Looking for the best cold air intake for 6.0 Powerstroke? You don’t have to search frantically any further. We have done the legwork for you to come up with the top 10 cold air intake for 6.0 Powerstroke.
With our comprehensive review, you can choose the cold air intake suitable for your truck or car.
Sure, there are many ways to improve your vehicle’s performance. However, car experts swear by the tactic to replace the factory-installed air intake system.
It can increase the engine’s airflow to improve horsepower and torque performance.
Contents
What is the best cold air intake for 6.0 powerstroke?
For any car, we recommend K&N Cold Air Intake Kit. It is the best cold air intake in the market. Our experts have analyzed the product in detail and have not found any issue.
Not only has it been engineered to increase performance, but also has sleek aesthetics and affordable price.
But if you are looking for some other brand, our guide can help you out.
Finding the right 6.0 Powerstroke cold air intake is no walk in the park.
So, to assist you in choosing the right product, we have compiled this buying guide for you.
It includes the reviews of the top cold air intakes for 6.0 Powerstroke.
Before you finalize your buy, read our guide.
10 Best Cold Air Intake for 6.0 Powerstroke Reviews
01. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit:best ford 6.0 air intake
Highlighted Features
- Estimated horsepower gain of 15.53 HP
- Designed to suit specific vehicle design
- Street legal in 50 U.S. States
- Replaces airbox and OEM filter
- Large filter
K&N Cold Air Intake system has been designed to increase performance. It is the best cold intake kit on our list.
The state-of-art high-flow air filter helps in protecting the engine from contaminants.
It improves towing, acceleration, and throttle protection to provide world-class protection for the engine.
K&N Cold Air Intake is recommended for all truck and car enthusiasts out there.
The product increases horsepower by alleviating airflow obstruction in the engine.
Airflow restriction between the air filter and the engine can hamper even the most powerful engine.
But this cold air intake kit can virtually prevent air path restriction by replacing the regular air filter and the whole path to the vehicle’s engine.
It has the capacity to increase engine performance by 10%.
K&N Cold Air Intake comes with a larger filter that fits into the engine compartment and replaces the airbox and stock intake tube.
Also, It offers more airflow at lower restrictions from the engine through heat protection that has been designed to lower the temperature of the air that enters the engine. Thus, it increases horsepower.
The system is legal in all 50 states and complies with the emission standards. It comes with important features that protect the engine and keeps it in good condition.
Pros
- Significant increase in horsepower
- Installation is super easy
- Easy to maintain
- Smoother airflow
Cons
- Makes the turbo loud enough
02. aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-30392: best for 6.0L Ford diesel
Highlighted Features
- Outperforms the factory intake system
- Uses heat-insulating tubs
- Enclosed in 16-gauge heat shield
- Reusable conical air filter
- 5-Layer washable cotton gauze
aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-30392 is an absolute hit. It outperforms and outflows the factory intake system by more than 30%.
The air intake system is enclosed in a powder-coated, 16-gauge heat shield.
Its reusable and washable conical air filter improves airflow ensuring better torque and horsepower.
aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-30392 features a heat-insulating model plastic tube that substitutes the stock intake track directing airflow for optimum performance.
Moreover, Its precision-designed and velocity stacks intake tubes offer uninterrupted and smooth airflow to the throttle body or turbo.
As aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-30392 improves throttle response and torque, it is ideal for people looking for more power.
By increasing the overall capacity and power, the air intake system can give the vehicle’s engine just what it needs. It can be bolted on for a quick and easy installation.
aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-30392 provides various styles of air intake systems for meeting the requirement of a power-hungry engine.
Pros
- 16-gauge heat shield keeping air intake cool and dense
- 1-piece heat shield doesn’t require assembling
- Comes with 5-layer washable cotton gauze
- Easy to install
Cons
- No benefit over OEM
03. S&B Filters 75-5070 Cold Air Intake: best s&b intake 6.0L powerstroke
Highlighted Features
- Ensures 42.2% more airflow
- Abides by ISO 5011 standard
- Comes with a pre-oiled filter
- Silicon parts ensure aesthetic appeal
- Has a step-by-step guide for installation
S&B Filters 75-5070 Cold Air Intake is a premium product. Almost all car and truck owners love this product.
