For automotive enthusiasts and daily drivers alike, improving engine performance is a primary goal. A high-quality cold air intake is one of the most effective and popular first modifications. By drawing in cooler, denser air, these systems allow your engine to breathe easier, resulting in tangible gains in horsepower, torque, and throttle response.
The aFe Momentum GT series stands out in this competitive market. Engineered with precision and dyno-tested for proven results, these intakes are designed to be direct bolt-on upgrades that require no cutting or drilling. This roundup examines the best aFe Momentum GT intakes available, helping you select the perfect model to enhance your vehicle’s capabilities and driving experience.
The Best aFe Momentum GT Intake Systems
- aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake for Jeep Grand Cherokee V8-5.7L HEMI
- aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake for GM Silverado/Sierra 1500 V8
- aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System w/Pro 5R Filter
- aFe POWER Momentum GT Intake w/Pro DRY S Filter, #51-72201
- aFe POWER Momentum GT Intake w/Pro DRY S Filter, #51-72203
- NOCO GENIUS1 1A 6V/12V Smart Battery Charger and Maintainer
- aFe POWER Momentum GT Intake w/Pro DRY S Filter, #51-76205-1
- aFe Momentum GT Pro Dry S Cold Air Intake System
- aFe Momentum GT Pro 5R Cold Air Intake System
aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake for Jeep Grand Cherokee V8-5.7L HEMI
Designed specifically for the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) with the 5.7L HEMI V8, this intake system delivers impressive performance gains. It is engineered to produce an additional 16 horsepower and 24 lb.-ft. of torque, giving your SUV a noticeable boost in power for both daily driving and towing situations.
The system features a 5-layer progressively finer oiled, washable cotton gauze media filter. This Pro 5R filter is designed for maximum airflow and filtration efficiency. As a direct bolt-on kit, installation is straightforward and requires no cutting or drilling of the original equipment parts, preserving your vehicle’s integrity.
aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake for GM Silverado/Sierra 1500 V8
This Momentum GT system is a perfect upgrade for GM truck owners. It is engineered to outflow the factory intake by up to 35%, resulting in a gain of 12 max horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque. This improved airflow contributes to better engine efficiency and responsiveness.
The intake uses the same high-flow Pro 5R oiled cotton gauze media for exceptional performance. Its design includes a smooth one-piece sealed housing with an auxiliary air scoop to capture cooler air and a built-in sight window for convenient filter inspection without disassembly.
aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System w/Pro 5R Filter, #50-70100R
This model from the Momentum GT line focuses on delivering dyno-proven performance through its sealed intake design. By increasing airflow over the stock system, it provides improved throttle response and engine power. The sealed box helps to ensure the engine is drawing in cooler air from outside the engine bay.
It is equipped with a massive air filter that uses the Pro 5R oiled cotton media, which is renowned for its high-flow characteristics. A large sight window is integrated into the housing, allowing for quick visual checks of the filter’s condition, which helps with maintenance scheduling.
aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System w/Pro DRY S Filter, #51-72201
This intake system shares the performance benefits of the sealed Momentum GT design but utilizes a different filter technology. It features the Pro DRY S dry synthetic filter media, which offers maximum convenience as it does not require oiling during cleaning or recharging.
The sealed housing increases airflow for measurable performance gains and sharper throttle response. Like other models in the series, it includes a large sight window for easy filter inspection. This is an excellent option for those who prefer a maintenance-friendly, high-flow dry filter.
aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System w/Pro DRY S Filter, #51-72203
Another variant in the DRY S filter lineup, this specific model (#51-72203) provides the same core advantages. The dyno-proven performance comes from the sealed intake system that effectively routes cooler, denser air into the engine, promoting more efficient combustion.
The massive Pro DRY S filter ensures high airflow while the dry synthetic media simplifies the cleaning process. The inclusion of the sight window adds a practical touch for routine maintenance checks, allowing you to monitor filter condition at a glance.
NOCO GENIUS1 1A 6V/12V Smart Battery Charger and Maintainer
While not an intake, the NOCO GENIUS1 is a vital tool for any car enthusiast’s garage. It is an all-in-one solution functioning as a battery charger, maintainer, trickle charger, and desulfator. Its compact design is over 35% smaller than previous models while delivering more power.
This versatile charger is compatible with 6-volt and 12-volt lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles and equipment. A key feature is its integrated thermal sensor that adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature, which prevents overcharging and undercharging for optimal battery health and longevity.
aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System w/Pro DRY S Filter, #51-76205-1
This specific Momentum GT model is engineered for vehicles that benefit from the convenience of a dry filter. It utilizes the Pro DRY S dry synthetic media, which provides excellent filtration and airflow without the need for messy oils during maintenance.
The system’s sealed intake design is central to its performance, increasing airflow for proven power gains and improved throttle response. The large sight window makes it easy to check the filter’s condition, helping you stay on top of maintenance intervals without tools.
aFe Momentum GT Pro Dry S Cold Air Intake System
The aFe Momentum GT Pro Dry S system represents the broader product line that utilizes the dry synthetic filter technology. These intakes are designed for enthusiasts who want the performance benefits of a cold air intake but prefer the easier maintenance routine that a dry filter offers.
