You own a Ford 6.7 Powerstroke diesel because of the performance and power it gives you, and you are wondering if adding an aftermarket cold air intake would be beneficial and worth the cost. The answers are yes, and yes again! In this case, adding a cold air intake to your Powerstroke diesel will allow your engine to transform its fuel into more power through increased combustion efficiency.
Best Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Powerstroke – Top Picks:
- aFe FORCE 54-11872
- K&N 63-2597
- Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake
- S&B Filters 75-5104
- Banks 42215-D
- K&N 57-2582
| aFe Power Magnum | K&N 63-2597 | Sinister Diesel | S&B Filters 75-5104 | Banks 42215-D | K&N 57-2582 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| OEM Part Number | 54-11872-1 | 63-2597 | SD-CAI-6.7P-17 | 75-5104 | 42215-D | 57-2582 |
| Torque Increase | 80 ft. lbs. of torque | 23 ft. lbs. of torque | No data | No data | No data | No data |
| Horsepower increase | 26HP | 11 HP | No data | No data | No data | 12 HP |
| Airflow increase | up to 56% | up to 50% | No data | 36.98% | 26% | up to 50% |
| Filter Type | Oiled, washable | Washable, reusable | Oversized, Long Lasting, Reusable, Oiled | Oiled Cleanable, 8-ply Cotton Filter | Oiled or dry | Washable, reusable |
| Vehicle applications year | 2011-2016 | 2017-2019 | 2017-2019 | 2011-2016 | 2011-2016 | 2011-2015 |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-11872 Performance Intake System
The Power Magnum FORCE has an 8-inch, 5-layer, washable cotton gauze filter housed in a powder-coated 18-gauge, steel housing. aFe testing shows that their cold air intake out performs the stock factory air intake by 64% and increases horsepower by up to 26HP.
You can have your choice of three different filters that are all cleanable and reusable. The Magnum FORCE is designed to mount in your vehicle with no drilling or other modifications required. It’s made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty against material defects.
Pros
- Estimated power gains of 26HP
- Heat insulated tubing
- No drilling required
Cons
- Not CARB exempt
- Some users find it to be extremely loud
- Tight fit – takes some maneuvering to install
K&N High Performance 63-2597 Cold Air Intake
With a black HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) tube, airflow is increased and provides a boost in horsepower (reported at 11.4 HP gain) and torque with no ECU tuning required. This system is American made and K&N is the official filter of NASCAR.
The K&N 63-2597 improves acceleration and throttle response, it is especially noticeable when towing or traveling uphill. Engine sounds increase without being overly loud. The red, cotton gauze filter is washable and reusable and requires no cleaning for up too 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions.
Pros
- Easy installation in less than one hour
- Improved throttle response
- Quieter operation than other CAI systems
- 10-year/million mile warranty
Cons
- Not CARB approved
- Open air box allows warmer engine compartment air to enter the system
Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake
The Sinister Diesel will significantly increase throttle response and turbo spool up. Although the manufacturer states that it is good for many types of driving, daily drivers seem to benefit the most and are the most common owners of this system. The tubing is polished and powder coated (aids in rust prevention) brilliant blue color and is very attractive when you open your hood and show the system off to your friends.
Most buyers claim the installation was easy and that the system improved their fuel economy. The Sinister CAI uses a reusable cotton oiled filter. The tubing is aluminum, which Sinister says they use because aluminum dissipates heat better than plastic based products, which in turn, will deliver a more consistent, cooler air to your engine than other comparable systems.
Pros
- Efficient turbo spool up
- CARB exempt
- Improved throttle response
- Excellent quality construction
Cons
- Requires tuning
- Most expensive CAI reviewed
S&B Filters 75-5104 Cold Air Intake
The S&B 75-5104 intake will provide an airflow increase in the 37% range. The filter is completely enclosed in an air box with a clear sight lid and the filter can be removed and reinstalled without having to disconnect the intake tube. The red filter is made of cleanable 8-ply cotton.
There are two airflow configurations, one from the side and one from the front. The kit includes a plug if you prefer to seal the side inlet. The air box and intake tube are both constructed of durable silicone material.
Pros
- Made of silicone parts that are very durable
- Calibrated to avoid check engine light
- Legal in all 50 states – CARB Exempt ID: D-590-13
- Filter is easily accessible for removal and replacement
Cons
- Owners complain of a slight loss of MPG
- Airflow improvement is not as great as other CAI systems
Banks 42215-D Cold Air Intake
Banks is one of the most well-respected names in diesel performance, and products like this enclosed ram air cold air intake kit are a big reason why. Anyone can stick a filter on a pipe and call it a kit, but Banks puts in the time and work to prove that the company’s product will give you the results you want.
The unique design of the air box improves airflow by 26% over stock to provide a faster-moving, more-dense air charge for improved power and performance. This filter kit is available with a traditional red, oiled filter or Banks’ new dry filter in black.
Pros
- Bolt-on power builder that is an ideal first step to adding performance
- Durable materials and inventive design draws cool air from outside while shielding hot engine air
Cons
- Doesn’t add a ton of racecar flash that many buyers want
K&N High Performance 57-2582 Cold Air Intake
K&N is known for quality products and this system comes with K&N’s 10-year, million mile warranty. It has been dyno-tested to improve airflow into the combustion chamber by 50%. Better airflow translates into better acceleration, towing, and throttle response (1bout a 13HP increases) . You will love the sound of power that comes from under the hood and this K&N intake will not void a new vehicle warranty.
The intake tube is high-density polyethylene. The filter is a washable and reusable oiled cotton. It is designed to go up to 100,000 miles without cleaning. The K&N High Performance CAI is 50-state legal.
Pros
- Horsepower and torque increase is guaranteed
- CARB compliant – EO # D-269-74
- 10-year/Million mile limited warranty
Cons
- Open top air box allows engine compartment temperature to seep into the system.
Cold Air Intakes: What’s Most Important?
Here is what is important as you try to decide which cold air intake system is best for your diesel engine.
Cost – A cold air intake is one of the cheapest upgrades you can add to your diesel engine. It will increase your truck’s performance and fuel mileage, adding enjoyment to your drive and saving you a few bucks in the long run.
Ease of Installation – Adding an aftermarket cold air intake needs to be simple and it is. We are not all expert auto mechanics. Installing a CAI is a task that the average person can accomplish in 90 minutes or less with just basic hand tools.
Performance Increase – Directing cooler air into the engine’s combustion chamber will allow fuel to burn more efficiently and boost your diesel’s overall performance. That’s a scientific fact.
Our Favorite Cold Air Intake for 6.7 Powerstroke Diesels
Splurging a bit can yield a more satisfying result, so we like the pricier Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake (>>> Check price on Amazon). The powder-coated aluminum construction does a better job of delivering cooler air to the engine than intake tubes made of HDPE. It is also CARB Exempt so it is legal in all 50 states. The person that uses their Powerstroke diesel for every day commuting will gain the most from installing this system on their vehicle. And it looks so good under the hood!