It is easy to install and doesn’t require any modifications or tweaking.
The best part about the product is the filter can be removed easily to be cleaned. Its innovative design sets it apart from its competitors.
S&B Air Intake 6.0L for ford f250/f350 uses a high-quality air filter that will not crack over time and seal better.
The filter comes with incredible tear strength. It has the capability to handle temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
S&B dedicates a significant amount of time to engineer the intakes properly with enhancing tuning or stock calibration.
The air intake filter has been designed to avoid the ‘Check Engine’ Light. S&B Air Intake 6.0 Powerstroke is protected from unwanted engine heat and dirt.
To deliver even better engine performance, a gigantic snorkel sucks in more cold air.
S&B Air Intake 6.0L diesel is street-legal in all U.S. states and is ISO 15011 certified. The intake system ensures maximum airflow.
“But the lack of a grommet might be a little disappointing for some.”
Pros
- Easy installation process
- Comes with quality material construction
- Improves efficiency of the engine
- ISO certified
Cons
- Lacks a gommet
04. GXP Cold Air Intake Kit & Oiled Filter
Highlighted Feature
- 4-inch sturdy aluminum construction
- Has a diameter of 4 inches
- The kit has installation hardware
- Air intake system is blue
- Provides protection against intruders
GXP Cold Air Intake Kit has an oil filter. It has been designed for 2003-2007 power stroke engines.
Thanks to a plethora of features, the air intake does an excellent job. It allows dense and purified air, supporting the combustion chamber mechanism.
GXP develops a functional, versatile, and effective intake system. Standard aluminum shapes its tube and imparts top-notch structural stability.
The diameter measure 4 inches to meet the requirements. Thus, it offers maximum protection against elements.
The oiler filter collects most of the airborne intruders. Optimum restriction on particles is good for upholding 6.0 Powerstroke cold air intake.
Further, the filter can be washed and reused, increasing its durability. Its package comes with a simple installation guide.
“But the air intake is blue in color.”
Pros
- Compatible with 2003-2007 vehicles
- All hardware has been included in the package
- Faster engine response time
Cons
- The air intake is blue in color
05. MOOSUN Air Intake Kit
Highlighted Features
- Comes with a 4-inch silicone coupler
- Filter of synthetic media/mesh
- Improves fuel economy
- Enhances horsepower and torque
- Replaces completely
The present MOOSUN Air Intake Kit is the best cold air intake within a budgeted price.
For starters, it can improve the airflow by 64%. These increase throttle response and enhance fuel economy.
Also, it has an impact on the engine’s horsepower. It makes the engine function effectively. Users will notice the improvement just by the way it sounds.
The air intake is ideal for Ford 6.0L V8 diesel turbo engines. “But it doesn’t include a sensor. So, it will not work on trucks without MAF factory sensors.”
It uses a filter of metal mesh or synthetic media. The air intake system is more durable and effective than OEM filters.
Its high-dense silicone couplers are resistant to tear, friction, and excessive heat. Hence, it is in line with the best cold air intake for 6.0 Powerstroke.
Its large-sized filter ensures adequate airflow. The installation process is simple and easy-going.
Since MOOSUN Air Intake Kit has the perfect mounting points.
So, you don’t have to drill an additional hole. It is a ready-to-install kit. Thus, you will not have to buy any additional elements.
Pros
- Straightforward installation
- Uses less multiple filtering for protecting the engine
Cons
- Doesn’t come with sensors
06. KABOCHO Cold Air Intake Kit
Highlighted Features
- Ideal for 2003-2007 models
- Ensures better throttle response
- Made of top-quality aluminum
- Takes little to install
- Aluminum makes it durable
KABOCHO Cold Air Intake Kit is a good-quality cold air intake kit that comes with a replacement filter.
It is easy to install and doesn’t require any complex tools. Customers can use it without any hassle.
KABOCHO Air Intake Kit is made of top-quality aluminum material. This makes it highly durable.
The manufacturer includes reducers and vacuum hoses. Its package includes a quick installation guide that makes it easier to install it.
Having a blue specter air filter this KABOCHO Cold Air Intake Kit includes more better performances.
