aFe Power #51-76205-1 Momentum Sealed Intake

Why it's worth it

The aFe Momentum GT seals a huge Pro DRY S synthetic filter inside a roto-molded housing, so the engine draws almost nothing but outside air. It's 50-state legal under CARB EO# D-550-58 and it's the most expensive kit in this guide.

The fully sealed housing is what separates this from everything else. Instead of a shield that blocks part of the heat, aFe boxes the filter into a molded enclosure fed from outside the engine bay. That's why independent dyno reports on GM and Ram V8 trucks land so much higher than the rest of this group, with the torque showing up in the mid-range where towing and highway passing actually live.

The Pro DRY S filter never needs oil. No oil means no chance of residue reaching a MAF sensor, a turbo compressor wheel, or an intercooler core. If you're running boost, that peace of mind is worth more than the last few CFM an oiled filter might flow. aFe also sells other media in the same housing if you'd rather have the oiled version or extra dust protection for desert driving.

From our review of 5 cold air intakes, by Ben Carter, Tech Editor

What we like

• +The fully sealed housing is what separates this from everything else
• +The Pro DRY S filter never needs oil
• +It's 50-state legal, which is rare at this power level
• +The build quality is the nicest in this group

What to know

• –That sealed box is big, and tight engine bays don't always take it
• –The dry filter gets replaced, not washed forever
• –Fitment coverage is narrower and the install takes longer