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Flashark Cold Air intake kit For 1994-2002 Dodge RAM 2500/3500 5.9L V6 Diesel Engine
The stock intake on a 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with the 5.9L Cummins is a plastic airbox holding a paper panel filter. It's quiet and it's cheap, but it's also a restriction. The paper filter clogs over time, the plastic airbox traps engine bay heat, and the intake tract ahead of the turbo is starved for cool, dense air — exactly what a diesel needs to keep EGTs down under load.
The Flashark Cold Air Intake Kit replaces the factory airbox and paper filter with a high-flow dry-cone filter housed in a heat-shield enclosure. A silicone coupler and stainless steel clamp connect the filter directly to the factory intake tube — the metal pipe that runs from the turbo inlet to the airbox. The factory tube stays in place; only the restrictive airbox and paper filter are replaced. No replacement pipe is included or needed — this kit targets the source of the restriction without adding unnecessary components or cost.
Key Features
Heat Shield Enclosure — A formed metal shield surrounds the cone filter, isolates it from hot engine bay air, and seals against the closed hood. Pulls cooler, denser air from the fender well area rather than heat-soaked underhood air. Cooler intake air = lower EGTs and more consistent power, especially when towing.
High-Flow Dry Cone Filter (Red) — Washable, reusable, oil-free. Dry media means zero risk of oil fouling the MAF or IAT sensor. More surface area than the flat paper panel it replaces, so it flows better and clogs slower. Captures fine dust and debris — critical for trucks that work for a living.
Silicone Coupler + Stainless Clamp — High-temp, 4-ply-reinforced silicone coupler connects the filter to the factory intake tube (the metal pipe running from the turbo inlet to the stock airbox location). Stainless steel clamp ensures a tight, leak-free seal that won't loosen from heat cycling or vibration.
Bolt-On Installation — ~30 Minutes — Remove the factory airbox, install the heat shield using existing bolt holes, slide the coupler onto the factory intake tube, clamp on the filter, and position the shield. No cutting. No drilling. No tuning. Hand tools only.
Lower EGTs Under Load — The single biggest real-world benefit. By pulling cooler air through the heat shield enclosure, combustion chamber temperatures drop. This directly reduces EGTs during heavy towing, long grades, or running a performance tune.
Turbo Sound + Intake Growl — Removing the factory muffled airbox reveals the sound of the Cummins breathing — audible turbo spool, deeper intake note under throttle, and the mechanical character a diesel truck should have had from the factory. Not obnoxiously loud at cruise.
Package Includes
1 × High-flow dry cone air filter (red, washable/reusable)
1 × Heat shield enclosure (powder-coated steel)
1 × Silicone coupler (high-temp, 4-ply reinforced)
1 × Stainless steel hose clamp
1 × Mounting bracket with hardware (bolts, washers, nuts)
1 × Rubber edge trim (for heat shield)
1 × Installation instruction sheet
Note: This kit replaces the factory airbox, paper filter, and intake snorkel. The factory intake tube (from turbo inlet to airbox) is retained — simply disconnect the airbox end and connect the provided silicone coupler + filter. No intake pipe is included or needed.
A Cold Air Intake System repositions the air filter outside the engine bay to ensure the intake of the coolest air possible. Cooler air is denser in oxygen, resulting in a more potent combustion process within the engine cylinders, thereby generating increased horsepower and torque. However, this is just one aspect of enhancing engine performance. By optimizing the length and diameter of the intake pipe to match the engine's resonance, a greater volume of air is directed towards the cylinders (imagine the engine functioning like a large air pump). This precise tuning enables us to achieve maximum power gains across the entire RPM range.
Why Cummins I6, Not V6
A quick clarification that matters: the 5.9L Cummins in the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram is an inline-six (I6), not a V6. Many listings get this wrong. The Cummins 6BT / ISB is a legendary straight-six diesel — 6 cylinders in a row, not arranged in a V. This intake kit is designed specifically for the I6's turbo inlet configuration and will not fit the 5.9L Magnum V8 gasoline engine found in Ram 1500 models.
| Year | Make | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-1998 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | 5.9L Cummins 12V I6 Turbo Diesel |
| 1994-1998 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | 5.9L Cummins 12V I6 Turbo Diesel |
| 1998.5-2002 | Dodge | Ram 2500 | 5.9L Cummins 24V I6 Turbo Diesel |
| 1998.5-2002 | Dodge | Ram 3500 | 5.9L Cummins 24V I6 Turbo Diesel |
1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500 5.9L Cummins Cold Air Intake FAQ
Q1: What trucks does this 5.9 Cummins cold air intake fit?
A1: This Flashark cold air intake kit is designed for 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks equipped with the 5.9L Cummins inline-six turbo diesel engine. The listed applications include 1994-1998 12-valve Cummins trucks and 1998.5-2002 24-valve Cummins trucks. Confirm the model year, engine version, turbo inlet connection, and original intake layout before ordering.
Q2: Is the 5.9L Cummins a V6 engine?
