Looking to unlock extra horsepower and sharper throttle response without a full exhaust overhaul? A short ram intake is one of the simplest, most effective upgrades you can make. It replaces your restrictive factory airbox with a free-flowing filter and pipe, letting your engine breathe colder, denser air.
In this guide, we break down nine top-rated short ram intakes, from budget-friendly options to dyno-proven systems. Whether you drive a Civic Si, a G37, or a Sentra, you’ll find the perfect match for your ride and your goals.
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BAGARAATAN Cold Air Intake For 2012–2015 Civic SI/2013-2015 Acura ILX 2.4L
Best forBudget Civic Si upgrades
- Heat shield included
- 8-10% HP gain
ConsiderLimited vehicle fitment
Injen SP2097P Short Ram Intake System (Lexus)
Best forLexus horsepower enthusiasts
- +15 HP dyno proven
- Dry filter, no oiling
ConsiderLimited to certain Lexus
Injen Technology SP1476BLK Black Mega Ram Short Ram Intake System
Best forStealthy engine bay style
- Aerospace aluminum build
- TIG-welded hardware
ConsiderRequires periodic oiling
Short Ram Intake Kit for 05-10 Cobalt/07-10 G5 2.2L/2.4L (Black)
Best forGM compact car owners
- Complete kit included
- Reusable black filter
ConsiderFitment must be verified
DC Sports SRI4205 Short Ram Intake System For Use With (Infiniti 07-08 G35/…
Best forCARB compliant Infiniti
- CARB legal in all states
- Lightweight aluminum
ConsiderModest performance gains
HOAVEED 911-933 Intake Manifold Flow Runner Control Valve Compatible with C…
Best forChrysler Dodge Ram repairs
- Longer wiring harness
- Direct OEM fit
ConsiderNot a performance part
Injen SP1970P Short RAM Intake System
Best forNissan Sentra tuning
- Dyno proven gains
- MR Technology tuned
ConsiderSmall power increase
Dorman 911-933 Integrated Runner Control – Short Runner Compatible with Sel…
Best forDodge Ram IMRC replacement
- Complete kit with hardware
- Longer harness prevents failure
ConsiderNot a performance upgrade
DC Sports Short Ram Intake For Use With (12-15 Honda CIVIC SI/13-15 Acura I…
Best forCivic Si and ILX owners
- Increases performance
- Washable filter included
ConsiderNo dyno numbers provided
BAGARAATAN Cold Air Intake – Budget Power for Civic Si
Brand: BAGARAATAN
A cost-effective way to add real power and sound to your Civic Si.
The BAGARAATAN cold air intake is engineered specifically for the 2012-2015 Honda Civic Si and 2013-2015 Acura ILX with the 2.4L engine. It promises an 8-10% horsepower increase and 6-10% more torque, which translates to noticeable gains in everyday driving. The included heat shield helps block engine bay heat, ensuring your engine pulls in cooler air for better combustion.
You’ll also appreciate the improved fuel economy and the satisfying intake growl it adds. Built with durability in mind, this kit is designed for engine swap applications where leak-free sealing is critical, yet it stays budget-friendly. If you want a reliable performance boost without breaking the bank, this is a solid pick.
- Heat shield included
- 8-10% HP gain
- Budget-friendly price
- Limited vehicle fitment
- No dyno chart included
Injen SP2097P Short Ram – Lexus Performance Boost
Brand: Injen Technology
A high-quality intake that delivers serious, verified performance gains.
The Injen SP2097P is a short ram intake designed for select Lexus models, delivering a dyno-proven gain of +15.0 horsepower. That’s a substantial increase for a simple bolt-on modification. Injen’s patented MR Technology ensures the intake pipe is tuned for maximum airflow and torque, while maintaining a safe air/fuel ratio.
The SuperNano-Web dry filter is a standout feature—it requires no oiling, making maintenance a breeze. You just wash it and let it dry. This intake also produces a deeper, more aggressive tone under acceleration, which adds to the driving experience. If you own a compatible Lexus and want proven gains, this is a top-tier choice.
