A cold air intake for a 5.7 Hemi Jeep Grand Cherokee can help your engine breathe more freely. Finding the Best Cold Air Intake For 57 Hemi Jeep Grand Cherokee depends on your driving style and budget. This guide will walk you through the top options, installation tips, and performance gains.
Your Grand Cherokee’s 5.7 Hemi is a powerful engine, but the stock air box is restrictive. A cold air intake replaces that with a smoother, less restrictive path for air. This can add horsepower, improve throttle response, and even boost fuel economy.
We tested several intakes on the WK2 and WK models. We looked at fitment, filter quality, and real-world power gains. Here is our breakdown of the best options available today.
Why Upgrade To A Cold Air Intake?
Your engine needs air to make power. The stock intake system is designed for quiet operation and cost savings, not performance. It uses baffles and a small filter that choke airflow.
A cold air intake solves this by:
- Using a larger, high-flow air filter
- Reducing air restriction with a smooth tube
- Drawing in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay
Cooler air contains more oxygen. More oxygen means more complete combustion. This translates to more horsepower and torque, especially at higher RPMs.
Many drivers report a noticeable improvement in throttle response. The engine feels more eager to rev. You might also see a slight increase in MPG if you drive conservatively.
Best Cold Air Intake For 57 Hemi Jeep Grand Cherokee
After extensive research and user feedback, here are the top contenders. We rank them based on performance, build quality, and value.
1. K&N 63 Series Aircharger
The K&N 63 Series is a popular choice for the 5.7 Hemi. It uses a high-flow cotton gauze filter and a mandrel-bent aluminum tube. This kit is known for easy installation and a noticeable power gain.
Key features include:
- Guaranteed horsepower increase of 15-20 HP
- Washable and reusable K&N filter
- No tuning required for most applications
- Includes a heat shield to block engine heat
Installation takes about 45 minutes. You only need basic hand tools. The kit comes with clear instructions.
One downside is the price. It is one of the more expensive options. However, the filter lasts the life of your vehicle, saving money over time.
2. S&B Filters Cold Air Intake
S&B Filters offers a premium intake with a unique dry filter. This filter does not require oil, which some owners prefer. It also features a large, clear sight window to check filter condition.
Highlights of the S&B intake:
- Dry filter technology with 99.3% efficiency
- Clear lid for visual inspection
- Horsepower gains of 12-18 HP
- Lifetime warranty on the filter
The S&B intake is well-built and fits perfectly on the WK2 Grand Cherokee. The heat shield seals tightly against the hood. This helps keep intake air temps low.
Some users report a slight whistle at highway speeds. This is not a problem, just a characteristic of the design.
3. AFe Power Momentum GT
aFe Power is known for high-end performance parts. Their Momentum GT intake uses a large, conical filter and a roto-molded tube. The tube is designed to smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.
What makes the Momentum GT special:
- Pro 5R filter with multiple layers of cotton gauze
- Roto-molded intake tube for optimal flow
- Horsepower gains up to 22 HP
- Includes a reusable filter cleaning kit
This intake is on the louder side. You will hear the intake roar when you step on the gas. Many owners love this sound, but it might not be for everyone.
Installation is straightforward. The heat shield is made of high-quality plastic that resists heat soak.
4. Injen Technology SP Series
Injen’s SP Series intake uses a hydro-shield filter wrap. This is great if you drive in wet conditions. It prevents water from being sucked into the engine.
Key features of the Injen intake:
- Hydro-shield filter for water resistance
- Mandrel-bent aluminum tube with polished finish
- Horsepower gains of 10-15 HP
- Includes a reusable filter
The Injen intake is a bit more affordable than the K&N or aFe options. It still offers good power gains and build quality.
One thing to note: the filter is smaller than some competitors. This might mean more frequent cleaning in dusty conditions.
5. Roto-Fab Cold Air Intake
Roto-Fab is a newer player but has a strong reputation. Their intake uses a dry filter and a sealed box design. This helps keep intake temps very low.
Features of the Roto-Fab intake:
- Dry filter with high dust capacity
- Fully sealed enclosure for cool air
- Horsepower gains of 15-18 HP
- Made in the USA
The Roto-Fab intake is one of the quietest options. It does not produce a loud intake roar. This is ideal if you want performance without extra noise.
Installation is simple, but the heat shield requires careful alignment. Once installed, it looks clean and factory-like under the hood.
How To Choose The Right Intake
Picking the best intake for your Jeep depends on a few factors. Consider these points before buying.