The product has been designed to increase 6-8% torque and 7-10% horsepower. It creates an attractive intake noise.
The air intake helps the engine draw a greater amount of cold air leading to a better throttle response. This improves your vehicle’s acceleration.
Pros
- Increases horsepower and acceleration
- Quick installation process
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Comes with an installation guide
Cons
- The filter can be improved
07. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit
Highlighted Features
- Designed to increase torque
- Oil synthetic filter
- Installation improves engine sound
- Better acceleration and uphill response
- No filter cleanup for 100000 miles
Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit is the best sounding cold air intake. It makes a significant difference in the engine sound.
With this, users can promote actual service outcomes from the engine upon healthy combustion.
Spectre Performance is a well-established automotive brand in the market.
Its standard design with several functional features ensures optimum mechanical action. However, it comes at an affordable price.
The product has been Dyno-tested with up to 50% increased airflow than any factory air intake system.
Aside, It enhances uphill performance and acceleration when towing by improving throttle response.
If you install this, you can hear the power under the hood. The advanced oil synthetic filter helps in protecting the engine from harmful debris and contaminants.
The product doesn’t require any filter for up to 100,000 miles and comes with a low-restriction, washable, and reusable air filter.
Its usability covers a wide array of vehicular models. The kit includes the required hardware and tools.
Pros
- Improves engine sound
- Offers extreme system protection
- Improves engine performs
- Requires less maintenance
Cons
- Tube clamping can be a tad difficult
08. Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake
Highlighted Features
- Designed to deliver high performance
- Supportive media
- Durable for several miles
- Makes the vehicle easy to drive
- Easy to install and lasts several miles
This 6.0 Powerstroke cold air intake system can make the vehicle engine efficient even in the most demanding conditions. Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake can be your ultimate choice.
Better performer with the filter is blue in color and supportive filter media capture all contaminants.
The air intake system has been created using the highest quality material. So, users get to enjoy superior strength, durability, and efficiency.
The product fits any 6.0 power stroke 2003-2007. It sounds great and that is an impressive add-on. The air intake comes with a dry filter.
Pros
- Impressive structural design
- Minimal wasteful combustion
- Active airflow support
Cons
- Lacks fitting specifications
09. SUPERFASTRACING Air Intake Kit
Highlighted Features
- Created for off-road use
- Ensures 64% better flow
- Conical in shape
- Intake doesn’t work on trucks
- Best for 2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke
In case you are looking for the best cold air intake addition to enhance your engine’s efficiency and torque, this air intake kit could be it. The kit has primarily been designed for off-road use.
With cold air intake, users get to enjoy better fuel economy. This translated to 64% improved flow.
Not only does it improve engine torque, but also works on horsepower. SUPERFASTRACING Air Intake Kit is the ideal fit for the engine.
The product has a 4-inch mandrel-bent tube combined with a conical filter. It weighs only 6.7 pounds and is ideal for the 2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke.
“However, the intake will not work on trucks that don’t have a factory MAF sensor.”
The mandrel-bent tube of 4.0 diameters has an NPT fitting. It comes with a hose clamp, O-rings, and cover plates with screws.
The product has a conical shape with dependable silicone that makes it a sturdy replacement.
“You might have to be a little skill to install it.”
Pros
- Makes the engine fuel-efficient
- Boosts engine torque
- Minimal wasteful production
- Comes with a simplified fitment guideline
Cons
- Doesn’t come with sensors
- It requires some skill to be installed
10. Upower 4″ Red Cold Air Intake Kit
Highlighted Features
- All hardware has been included
- Comes with a black heat shield
- Increases torque by 6-10%
- Improves horsepower by 8-10%
- Polished aluminum intake pipe
It is an air intake fit that fits both manual and automatic transmission. Upower 4″ Red Cold Air Intake Kit is a budget-friendly option.
Also, kit includes a polished aluminum alloy cold air intake tube. It is connected to a regular reusable and washable synthetic filter.
The product has a powder-coated steel heat shield, which is used for isolating the air filter from the remaining engine compartment.
It has been designed to increase 6-10% torque and 8-10% horsepower. So, it creates an attractive intake noise.
“However, there is no added flow improvement.”
The air intake filter offers a standard stock performance.