- +15 HP dyno proven
- Dry filter, no oiling
- MR Technology tuned
- Limited to certain Lexus
- Premium price point
Injen SP1476BLK Mega Ram – Black Edition Power
Brand: Injen Technology
A robust, well-engineered intake that looks and performs great.
The Injen SP1476BLK Mega Ram is a black short ram intake that combines aggressive looks with proven performance. Built with aerospace-quality aluminum, it’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ensuring longevity. The TIG-welded hardware and adaptors provide maximum structural integrity, so you can trust it under high-stress conditions.
The filter is made of surgical cotton gauze, precisely oiled to maintain consistent airflow and prevent obstructions. This design helps your engine breathe freely, boosting horsepower and throttle response. The black finish adds a stealthy touch to your engine bay. If you want a durable, high-performing intake with a sleek appearance, this is an excellent option.
- Aerospace aluminum build
- TIG-welded hardware
- Oiled cotton filter
- Requires periodic oiling
- May be loud for some
Rtunes Racing Short Ram – Cobalt and G5 Fit
Brand: Rtunes Racing
A practical, all-in-one intake for budget-minded GM owners.
The Rtunes Racing short ram intake is designed for a range of GM vehicles, including the 2005-2010 Cobalt, 2007-2010 G5, 2008-2012 Malibu, and 2005-2007 Ion with 2.2L or 2.4L engines. It comes as a complete assembly with a polished chrome intake pipe, a black reusable air filter, couplers, clamps, and all installation components. You won’t need to buy anything extra.
The washable cone filter can be cleaned and reused, saving you money over time. The polished chrome pipe adds a nice visual upgrade under the hood. Installation is straightforward with the supplied parts. If you drive one of these GM models and want a simple, effective intake upgrade, this kit delivers solid value.
- Complete kit included
- Reusable black filter
- Polished chrome pipe
- Fitment must be verified
- No performance claims
DC Sports SRI4205 – CARB Compliant Infiniti Intake
Brand: DC Sports
A legal, dependable intake that improves response without emissions worries.
The DC Sports SRI4205 is a short ram intake for Infiniti G35 (2007-2008), G37 (2008-2013), and Q50 (2014-2015) models. It’s 50-state CARB compliant, meaning it’s legal for use in California and other strict emissions states. This is a huge plus if you live in a regulated area.
The intake uses lightweight aluminum tubing to reduce weight and improve throttle response. It also increases overall performance, giving your engine a more responsive feel. The included high-flow air filter is washable and reusable, cutting down on replacement costs. If you want a legal, reliable performance upgrade for your Infiniti, this is a smart choice.
- CARB legal in all states
- Lightweight aluminum
- Washable filter
- Modest performance gains
- Limited to Infiniti models
HOAVEED IMRC Valve – Fix for Chrysler and Dodge
The HOAVEED 911-933 intake manifold runner control valve is a direct OEM replacement for Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, and Ram 1500/2500/3500 with the 5.7L V8 from 2009-2021. It replaces OE part numbers 53022137AC and 911-933. If your original IMRC has failed due to a short wiring harness, this part solves that issue.
The design includes a longer wiring harness to prevent the brittleness and contact loss that plague the factory unit. Installation is plug-and-play, using the original mounting points and electrical connectors. This restores proper intake manifold operation, improving engine performance and fuel efficiency. If you’re dealing with a faulty IMRC, this is a reliable fix.
- Longer wiring harness
- Direct OEM fit
- Plug-and-play install
- Not a performance part
- Specific to 5.7L V8
Injen SP1970P – Nissan Sentra Dyno Proven
Brand: Injen Technology
A reliable, effective intake that adds a few extra ponies to your Sentra.
The Injen SP1970P is a short ram intake specifically designed for the 2013-2019 Nissan Sentra with the 1.8L engine. It’s dyno-proven to add up to 5 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque, which is a noticeable improvement for a compact car. The short ram design keeps the intake path short, reducing restriction and improving throttle response.
