For Ford Super Duty owners with the formidable 6.7L Powerstroke engine, a cold air intake is one of the most effective first modifications. By replacing the restrictive factory airbox, these systems allow your diesel engine to breathe easier, pulling in a denser, cooler charge of air. This simple upgrade can lead to noticeable improvements in throttle response, turbo spool-up, and overall engine efficiency, whether you’re towing heavy loads or just enjoying the daily drive.
With several options on the market, selecting the right intake for your specific truck model and performance goals is crucial. This roundup examines nine of the top systems available, from trusted names like Banks, aFe Power, and S&B Filters. We break down the key features and benefits of each to help you make an informed decision for your 2011-2021 Ford Powerstroke.
Our Top Picks for 6.7L Powerstroke Cold Air Intakes
- Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 11-16 Ford Super Duty
- Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake for 2017–2019 Ford Powerstroke
- Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 17-19 Ford Super Duty
- 4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit with Oiled Filter
- Banks 20-21 Ford F250/F350/F450 6.7L RAI
- aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System
- aFe Power MagnumFLOW Intake PRO Dry S Air Filter
- S&B Filters 75-5127 Cold Air Intake System
- Banks Power 42218 Ram-Air Intake System
Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 11-16 Ford Super Duty
This Rough Country intake is engineered for the 2011-2016 model years of the Ford Super Duty with the 6.7L Powerstroke. Its primary function is to circulate cooler, denser air into the combustion chamber. This process brings more oxygen into the engine, which is a fundamental requirement for producing measurable gains in horsepower and improving throttle response.
The system includes a premium, reusable air filter. This feature not only contributes to the performance benefits but also offers long-term value, as you can clean and re-oil the filter instead of purchasing replacements. It is a straightforward upgrade for owners of earlier 6.7L models looking for a reliable performance improvement.
Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake for 2017–2019 Ford Powerstroke
Sinister Diesel offers a high-flow intake system specifically designed for the 2017–2019 Ford Powerstroke 6.7L. A significant advantage of this system is that it provides improved airflow, faster turbo spool-up, and better throttle feel without requiring any engine tuning. This makes it an excellent plug-and-play option for users who want immediate benefits.
This intake holds a key certification that is vital for many truck owners: it is 50-state legal with a CARB Executive Order number. This means it is fully emissions compliant and street legal across the United States, including California. For owners in regulated states, this certification provides peace of mind alongside the performance gains, making towing and daily driving more efficient and responsive.
Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 17-19 Ford Super Duty
This is Rough Country’s offering for the later 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty trucks. Similar to its counterpart for earlier models, this intake is built to deliver increased horsepower and a more responsive throttle by feeding the engine a cooler, denser air charge. The principle remains the same: more oxygen in the combustion chamber leads to more power.
It also comes equipped with a high-quality, reusable air filter. This system provides a direct performance upgrade path for owners of the updated 2017-2019 Powerstroke engines, focusing on the core benefits of a cold air intake with the brand’s characteristic value and simplicity.
4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit with Oiled Filter
This kit offers a practical solution for 2011-2016 Ford Powerstroke 6.7L engines, found in F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks. It includes a 4-inch intake pipe paired with an oiled filter, along with the necessary mounting bracket and hardware. It serves as a direct replacement for the stock components.
The focus here is on providing the essential parts for an intake upgrade. The oiled filter is reusable, which helps reduce long-term maintenance costs. It is a compatible and straightforward option for those seeking the functional benefits of a less restrictive intake path for their diesel engine.
Banks 20-21 Ford F250/F350/F450 6.7L RAI
From the renowned performance brand Banks, this Ram Air Intake system is designed for the 2020-2021 Ford Super Duty lineup. It uses a dry filter, which is favored by many for its ease of maintenance and excellent filtration capabilities. The system is engineered to significantly increase airflow to the engine.
Banks is known for its engineering-driven approach, and this intake reflects that with a focus on not just power, but also reliability. The dry filter media offers a longer service life compared to some other types, meaning less frequent cleaning intervals and consistent performance. This is a premium option for owners of the latest trucks who trust the Banks name.
aFe POWER Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System
The aFe POWER Momentum GT is a high-performance cold air intake system that features a sealed airbox design. This sealed configuration is crucial as it prevents hot engine air from being sucked in, ensuring the engine only receives the cool, dense air from the fenderwell. This design leads to dyno-proven performance gains and improved throttle response.
It comes with a massive air filter that uses aFe’s Pro DRY S dry synthetic filter media. This media is designed for maximum convenience and filtration, as it requires no oiling. A large sight window is also included, allowing for easy visual inspection of the filter’s condition without needing to disassemble the system.
aFe Power MagnumFLOW Intake PRO Dry S Air Filter
This product from aFe Power is a high-performance replacement air filter, specifically an oval tapered filter that uses their Pro DRY S media. It is designed as a direct upgrade for the stock filter element in certain intake systems, offering improved airflow over a standard paper filter.
