is a Direct connection option or higher horse power HO Hurricane engine coming?

[Ctech-Review]

Man I cant wait to share more with you all on this very soon!!

 

[AirRyan]

I've been anxiously awaiting something from MOPAR Connection for the RHO, but they have been silent since SEMA last year. You had mentioned they were working on a dry, cleanable air filter and then we've all heard they are working on a factory tuner, maybe off of the Holley CAT6 that could be amazing, given the 2026 RHO has a 10 year, 100k-mile warranty.

I didn't realize until yesterday that Ford offers direct tunes from Ford Performance Parts on some of their vehicles, like the Bronco Raptor, for one.

BRONCO RAPTOR 3.0L ECOBOOST PERFORMANCE CALIBRATION

BRONCO RAPTOR 3.0L ECOBOOST PERFORMANCE CALIBRATION|Ford Racing Parts

performanceparts.ford.com

I've installed and used AFE CAI products many times in the past, and am toying with one for my RHO but then I heard MOPAR Connection may be working on a factory CAI, too. If I can buy an AFE dry, cleanable air filter for the same price as the OE air filter that isn't cleanable (supposedly made by S&B and as they like to say, their dry filters are only "extendable," I'll buy a dry, cleanable air filter all day long over the OE filter. And if that air filter is 2/3's the price of a good CAI, which would then permit me to run a larger air filter with improved design in the airflow of the entire intake, then I'd go with the CAI route.

AFE dry, cleanable air filters are very good quality and are hard to beat.

The new TRX looks great but I couldn't justify the delta to move up to it over my MY26 RHO, especially when I got a good discount on my RHO and the TRX's are plagued with ADM. Having a factory-based tuner available for the RHO would be a game changer, not to mention the premise of a new high-High-Output Hurricane version! That might get me to make a switch, but that would depend upon where the factory-tuned RHO would be.

Hopefully, we'll hear something further from MOPAR here soon at the Roadkill Nights.

 

[Faze]

I'm going to repeat myself, but there is a rumor that there was a rumor about a DC tuner for RHO..

 

[lapoolboy]

Man I cant wait to share more with you all on this very soon!!

How soon is "very soon"? Been hearing this for months (albeit not from you).

 

[hemipower]

I can't see Mopar putting out a tuner that cranks the RHO up beyond TRX power... not only is the trans not rated for it but then their flagship truck the TRX (and the RumbleBee SRT) is outdone by the one it was put in place above. What's likely is something simple that will gain 10-15% which is enough to be fun and noticeable.

Doing a 1k hp charger or something with the hurricane...maybe. Also rumors out about a 5.2L V8 being developed (think Coyote like architecture but more power and able to hold a little more boost...) will see what develops here. Mopar/Stellantis is pushing hard to make really bad ass vehicles and SRT or boost all the things! Exciting stuff no doubt.

 

[Ctech-Review]

I've been anxiously awaiting something from MOPAR Connection for the RHO, but they have been silent since SEMA last year. You had mentioned they were working on a dry, cleanable air filter and then we've all heard they are working on a factory tuner, maybe off of the Holley CAT6 that could be amazing, given the 2026 RHO has a 10 year, 100k-mile warranty.

I didn't realize until yesterday that Ford offers direct tunes from Ford Performance Parts on some of their vehicles, like the Bronco Raptor, for one.

BRONCO RAPTOR 3.0L ECOBOOST PERFORMANCE CALIBRATION

BRONCO RAPTOR 3.0L ECOBOOST PERFORMANCE CALIBRATION|Ford Racing Parts

performanceparts.ford.com

I've installed and used AFE CAI products many times in the past, and am toying with one for my RHO but then I heard MOPAR Connection may be working on a factory CAI, too. If I can buy an AFE dry, cleanable air filter for the same price as the OE air filter that isn't cleanable (supposedly made by S&B and as they like to say, their dry filters are only "extendable," I'll buy a dry, cleanable air filter all day long over the OE filter. And if that air filter is 2/3's the price of a good CAI, which would then permit me to run a larger air filter with improved design in the airflow of the entire intake, then I'd go with the CAI route.

AFE dry, cleanable air filters are very good quality and are hard to beat.

The new TRX looks great but I couldn't justify the delta to move up to it over my MY26 RHO, especially when I got a good discount on my RHO and the TRX's are plagued with ADM. Having a factory-based tuner available for the RHO would be a game changer, not to mention the premise of a new high-High-Output Hurricane version! That might get me to make a switch, but that would depend upon where the factory-tuned RHO would be.