It features Injen’s patented MegaRam MR Technology, which uses a tuned pipe length to optimize airflow and power. The filter is a high-flow unit that’s washable and reusable. You’ll also enjoy a more aggressive intake sound when you step on the gas. If you drive a Sentra and want a simple performance upgrade, this is a great fit.
- Dyno proven gains
- MR Technology tuned
- Washable filter
- Small power increase
- Only for 1.8L Sentra
Dorman 911-933 IMRC – OE Fix for Ram
The Dorman 911-933 integrated runner control is a direct replacement for the failed IMRC motor on select Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram vehicles. It’s an OE fix that addresses the common issue of the original motor burning out or corroding. The all-in-one kit includes a longer, pre-assembled wiring harness to speed up installation and prevent future failures.
This kit is designed to match the fit and function of the original parts, ensuring proper IMRC motor and intake manifold operation. It comes with a quality O-ring seal, retainer zip tie, and new mounting stud and bolt. This is a complete solution that restores your engine’s performance. If you’re tired of dealing with IMRC issues, this is a dependable replacement.
- Complete kit with hardware
- Longer harness prevents failure
- Direct OE fit
- Not a performance upgrade
- Vehicle compatibility check needed
DC Sports Short Ram – Honda Civic Si and Acura ILX
Brand: DC Sports
A dependable, performance-oriented intake for Honda and Acura fans.
The DC Sports short ram intake is designed for the 2012-2015 Honda Civic Si and 2013-2015 Acura ILX with the 2.4L engine. It increases performance and improves throttle response, giving your car a more lively feel. The lightweight aluminum tubing reduces weight and helps with heat dissipation.
Included is a washable and reusable high-flow performance air filter, so you can maintain it easily. The intake also produces a deeper, more aggressive sound under acceleration. Installation is straightforward with basic tools. If you own a Civic Si or ILX and want a proven, affordable upgrade, this is a strong contender.
- Increases performance
- Washable filter included
- Lightweight aluminum
- No dyno numbers provided
- Similar to other options
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right short ram intake involves more than just picking the cheapest option. You need to consider fitment, performance, and legal requirements. Here are five key factors to guide your decision.
- Vehicle Fitment: Always confirm that the intake is designed for your exact year, model, and engine. Some intakes are model-specific, like the Injen SP1970P for the Sentra, while others cover multiple vehicles. Check the product description for compatibility lists.
- Performance Gains: Look for dyno-proven numbers if you want guaranteed results. Injen products often provide specific HP and torque figures, while others may only claim percentage increases. Real-world gains vary based on your vehicle and other modifications.
- Filter Type: Filters come in oiled or dry styles. Oiled filters, like the Injen SP1476BLK, offer excellent airflow but require periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters, like the Injen SP2097P, are easier to maintain—just wash and dry. Consider your maintenance preference.
- Build Quality: Materials matter for durability and performance. Aerospace-grade aluminum and TIG-welded joints, as seen in Injen intakes, offer superior strength and corrosion resistance. Cheaper options may use thinner metal or plastic, which can crack or warp over time.
- Legal Compliance: If you live in California or other states with strict emissions laws, check for CARB EO numbers. The DC Sports SRI4205 is CARB compliant, making it a safe choice. Non-compliant intakes may fail smog checks and can be illegal to install.
Conclusion
Short ram intakes are a fantastic way to boost your car’s performance and sound without a major overhaul. From the budget-friendly BAGARAATAN to the dyno-proven Injen systems, there’s an option for every driver and vehicle. Remember to prioritize fitment and legal compliance to avoid headaches down the road.
For the best balance of quality and performance, the Injen SP2097P stands out with its +15 HP gain and dry filter. If you’re on a budget, the BAGARAATAN offers impressive value for Civic Si owners. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy a more responsive and exciting drive.
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends, Erica uses her expertise to provide valuable insights into the products that matter most to her readers.
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