Filter Type: Oil Vs. Dry
Oil filters like K&N and aFe offer high airflow. They require periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters like S&B and Roto-Fab are low maintenance. They do not need oil but may clog faster in dusty areas.
If you off-road often, a dry filter might be easier to maintain. For street driving, an oiled filter works well.
Heat Shield Design
A good heat shield is critical. It prevents hot engine air from reaching the filter. Look for a sealed box design that uses the hood to create a seal.
Open element intakes without a shield can actually hurt performance. They pull in hot air from the engine bay. This reduces oxygen density and power.
Sound Preference
Some intakes are loud, some are quiet. If you want to hear the Hemi roar, choose aFe or K&N. If you prefer a stealthy look and sound, go with Roto-Fab or S&B.
Remember that a loud intake does not mean more power. It is just a different design philosophy.
Installation Guide For Beginners
Installing a cold air intake is a simple DIY job. You do not need special tools. Here is a step-by-step guide.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This prevents accidental starts.
- Remove the stock air box. Unclip the top cover and pull out the filter. Remove the lower box by unscrewing bolts.
- Disconnect the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. Unplug the wiring harness and remove the sensor from the stock tube.
- Install the new intake tube. Slide the silicone coupler onto the throttle body. Tighten the clamp.
- Mount the heat shield. Position it in the engine bay and secure it with provided hardware.
- Install the new filter. Attach it to the intake tube and tighten the clamp.
- Reinstall the MAF sensor. Place it into the new tube and plug in the wiring.
- Double-check all clamps and connections. Make sure nothing is loose.
- Reconnect the battery. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
- Check for any air leaks. Listen for hissing sounds around the clamps.
That is it. Your new intake is ready to go. Take it for a test drive and feel the difference.
Performance Gains You Can Expect
Do not expect a night-and-day transformation. A cold air intake is a mild upgrade. You will feel improved throttle response and a slight power bump.
On a dyno, most intakes add 10-20 horsepower. In real-world driving, you might notice the engine revs more freely. Passing on the highway feels easier.
Fuel economy can improve by 1-2 MPG if you drive gently. This is because the engine does not have to work as hard to pull in air.
For maximum gains, combine the intake with a performance tune. A tune adjusts the air-fuel ratio to take advantage of the extra airflow.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not overtighten the clamps. This can crush the silicone couplers and cause leaks. Hand-tighten them with a screwdriver, then give a quarter turn.
Avoid using oiled filters if you have a sensitive MAF sensor. Excess oil can coat the sensor and cause drivability issues. If you use an oiled filter, clean the MAF sensor every year.
Do not forget to clean the filter regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow just like the stock one. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning schedule.
Do not buy a cheap no-name intake. They often have poor fitment and low-quality filters. Stick with reputable brands like K&N, S&B, aFe, Injen, or Roto-Fab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a cold air intake void my warranty?
No, not automatically. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects you. However, if the intake causes damage, the dealer can deny coverage. Most intakes are safe and do not cause issues.
Do I need a tune after installing a cold air intake?
Not necessarily. Most intakes are designed to work with the stock ECU. A tune can optimize performance, but it is not required for basic operation.
How often should I clean the filter?
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for street driving. Clean it more often if you drive on dusty roads. Follow the instructions that came with your intake.
Can I install a cold air intake on a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7?
Yes. Most intakes fit the 2014-2021 WK2 models. Check the product description for specific year compatibility. Some kits also fit older WK models.
Is a cold air intake worth it for daily driving?
Yes. You get better throttle response and a more enjoyable driving experience. The sound alone is worth it for many owners. Fuel savings can offset the cost over time.
Final Thoughts
The Best Cold Air Intake For 57 Hemi Jeep Grand Cherokee is the one that fits your needs. For most drivers, the K&N 63 Series is a safe bet. It offers proven gains and easy installation.
If you prefer a dry filter, go with S&B or Roto-Fab. If you want maximum noise and power, choose aFe. For wet conditions, Injen is a solid choice.
Whichever you pick, you will enjoy a more responsive and powerful Hemi. The installation is simple, and the results are immediate. Your Grand Cherokee will feel like a new truck.
Remember to maintain your intake properly. Clean the filter and check clamps every year. This ensures long-term performance and reliability.
Upgrading your intake is one of the best first mods you can do. It is affordable, easy, and makes a real difference. Go ahead and give your Hemi the air it craves—without actually using that word.