A2: No. The 5.9L Cummins used in these Dodge Ram trucks is an inline-six, also called an I6 or straight-six, turbo diesel engine. It is not a V6. The 1994-1998 trucks use the 12-valve version, while 1998.5-2002 trucks use the electronically controlled 24-valve version.
Q3: Will this intake fit a 1994-1998 12-valve Cummins?
A3: Yes. The product fitment specifically includes 1994-1998 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9L Cummins 12-valve turbo diesel. Before installation, compare the turbo inlet, crankcase vent routing, mounting space, and original airbox arrangement with the supplied intake components.
Q4: Does this cold air intake fit a 1998.5-2002 24-valve Cummins?
A4: Yes. The listed fitment includes 1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9L Cummins 24-valve turbo diesel. The 1998 model year is a split year, so verify whether the truck has the earlier 12-valve engine or the later 24-valve engine before ordering.
Q5: Will this intake fit a gasoline-powered Dodge Ram with a 5.9L engine?
A5: No. This kit is intended for the 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel, not the 5.9L Magnum gasoline V8. The gasoline and diesel engines use completely different intake routing, throttle-body or turbo connections, hose locations, and mounting points.
Q6: Will this kit fit a 2003 or newer 5.9 Cummins?
A6: No direct fitment is stated for 2003-2007 common-rail 5.9L Cummins trucks. Third-generation Ram trucks use a different engine-bay layout, airbox, turbo inlet arrangement, and intake routing. This kit should be treated as a second-generation 1994-2002 Ram 2500 and 3500 application only.
Q7: What is included with this 5.9 Cummins cold air intake kit?
A7: The product page lists one performance cold air intake assembly with polished aluminum piping, a red washable and reusable filter, and a heat-shield-style layout. Review the product images before installation to identify the supplied couplers, clamps, brackets, hose fittings, and mounting hardware.
Q8: Is a cold air intake worth it on a stock 5.9 Cummins?
A8: It can be worthwhile for owners who want a cleaner intake path, more turbo and induction sound, a reusable filter, and a customized engine-bay appearance. On an otherwise stock truck, do not expect the intake alone to create a dramatic horsepower increase. The factory airbox is capable on many stock and mildly modified Cummins trucks, so the value depends on the condition of the original system and the owner’s goals.
Q9: How much horsepower will this intake add to a 5.9 Cummins?
A9: The product page states that improved airflow can support horsepower and torque, but it does not provide a verified dyno-tested gain for this specific kit. Actual results depend on turbo airflow demand, fueling, exhaust restriction, boost level, engine condition, intake-air temperature, and supporting modifications. A stock truck may show little measurable peak-power change from the intake alone.
Q10: Will this intake make the Cummins turbo louder?
A10: Yes. A more open intake and cone-style filter usually make turbo spool, compressor whistle, and intake airflow easier to hear. The sound becomes most noticeable under acceleration and while the turbo is building boost. The intake does not create the same sound change as a larger exhaust, turbo upgrade, or modified exhaust manifold.
Q11: Does a 5.9 Cummins need a tune after installing a cold air intake?
A11: A tune is not normally required for a basic intake replacement on either a 12-valve or 24-valve Cummins. The intake does not directly change injector size, injection timing, or fueling commands. Tuning or fueling modifications may help a performance build use additional airflow, but they are not required simply to operate this intake.
Q12: Will a cold air intake lower exhaust gas temperature while towing?
A12: A less restrictive intake may help reduce inlet restriction when the engine is under heavy load, but it should not be relied on as the main solution for high exhaust gas temperature. Fueling, turbo efficiency, boost leaks, exhaust restriction, intercooler condition, trailer weight, gearing, and driving technique have a much larger effect. Modified trucks used for towing should be monitored with a properly installed pyrometer.
Q13: Can this intake improve fuel economy?
A13: Better airflow may support efficient operation under steady driving conditions, but a fuel-mileage increase is not guaranteed. Injector condition, injection timing, tire size, axle ratio, vehicle speed, payload, towing weight, transmission condition, and throttle use have a greater effect on fuel consumption. Increased turbo sound can also encourage heavier acceleration, which may reduce mileage.
Q14: Is the included filter safe for a diesel engine?
A14: The included filter is listed as washable and reusable, but proper filtration and maintenance are especially important on a turbo diesel. Check that the filter is securely clamped, inspect it frequently in dusty conditions, and never reinstall it while wet. If the filter uses oil, avoid over-oiling because excess oil can move through the intake and contaminate nearby components.
Q15: What should I check after installing the Cummins intake?
A15: Confirm that the filter, intake pipe, heat shield, couplers, clamps, brackets, and crankcase vent connections are secure. Make sure the intake cannot rub against the hood, battery cables, radiator hoses, wiring, fan shroud, or turbo components. After the first drive, inspect for loose clamps, intake leaks, unusual turbo noise, filter movement, and contact with nearby parts, then retighten the hardware after several heat cycles.
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