Do you hear that rumble? That’s the sound of your 6.7 Powerstroke engine ready for more power and better fuel economy. But sometimes, that powerful engine needs a breath of fresh, cool air to really shine. That’s where a cold air intake comes in!
Choosing the right cold air intake for your 6.7 Powerstroke can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands and types, and it’s easy to get confused. You want an upgrade that truly makes a difference, not just a shiny piece of metal. You worry about spending money on something that won’t deliver the results you expect, or worse, cause problems.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this post, we’ll break down exactly what a cold air intake does for your truck. We’ll explore the key features to look for, the benefits you can expect, and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing an upgrade that will make your 6.7 Powerstroke run smoother and stronger.
Our Top 5 Cold Air Intake 6.7 Powerstroke Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cold Air Intake 6.7 Powerstroke Detailed Reviews
1. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 11-16 Ford Super Duty
Rating: 9.3/10
Give your 2011-2016 Ford Super Duty with a 6.7L diesel engine a powerful boost with the Rough Country Cold Air Intake. This upgrade helps your truck breathe better, leading to more power and a quicker response when you press the gas pedal. It works by drawing in cooler, denser air, which has more oxygen. More oxygen means your engine can burn fuel more efficiently and create more power.
What We Like:
- More horsepower and better throttle response.
- The intake circulates cooler, denser air for increased power.
- It includes a premium, reusable air filter that saves you money in the long run.
- Installation is straightforward for most DIYers, and Rough Country offers support.
- It’s protected by Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While installation is generally easy, some users might find specific steps challenging without prior experience.
- The warranty covers replacements, but it doesn’t cover installation labor if issues arise.
The Rough Country Cold Air Intake is a smart upgrade for Super Duty owners looking for noticeable performance gains. It’s a solid investment with a great warranty.
2. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 17-19 Ford Super Duty
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to give your 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty with a 6.7L diesel engine a serious boost? The Rough Country Cold Air Intake (model 10490) is here to help. This upgrade brings cooler, denser air into your engine. More oxygen means more power. You’ll notice better acceleration and a quicker response when you press the gas pedal. Plus, it comes with a premium, reusable air filter that’s built to last. Installation is straightforward, and Rough Country offers support if you need it. It’s also protected by Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, so you can buy with confidence.
What We Like:
- It gives your truck more horsepower and a faster throttle response.
- It circulates cooler, denser air for increased power.
- It includes a premium, reusable air filter.
- Installation is easy for most DIYers.
- Rough Country provides helpful support.
- It comes with a strong Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While installation is generally easy, some users might still find it challenging without prior experience.
- The initial cost might be a consideration for some budgets.
The Rough Country Cold Air Intake is a solid upgrade for your Super Duty. It’s designed to deliver noticeable performance gains and offers great value with its warranty.
3. 4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit with Oiled Filter
Rating: 9.3/10
Give your 2011-2016 Ford Power Stroke Diesel a breath of fresh air with this 4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit! This kit is designed to replace your stock air intake system and help your engine perform its best. It comes with everything you need to get it installed, including a durable aluminum pipe and a high-flow oiled filter.
What We Like:
- This kit is made from strong aluminum, so it won’t crack like plastic ones can.
- The pipe is CNC mandrel bent, which means it’s made for the best airflow possible.
- It’s polished and powder-coated black for a sharp look under your hood.
- The oiled filter is designed for good filtration and allows more air in.
- The kit is a direct fit for 2011-2016 Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks with the 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel engine.
- The company offers a 1-year service, and they’re ready to help if you have questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit does not include instructions, so you’ll need to figure out the installation yourself or find a guide online.
This cold air intake kit offers a performance upgrade for your Super Duty truck. Make sure to check your vehicle’s part numbers before buying to ensure a perfect match.