Pros
- Improves torque and horsepower
- Kit ideal for manual and automatic transmission
- The polished aluminum cold air intake tube
Cons
- No instructions have been included
Buying Considerations Best Cold Air Intake For 6.0 Powerstroke
Adding a cold air intake system has become a common aftermarket upgrade for several car and truck enthusiasts.
Obviously, car owners want their vehicles to perform better. This is the reason they choose to add performance improvement accessories, such as cold air intake.
Just like its name, the automotive part deals with cold air. As a matter of fact, it supplies dense, cold, and pure airflow to the combustion chamber.
Cylindrical fuel requires oxygen to burn. Cooler air remains are heavy to cover the added amount of oxygen to the combination.
The cold air intake system keeps sucking airflow for decontaminating the gaseous concentration.
After the filtration, the air turns cold on its path to reach the target.
The design remains stable when it comes to maintaining a consistent amount of air in the process. Hence, the engine can receive optimum power.
So, by increasing airflow volume to the engine, a cold air intake makes the combustion process more efficient.
But before you proceed to buy one for your car, you need to consider a few factors.
In this section, we are going to highlight the factors that contribute to selecting the right cold air intake.
Vehicle-Specific Design
A majority of the cold air intake manufacturers design them for specific vehicle types and engines, makes, models, and years.
So, the first thing you must consider is that the best cold air intake for 6.0 Powerstroke you are ordering or installing is recommended for your vehicle.
Cold Air Intake Style
The next factor you need to consider is the cold air intake system type. Usually, there are two. Let’s look at them.
- Short Ram System: With a short ram, it is easier to access the air filter. The design ensures that you must deal with less fabrication and plumbing work.
- True Cold Air Intake: These focuses on moving the air filter as far as possible. When compared to short ram, it produces more supplemental cold airflow.
Ease of Installation
It’s always better to go for a cold air intake that uses factory holes. Hence, you won’t need cutting or drilling while installing. Check if the product you are purchasing comes with an installation guide.
Material
Don’t forget to take the material of the cold air intake system into account.
Like you already know, the purpose of this automotive part is to reduce heat to allow cold air to flow through the engine.
So, choose an air intake that is made from heat-resistant materials.
Oiled Filter Element
This can offer decent filtration. However, it can limit power gain and lead to malfunctioning in the air intake unit.
With time, there can be a buildup of microscopic oil particles and dirt. This, in turn, obstructs the airflow. Using a cold air intake system will help in solving the issue.
Sound Improvement
A cold air intake system should improve the engine sound. Apart from horsepower sound improvement is one of the most crucial things you need to consider.
Before you buy, you can check the before and after sound from the videos available on the internet.
CARB Approval
Californians need to certify and approve any tweaks to the car or truck’s exhaust system by CARB or California Air Resource Board.
The guidelines have been laid down to make sure that no installation work against the vehicle’s emission control.
For vehicles that cater to the requirements of CARB, the owner is issued a CARB EO number. In case the vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements, it can be impounded, or you can be penalized.
Horsepower Gain
Sure, cold air intake will not ensure dramatic horsepower gain. However, it is good to compare how much improvement you can expect from each brand.
We recommend you check the dyno results for the cold air intake. Do not simply believe what the companies claim.
Water Ingestion
You must be careful about the rate at which the cold air intake can suck water into the engine. Water consumed by the system can influence the vehicle’s performance.
Water ingestion might affect the engine if the system draws air from beneath, particularly when you stay in a damp environment.
Thermal Barrier
The intake system can ingest air from a cool source. However, if the system isn’t protected against thermal pollution, power gains can be minimal.
Construction materials that resist heat transfers, like certain composites or plastics, such as carbon fiber might have a significant effect on the intake temperature as can a coating of a thermal barrier.
Intake Tube Flow
It is crucial that you consider the intake tube flow. This can have a significant impact on the cold air intake systems. If there are straight hoses, the airflow is more efficient than the ones with curved hoses.
Considering these factors makes it simple to narrow down the options.
Must Knowing FAQs For 6.0 powerstroke cold air intake
What are the Components of the Best Cold Air Intake 6.0 Powerstroke?
An air intake is an assembly of several automotive parts. There are many primary and secondary components for holding the assembly together.
