who are maximizing their truck’s output and require superior airflow distribution across the intake manifold.

Expert Opinion: You can buy the best cold air intake for 24 valve cummins on the market, but if you don’t upgrade this plenum plate, you’re still choking the engine. The ICT Billet plate is renowned for its high manufacturing tolerance and effective design that unlocks true post-turbo performance.

AUTOVIC Intake Manifold Plenum Horn Plate Kit for Dodge Ram Cummins 24 Valve 6BT 5.9L Engines Replace 551714

Similar in function to the ICT Billet plate, the AUTOVIC kit serves as a direct, heavy-duty replacement for the restrictive original plenum horn plate on the 24V Cummins. This component is crucial for allowing pressurized air from the turbo and intercooler to flow effectively into the intake manifold. Constructed from solid billet aluminum, this replacement component offers superior durability and high resistance to rust and corrosion compared to potential factory materials. It ensures that critical airflow volume is maintained, which is paramount for diesel performance.

Key features that stand out:

• Material: Constructed from heavy duty 1/2″ thick billet aluminum.
• Durability: Offers excellent rust prevention and corrosion resistance.
• Direct Replacement: Functions as a direct replacement for Part Numbers: 551714.
• Focus: Ensures that replaced parts are identical in material and functional aspects to high-quality factory standards.

Pros:
– Provides necessary strength and corrosion resistance for longevity.
– Direct fitment simplifies the replacement process.
– Excellent component upgrade to support high boost and airflow mods.

Cons:
– Lacks the extreme airflow profiling (machined rear section) found in some competition plates.

Best for: Owners needing a reliable, robust replacement plenum plate upgrade who prioritize heavy-duty material over maximum airflow profiling.

Expert Opinion: While not a traditional cold air intake, these plates are inextricably linked to the intake system’s ability to deliver air efficiently. For long-term reliability and peace of mind when running performance upgrades, this billet aluminum material is a wise choice.

Comparison Insights: Selecting the Right Upgrade

When shopping for the best cold air intake for 24 valve cummins, you are often choosing between three types of upgrades: full systems, intake horns, and plenum plates.

For maximum airflow and the biggest change in engine sound and performance feel, a complete system like the Cold air intake with heat shield (Product 1) is usually the best approach. It replaces everything from the filter to the turbo inlet.

If you already have a decent filter but are running increased boost, the restriction is most likely after the turbo. In this case, upgrading the intake horn and cold side piping (Product 2) is highly effective at managing charged air flow.

The most critical and often overlooked upgrade for the 24V engine is the plenum plate modification. Both the ICT Billet (Product 4) and AUTOVIC (Product 5) plates fix the factory bottleneck where air enters the cylinder head. The ICT plate is better suited for extreme performance due to its specialized machining, while the AUTOVIC is a superb heavy-duty replacement option. You should seriously consider a plenum plate upgrade anytime you are installing a performance tune.

The Generic Cold air intake (Product 3) serves as the best budget solution for stock trucks, delivering significant airflow improvement over the restrictive factory paper filter and plastic tubing.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your 24V Airflow Solution

Choosing the absolute best cold air intake for 24 valve cummins depends entirely on your current engine modifications and goals.

If you are starting from stock and want maximum results:
The Cold air intake with heat shield for 5.9L 12/24V Cummins Engines (Product 1) offers the most comprehensive solution by addressing pre-turbo restriction entirely, providing excellent EGT management and power gains.

If your truck is heavily tuned and running high boost:
You must address post-turbo restrictions. We recommend the specialized air distribution focus of the ICT Billet 5.9L Intake Manifold Plenum Horn Plate (Product 4) coupled with the Intake horn and cold side piping kit (Product 2) for superior charged air delivery and even fueling.

If you need a reliable, cost-effective upgrade:
The Generic Cold air intake (Product 3) provides the necessary diameter and filtration surface area to breathe better without breaking the bank, making it a reliable performer for daily driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Cold Air Intake for 24 Valve Cummins

Does a cold air intake actually increase horsepower on a 24V Cummins?

Yes, a properly designed cold air intake system can increase both horsepower and torque, though the gains are generally moderate on a completely stock truck (usually 8–15 HP). The main performance benefit you’ll feel is improved throttle response and the ability for the engine to sustain power longer, especially when pulling heavy loads. When combined with other mods like injectors or tuning, the intake becomes a crucial supporting component, allowing those parts to reach their full potential.

Will installing a new intake help reduce my Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs)?

Absolutely. Lowering EGTs is one of the most significant real-world benefits of installing a high-flow intake. By allowing the turbocharger to draw in a denser volume of cooler air more efficiently, the engine burns fuel more completely and efficiently. This reduction in heat buildup is critical for the long-term health and longevity of your 5.9L diesel engine, particularly when towing or operating at high altitude.

How complex is the installation process for these intake systems?

Installation difficulty varies. A full replacement cold air intake (like Product 1) typically takes 1 to 2 hours using standard hand tools, as it primarily involves removing the factory air box and tubing. Upgrading the plenum plate (Products 4 and 5) or the intake horn (Product 2) is slightly more involved because it requires accessing the top of the engine near the injection pump, often requiring careful torqueing of bolts to prevent leaks.

Should I choose an oiled filter or a dry filter for my 24V Cummins?

Both filter types are effective. Oiled filters (often cotton gauze) generally offer the highest maximum airflow but require specific cleaning and re-oiling maintenance. Dry filters (synthetic or paper) offer exceptional filtration and are often preferred by diesel owners who operate in dusty environments, as they are easier to clean—usually just requiring compressed air—without worrying about oiling levels. For serious off-roading, many prefer the ease and effectiveness of a quality dry filter element.

Why is the intake manifold plenum plate modification so important for the 24 Valve engine?

The 24 Valve Cummins uses a square opening (the plenum) on the cylinder head where the intake horn bolts up. The factory design, particularly the stock plate behind the horn, is known to restrict airflow disproportionately to the rear cylinders. Modifying the plenum plate ensures charged air is distributed evenly across all six cylinders, preventing high EGTs in the rear cylinders and guaranteeing balanced performance, especially under high boost conditions.

Are these intake components compatible with the slightly different 12 Valve Cummins engine?

Some of the products, particularly the full cold air intake systems (like Product 1 and 3) that focus on pre-turbo piping, are designed to fit both the 12 Valve (94-98) and the 24 Valve (98.5-02) 5.9L engines, as they share the same basic turbo inlet geometry. However, products like the intake horn (Product 2) and the plenum plates (Product 4 and 5) are specific to the 24 Valve engine due to the fundamental difference in the cylinder head and intake manifold design. Always check the product description for exact year and engine fitment.