The Pro DRY S filter media is a dry, synthetic material that provides excellent filtration efficiency without the mess associated with oiled filters. This makes cleaning and maintenance simpler. It is an ideal component for those looking to upgrade their existing intake setup with a high-flow, reusable filter from a reputable manufacturer.
S&B Filters 75-5127 Cold Air Intake System
S&B Filters is a well-respected name in the intake industry, known for its high-quality construction and performance. The 75-5127 cold air intake system is designed to deliver a substantial increase in airflow to your 6.7L Powerstroke engine. These systems typically feature a durable, molded intake tube and a high-flow air filter.
Many S&B systems include a sealed airbox design to draw in cooler air from outside the engine bay, and they often come with a choice between dry or oiled filter media. The brand is synonymous with reliability and proven gains, making this a top-tier choice for truck owners who want a no-compromise upgrade from a dedicated filter specialist.
Banks Power 42218 Ram-Air Intake System
Another offering from the performance engineers at Banks Power, the 42218 Ram-Air Intake System is built to maximize the air intake potential for compatible 6.7L Powerstroke applications. Banks’ ram-air systems are designed to create a pressurized air intake, effectively forcing more air into the engine, especially at higher speeds.
This system likely incorporates a large-diameter intake tube and a high-flow dry air filter, all engineered to work in harmony for increased horsepower and torque. Banks products are thoroughly tested and developed with a focus on both performance and engine safety, making this a premium, high-confidence selection for serious enthusiasts.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a 9.7 Powerstroke Cold Air Intake
When I look for a cold air intake for my 6.7 Powerstroke, I think about more than just a horsepower number on a box. It’s about finding a system that works in harmony with the truck. The first thing I check is the filtration. A high-quality, oiled or dry performance filter is non-negotiable. Brands like S&B and AFE make excellent filters that trap a ton of dirt while still flowing a huge amount of air. I personally lean towards dry filters because they are less messy during cleaning and there’s no risk of over-oiling and messing up the Mass Air Flow sensor.
Next, I look at the construction materials. The intake tube itself should be made of durable, heat-resistant plastic or mandrel-bent aluminum. Plastic is great because it doesn’t transfer engine bay heat as much as metal can, which helps keep the incoming air cooler. The shield or box around the filter is also critical. A fully enclosed system that draws air from the fender or grille area is what you want. This setup pulls in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay, which is the whole point of a cold air intake. An open-element filter just sitting in the hot engine bay isn’t doing you many favors.
Finally, I consider the installation process and any potential tuning needs. Some intakes are true “bolt-on” mods that don’t require a tune, while others, especially those that significantly increase airflow, might work best with a custom tune to get the most out of them. For the 6.7 Powerstroke, many reputable intakes are designed to work well with the stock ECU programming. I always read through the installation instructions beforehand to see what tools I’ll need and how long it might take. A good system will come with all the necessary hardware and clear instructions. For anyone searching for the best 9.7 Powerstroke cold air intake systems reviewed 2025, focusing on these key areas—filtration quality, construction and design, and ease of installation—will point you toward a reliable upgrade that makes a real difference in how your truck breathes and performs.
FAQ
Will a cold air intake hurt my 6.7 Powerstroke’s engine?
Not if you choose a quality system from a reputable brand. A well-designed cold air intake uses a high-performance filter that is more than capable of protecting your engine from harmful contaminants. In fact, some aftermarket filters have better filtration efficiency than the stock paper filter. The key is to perform regular maintenance and clean or re-oil the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A neglected filter, whether stock or aftermarket, will eventually cause problems.
Do I need a tune after installing a cold air intake?
For most modern diesel trucks, including the 6.7 Powerstroke, a tune is not strictly necessary for a basic cold air intake. The engine’s computer is smart enough to adjust for the increased airflow within a certain range. However, to get the maximum performance benefit—especially if you’re pairing the intake with a larger exhaust—a custom tune can optimize the air-to-fuel ratio and really wake the truck up. For a simple intake swap, you can usually just bolt it on and go.
What kind of performance gains can I realistically expect?
You’ll likely feel a slight increase in throttle response and hear a more noticeable turbo spool sound. In terms of hard numbers, most systems claim horsepower gains in the 15-30 HP range and similar torque increases. These gains are often more pronounced when the intake is combined with other modifications. The real benefit is giving your engine a less restrictive path to breathe, which supports other upgrades and can improve efficiency under load.
Is a cold air intake worth it for a stock truck?
Even on a completely stock truck, I think it’s a worthwhile upgrade. The main advantages are the improved engine sound and the knowledge that you’ve improved a component that will last for the life of the truck. While the power gains on their own might not be dramatic, the combination of better sound, slightly improved response, and the benefit of a reusable filter can make it a good value. It also sets a foundation for any future performance mods you might plan.
How often do I need to clean the air filter?
Cleaning intervals depend entirely on your driving environment. If you do a lot of off-roading or driving on dusty dirt roads, you might need to check and clean the filter every 15,000 miles or even sooner. For mostly highway driving, you can probably go 30,000 to 50,000 miles between services. The best practice is to visually inspect the filter every time you change your oil. If it looks dirty, it’s time for a cleaning.