If you know the components, you can easily figure out the package contents. However, the complete list can be long.
You can stick to the necessary parts for supporting air intake function.
The primary components of an intake system are tube clamps, intake fitting, head funnel, gasket kit, intake cover, filter media, elbow kit, plenum kit, filter monitor, plenum kit, mounting bracket, and intake adapters.
Can Cold Air Intake System Actually Increase Horsepower?
When you upgrade the vehicle, it will not necessarily help the functional engine gain horsepower.
However, it will just give a boost to its available mechanical power for integrating further horsepower.
It replaces the restrictive stock intake with the components created to handle larger air volume. However, it can surely improve your car’s performance.
How much Horsepower Does Cold Air Intake Add?
Cold air intake can provide a decent boost in horsepower for a small investment. It works by moving the air filter of the engine away to make sure that the air being sucked in is cooler.
Usually, the air is drawn from the area just next to the engine. So, it is hot as engine heats up under the hood.
Cooler air has more oxygen. Thus, cooler air intake ensures that the car gets cooler air and more oxygen.
It is a small investment with a big payoff. Cold air intake is good for horsepower gain of around 5-20 ponies in most of the cars.
Do I Have to Tune After Installing a Cold Air Intake?
No, you don’t have to tune the vehicle after installing the cold air intake.
You might have to spend a lot of money to tune the car and doing it just to optimize the cold air intake might not be worth the penny. Upgrading using a cold air intake is affordable, and it doesn’t require tuning.
Is Cold Air Intake Good for Diesel?
Yes, cold air intake is highly beneficial for diesel as it improves gas mileage. The internal combustion engine burns fuel to produce power.
So, the engine needs the required amount of oxygen. In case there is too little oxygen, it might lead to greater fuel consumption.
The cold air intake has been designed to offer maximum air to fuel ratio. This improves horsepower and gas mileage. As you get more out of your fuel, you will have to spend less on fuel.
Can Cold Air Intake Make My Car Faster?
With more condensed air, your car engine will be able to breathe better. Also, the engine burns fuel efficiently that pushes the vehicle forward.
Be that as it may, cold air intake is one of the easiest mods to make the car faster as fuel and air can help your car with acceleration.
Can Air Intake Cause Problems?
One of the most common symptoms related to failing and bad cold air intake is the drop in engine performance.
The cold air intake system uses an air filter for the engine. In case this gets dirty or clogged, it can lead to a reduction in acceleration, power, and fuel efficiency.
What are the Drawbacks of Cold Air Intake?
There are only a few drawbacks to the cold air intake system. It can get denser than the stock intake.
Nevertheless, since it is longer, it needs more complex routing and is often quite expensive. The increased complexity might also lead to a time-consuming and difficult installation.
Since cold air intake has a low-placed filter outside the engine bay, it takes in cold and denser air. However, it is also the location where there is maximum moisture and debris.
In case the intake sucks a considerable amount of water, it does not matter how beneficial it can be as the car’s engine might hydrolock leading to catastrophic damage.
Can Installing Cold Air Intake Damage the Engine?
Since cold air intake impacts the engine, clogged, dirty, and failing cold air intake decreases the vehicle performance.
It can also lead to more fuel burn. If the filter gets dirty, the horsepower tends to get reduced.
Why is a Cold Air Intake a Bad Idea in Winter?
It is a bad idea in the winter if it snows or rains. If the CAI gets submerged in ice or water, it will turn into a cold-water intake. Water gets sucked in through the CAI. This locks the engine.
Bottom Line
The best cold air intake for 6.0 Powerstroke is an inexpensive and simplest modification that can improve the performance of an engine. It is fitted inside the engine bonnet.
By now, you have already understood that it can improve torque, engine performance, save fuel, and boost acceleration.
Choosing the best cold air intake helps in enhancing horsepower. So, a cold air intake system is crucial for a vehicle’s health.
Apart from improving the engine’s performance, it can increase the vehicle’s longevity.
Nevertheless, selecting the right model can be a tad difficult. Hopefully, the above-given guide might have already cleared the confusion and have helped in finding the right product.
Although we take K&N Cold Air Intake Kit to be the best overall model, you should go through the review of each product before finalizing it.