Beyond the Basics: Performance Parts for Your Ram or Dodge

Your Ram or Dodge is great right off the lot, but a lot of owners want a little more. More sound, more grip, better looks or a truck that’s set up for how they actually use it. Before you start adding parts, here’s what to know about performance upgrades, warranty and California’s rules.

Popular upgrades for Ram trucks

Most Ram owners start with upgrades that make the truck look and work better:

• Cold air intakes: A popular first mod for Ram trucks. Just know that in California, an intake has to be approved for your exact truck to be street legal. More on that below.
• Exhaust: A cat back exhaust changes the sound and gives the truck more presence.
• Wheels and tires: One of the biggest visual changes you can make, and the right tire helps whether you work, tow or hit the dirt.
• Suspension and leveling: Leveling the front end gives a cleaner stance and room for a little more tire. Get an alignment after.
• Bed and towing gear: Bed covers, liners and towing accessories make the truck more useful every day.

Popular upgrades for Dodge

The latest Dodge Charger comes as the electric Charger Daytona and the gas powered Charger Sixpack, and each one has its own upgrade path. For most Dodge owners, the best upgrades are the ones you feel every drive: better wheels and tires, brake upgrades and styling touches. Ask our parts team what’s available for your exact model before you buy anything.

Mopar and Direct Connection parts

Mopar makes genuine parts and accessories for Ram, Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler, and Direct Connection is Mopar’s performance parts line. Genuine parts are designed for your vehicle, so they fit right and work with its systems.

Here’s how the warranty works. When an authorized dealer installs Direct Connection parts, they’re warranted for 24 months with unlimited miles for parts and labor. Parts bought over the counter for do it yourself installs are covered for parts only.

Will performance parts void my warranty?

This is the number one question we get. Adding performance parts doesn’t by itself void your vehicle’s warranty. The added parts aren’t covered by the vehicle warranty, though, and neither is any failure they cause. So if a part you add leads to a problem, that repair isn’t on the factory warranty. Choosing quality parts and having them installed right matters.

Know California’s rules first

California is stricter than most states. Any aftermarket part that can affect emissions, like an intake, a tuner or certain exhaust parts, needs a California Air Resources Board Executive Order to be legal on the street. An Executive Order means CARB checked that the part doesn’t increase emissions, and it applies to specific vehicles. Smog Check stations can verify the EO number, so a part without one can cause problems at your next smog check.

Before we sell or install anything that touches the engine or emissions system, we’ll check that it’s approved for your vehicle.

Get it installed right

A lot of upgrades look simple until you’re halfway through the job. Our certified technicians can install parts the right way so everything works the way it should. You can shop from our Mopar parts and accessories department, order parts online or ask our parts team a question first. Ready to book an install? Schedule service online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cold air intake legal in California?
Only if it has a CARB Executive Order for your specific vehicle. We can help you check before you buy.

Do performance parts void my warranty?
Not by themselves. The parts you add and any failure they cause aren’t covered by the vehicle warranty.

What warranty comes with Direct Connection parts?
When an authorized dealer installs them, Direct Connection parts are covered for 24 months with unlimited miles for parts and labor.

Can you install parts I buy from you?
Yes. Our service team installs Mopar and Direct Connection parts.

Upgrade your Ram or Dodge in Claremont

Shopping for a new ride to build on? Browse our new Ram trucks and new Dodge vehicles, or check out Knight Customs for builds that are ready to go. Visit us at 620 Auto Center Drive in Claremont.