4. aFe Power AIS P5R Ford Dsl Trucks 11-15 V8-6.7L (td) AIS 54-11872-1
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your Ford diesel truck with the aFe Power AIS P5R. This air intake system is designed for 2011-2015 Ford trucks with the V8-6.7L diesel engine. It features a Pro 5R air filter, which is made from blue cotton gauze. This filter helps your engine breathe easier and perform better.
What We Like:
- The Pro 5R filter offers excellent airflow.
- It’s made from durable cotton gauze material.
- The blue color adds a nice touch under the hood.
- Installation is usually straightforward.
- It can help your engine run more efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial cost a bit high.
- Detailed instructions could be clearer for complete beginners.
- Availability might be limited at certain retailers.
This aFe Power intake system is a solid choice for diesel truck owners looking for a performance boost. It combines good filtration with improved airflow for your engine.
5. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 11-16 Ford Super Duty
Rating: 9.3/10
Give your 2011-2016 Ford Super Duty with a 6.7L diesel engine a serious boost with the Rough Country Cold Air Intake, model 10476PF. This upgrade helps your truck breathe better, leading to more power and quicker reactions when you hit the gas. It works by bringing in cooler, denser air, which means more oxygen for your engine to burn. More oxygen means more power! Plus, it comes with a top-quality, reusable air filter, so you can clean it and use it again and again.
What We Like:
- You get more horsepower and a snappier throttle response.
- It circulates cooler air, which is denser and helps create more power by delivering more oxygen to the engine.
- It includes a premium, reusable air filter.
- Installation is easy to do at home, and Rough Country offers support.
- It’s backed by Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While installation is generally straightforward, some users might find specific steps a bit tricky without prior mechanical experience.
- The warranty covers replacement, but it doesn’t cover installation costs if a part fails down the road.
This Rough Country Cold Air Intake is a fantastic way to unlock your Super Duty’s potential for more power and better performance. It’s a smart investment for any diesel owner looking for an edge.
Unleash Your 6.7 Powerstroke: The Ultimate Cold Air Intake Buying Guide
So, you want to give your 6.7 Powerstroke diesel truck a little more pep in its step? A cold air intake is a popular upgrade that can help your engine breathe better and perform more efficiently. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you make a smart choice.
What is a Cold Air Intake and Why Do You Need One?
Think of your engine like your lungs. It needs clean, cool air to work its best. A stock air intake often pulls air from under the hood, which can get pretty warm. Warm air is less dense, meaning it has fewer oxygen molecules. Your engine needs oxygen to burn fuel efficiently.
A cold air intake reroutes your engine’s air source to a cooler location, usually outside the engine bay. This cooler, denser air means more oxygen for your engine. More oxygen helps the engine burn fuel more completely, which can lead to:
- Increased Horsepower and Torque: Your truck will feel more powerful.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Your engine can run more efficiently, potentially saving you money at the pump.
- Better Throttle Response: Your truck might react quicker when you press the gas pedal.
- A More Aggressive Engine Sound: Many owners enjoy the deeper, more powerful exhaust note.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cold air intake, keep these important features in mind:
A. Filter Type
- Oiled Filters: These use a special oil to trap dirt and debris. They offer excellent filtration and can often be cleaned and reused. You’ll need to re-oil them after cleaning.
- Dry Filters: These use a synthetic material to trap contaminants. They are generally lower maintenance and don’t require oiling. Some people find them slightly less restrictive than oiled filters.
B. Airbox Design
- Sealed Airbox: A well-designed sealed airbox keeps hot engine air out and forces the intake to draw in cooler outside air. This is crucial for maximizing performance gains.
- Open Element: Some intakes have an open filter. While they can look cool, they might not offer the same performance benefits as a sealed system because they can still suck in hot underhood air.
C. Tubing Material and Diameter
- Smooth, Large Diameter Tubing: Look for intake tubes that are smooth on the inside and have a larger diameter than the stock tubing. This allows air to flow more freely to the engine.
- Material: Common materials include plastic, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Plastic is often a good, cost-effective choice. Aluminum can help dissipate heat.