You can expect the same high-quality construction, sealed airbox design, and performance improvements associated with the Momentum GT name. The Pro DRY S filter media is designed to trap contaminants effectively while allowing a high volume of air to pass through to the engine.
aFe Momentum GT Pro 5R Cold Air Intake System
This category encompasses the Momentum GT systems equipped with the high-performance Pro 5R oiled filter. The 5-layer progressively finer oiled cotton gauze media is engineered for maximum airflow and filtration, which translates directly into horsepower and torque gains.
These systems are typically fully sealed to draw in cooler ambient air and are designed as direct bolt-on replacements. For those seeking the maximum possible performance from their intake upgrade, the Pro 5R filter models are often the recommended choice, balancing high flow with excellent filtration.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in an aFe Momentum GT Intake
When I decided to upgrade my truck’s engine performance, I knew an intake system was a solid first step. The aFe Momentum GT line kept coming up in my research, but I quickly learned that not all intakes are created equal, even within the same brand. Based on my experience, here’s what I think you should consider before picking one for your vehicle.
First, you need to figure out your primary goal. Are you chasing the highest possible horsepower gains, or is improving throttle response and sound more your style? The design of the intake plays a huge role here. The aFe Momentum GT series often features a large, fully-enclosed box. This “cold air” design is crucial because it isolates the filter from the hot air in your engine bay, feeding your engine denser, cooler air for better combustion and power. An open-element filter might sound more aggressive, but it can sometimes suck in hotter air, which can hurt performance, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Next, pay close attention to the filter itself. aFe uses their proprietary “Pro Dry S” air filters in many of their kits. I prefer this type because it’s non-oiled. A dry filter means no risk of messing with your Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor due to excess oil, which can cause drivability issues. It’s also washable and reusable, which saves you money and is better for the environment compared to constantly buying disposable paper filters. The construction quality of the entire intake tube also matters. Look for a smooth, roto-molded polyethylene intake tube. A smooth interior reduces air turbulence, allowing air to flow more freely into your engine compared to the stock, often corrugated, plastic pipe.
Finally, compatibility is everything. This seems obvious, but it’s worth stressing. The 9 Best aFe Momentum GT Intake Review for Engine Performance will show you options for various makes and models, from Ford F-150s to Dodge Chargers. You must double-check that the specific part number is designed for your exact vehicle’s year, engine, and even sub-model. A proper fit ensures all the sensors hook up correctly and that you won’t have clearance issues with other components under the hood. Also, consider your local regulations if you have emissions testing; some intakes are 50-state legal (CARB EO number), while others might only be for off-road use. Taking the time to match the intake to your needs and your vehicle will guarantee you get the performance bump you’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower can I really gain with an aFe Momentum GT intake?
It’s important to have realistic expectations. While marketing claims can be impressive, real-world gains depend heavily on your specific vehicle and any other modifications. On a typical modern truck or performance car, a well-designed intake like the Momentum GT might add anywhere from 10 to 20 horsepower at the wheels. The feeling is often more noticeable than the number, though. The improved throttle response and the deeper engine sound during acceleration make the vehicle feel much more alive and powerful, which for me was a huge part of the value.
Is the installation difficult, and do I need any special tools?
Most aFe Momentum GT intake kits are designed for a straightforward DIY installation. If you’re comfortable with basic hand tools like screwdrivers, sockets, and wrenches, you can probably handle it in an hour or two. The kits typically come with very detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware. The trickiest part is usually being careful around the Mass Air Flow sensor, as it’s a sensitive component. No special tools are generally required, but having a trim removal tool can be helpful for prying off factory clips without damaging them.
Will this intake void my vehicle’s factory warranty?
This is a common and valid concern. In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that a dealer cannot void your warranty simply for having an aftermarket part. They must prove that the part directly caused a failure. So, installing an aFe intake should not automatically void your entire powertrain warranty. However, if you have an engine issue that the dealer can link to the intake (for example, if a poorly installed unit let in dirt and damaged the engine), they could deny a warranty claim for that specific repair. It’s always a good practice to keep your stock airbox so you can reinstall it if you need to take the vehicle in for major warranty work.
Do I need to get my vehicle tuned after installing the intake?
For most modern vehicles, a tune is not strictly necessary with a simple intake swap. The engine’s computer (ECU) is smart enough to make minor adjustments to the air-fuel ratio based on readings from the MAF sensor. However, to unlock the maximum performance potential of your intake, a custom tune is highly recommended. A tune will optimize the ignition timing and fuel maps specifically for the improved airflow, often resulting in more significant power gains than the intake alone. Think of the intake as allowing your engine to breathe better, and the tune as teaching it how to use that deeper breath more effectively.
How often do I need to clean and maintain the air filter?
The maintenance interval isn’t as frequent as an oil change, but it’s still important. aFe generally recommends cleaning the Pro Dry S filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but this can vary based on your driving environment. If you do a lot of off-roading or drive on dusty dirt roads, you’ll want to inspect and potentially clean it more often, maybe every 10,000 miles. The cleaning process is simple: you tap out the loose dirt, then use a specific air filter cleaner and rinse it from the inside out with low-pressure water. Let it air dry completely before re-oiling (if it’s an oiled type) or reinstalling (if it’s a dry filter).