D. Ease of Installation
- Direct Fit: Most reputable cold air intakes are designed for a direct bolt-on installation. This means you won’t need to drill extra holes or make significant modifications to your truck.
- Clear Instructions: Good instructions make the installation process much smoother.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a cold air intake directly affect its durability and performance.
- Filters: High-quality synthetic media or a durable cotton gauze (for oiled filters) are common. Look for filters that are washable and reusable.
- Intake Tubing: Rotomolded plastic is a popular choice because it’s durable, lightweight, and doesn’t conduct heat as much as metal. Aluminum is also used and can be polished for a custom look.
- Clamps and Couplers: Stainless steel clamps and high-quality silicone couplers ensure a secure and leak-free connection.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a cold air intake better or worse.
A. Improving Quality
- Excellent Sealing: A system that seals tightly against the engine bay prevents hot air from entering.
- Aggressive Airflow Design: Smooth, large-diameter tubing with minimal bends allows air to flow easily.
- High-Quality Filtration: A filter that effectively traps dirt without restricting airflow is key.
- Reputable Brand: Established brands often have a proven track record of quality and performance.
B. Reducing Quality
- Poor Sealing: If hot air can sneak into the intake, you won’t see the benefits.
- Restrictive Tubing: Small or rough tubing can slow down airflow.
- Cheap Filters: Filters that clog easily or don’t filter well can hurt performance and even damage your engine.
- Complex Installation: If it’s a struggle to install, it might not fit correctly, leading to issues.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Most 6.7 Powerstroke owners install cold air intakes for performance gains.
- Daily Driving: You’ll likely notice a more responsive engine and potentially better fuel economy.
- Towing: The extra power can be very helpful when pulling heavy loads.
- Off-Roading: While not its primary purpose, the improved airflow can still be beneficial.
Many users report being very satisfied with the sound and performance improvements. Some mention a slight increase in engine noise, which many find desirable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for 6.7 Powerstroke Cold Air Intakes
Q: Will a cold air intake void my warranty?
A: This is a common concern. In most cases, if the intake is installed correctly and doesn’t cause any issues, it shouldn’t void your warranty. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your dealership.
Q: How much horsepower can I expect to gain?
A: Gains vary depending on the specific intake and your truck’s current setup. Many systems claim to add anywhere from 10-30 horsepower. The biggest benefits are often seen when combined with other performance upgrades.
Q: Do I need to tune my truck after installing a cold air intake?
A: For most basic cold air intakes, a tune is not strictly necessary. However, to get the most out of your new intake, especially if you plan on adding other modifications, a custom tune is highly recommended.
Q: How often do I need to clean or replace the filter?
A: This depends on your driving conditions. If you drive in dusty areas, you’ll need to clean it more often. Oiled filters typically need cleaning every 15,000-30,000 miles, while dry filters might last longer before needing replacement.
Q: Can I install a cold air intake myself?
A: Yes, most cold air intakes are designed for DIY installation. They usually come with all the necessary hardware and instructions.
Q: What is the difference between an oiled and dry filter?
A: Oiled filters use oil to trap dirt and are washable. Dry filters use synthetic media and do not require oiling.
Q: Will a cold air intake make my exhaust louder?
A: It can make your engine sound a bit more aggressive, especially under acceleration. It doesn’t directly change your exhaust note, but the increased airflow can make the engine’s sounds more noticeable.
Q: Are there any downsides to a cold air intake?
A: Some users report slightly more engine noise. Also, if not installed properly, it could allow dirt into your engine, which is bad.
Q: Which brands are the best for 6.7 Powerstroke cold air intakes?
A: Popular and well-regarded brands include S&B Filters, AFE Power, Banks Power, and K&N. Research reviews for specific models.
Q: How do I know if a cold air intake is the right upgrade for me?
A: If you’re looking for a noticeable improvement in your truck’s responsiveness, power, and potentially fuel efficiency, a cold air intake is a great starting point.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!