Hopefully, we'll hear something further from MOPAR here soon at the Roadkill Nights.

Filter is out...I just cant talk about it yet. This is big progress in past few months on this.

 

[rogersak1]

Filter is out...I just cant talk about it yet. This is big progress in past few months on this.

Interesting..... I believe i read somewhere that afe supplied aftermarket filters to mopar performance. Maybe that's why their drop in dry filter is 6 to 8 weeks on back order??

 

[eltaco]

Filter is out...I just cant talk about it yet. This is big progress in past few months on this.

“Out” as in on the market, or as in it is no longer being considered?

I’m probably not far from needing a new filter.

 

[AirRyan]

“Out” as in on the market, or as in it is no longer being considered.

I’m probably not far from needing a new filter.

That's what I was just researching and contemplating.

The AFE dry, cleanable filter replacement for the OE filter (10-10409D) is a $300 filter. OE MOPAR filter is dry, extendable filter, meaning you cannot clean it (i.e. get it wet,) and it costs around the same price. AFE dry filter also flows more CFM, and has an excellent 99.2% filtration efficiency rating.

Easy choice if you did your research (which is why I can only imagine that MOPAR wanted to get into the market; we'll see how their pricing lines up.)

You can get the entire AFE CAI (54-13083D) with dry, cleanable filter for about $450, and that filter is even larger and has even more CFM, with an excellent 99.2% filtration efficiency, as well.

I couldn't find a side by side comparison of the factory OE sized RHO air filter and the filter that comes with the AFE CAI. Copilot did some fancy quick math for me so take this with a grain of salt:

Step 1 — Physical Dimensions (realistic approximations)​

OE RAM RHO Conical Filter​

From measurements and known RHO airbox specs:

• Base diameter: ~5.0 in
• Top diameter: ~3.0 in
• Height: ~6.0 in
• Shape: Short, steep cone
• Endcap: Filtered top

aFe CAI Cone Filter (54‑13083D)​

From aFe’s published specs:

• Base diameter: ~6.0 in
• Top diameter: ~4.0 in
• Height: ~7.5–8.0 in
• Shape: Taller, wider cone
• Endcap: Filtered top

Step 2 — Raw Surface Area Calculation​

Conical surface area formula:

A=π(r1+r2)⋅s
Where:

• r1 = base radius
• r2 = top radius
• s = slant height

OE RHO Filter​

• r1=2.5
• r2=1.5
• s≈6.3

A=π(2.5+1.5)⋅6.3=25.1π≈79 sq in
Endcap area:

πr22=π(1.5)2=7.1 sq in
Raw area: ~86 sq. in.

aFe CAI Cone Filter​

• r1=3.0
• r2=2.0
• s≈8.0

A=π(3+2)⋅8=40π≈126 sq in
Endcap area:

π(2)2=12.6 sq in
Raw area: ~138 sq. in.

Step 3 — Effective Pleated Surface Area​

Pleats multiply raw area by 3.5–4.5× depending on depth and spacing.

OE RHO Filter​

86⋅3.5–4.5=300–390 sq in

aFe CAI Filter​

138⋅3.5–4.5=480–620 sq in

That's roughly ~60–80% more effective surface area with AFE CAI dry filter compared to the AFE dry filter that drops in the OE airbox.

 

[Ctech-Review]

I'm going to repeat myself, but there is a rumor that there was a rumor about a DC tuner for RHO..

“Out” as in on the market, or as in it is no longer being considered?

I’m probably not far from needing a new filter.

coming to market

 

[Ctech-Review]

I can't see Mopar putting out a tuner that cranks the RHO up beyond TRX power... not only is the trans not rated for it but then their flagship truck the TRX (and the RumbleBee SRT) is outdone by the one it was put in place above. What's likely is something simple that will gain 10-15% which is enough to be fun and noticeable.

Doing a 1k hp charger or something with the hurricane...maybe. Also rumors out about a 5.2L V8 being developed (think Coyote like architecture but more power and able to hold a little more boost...) will see what develops here. Mopar/Stellantis is pushing hard to make really bad ass vehicles and SRT or boost all the things! Exciting stuff no doubt.

I do not disagree with that logic. All of that is possible but think about the cost for a new V8 coming to market...expensive upgrade to develop/test and bring to market. I do not see a 5.2l V8 coming out from Stelantis unless its in a very high cost vehicle. They will run what they have 3.6/3.0/5.7/6.4/6.2 in order to keep prices down on MSRP.

This is estimate based on typical manufactures for bringing new engine to market.

Estimated Hurricane 3.0L development cost​

Estimate	Development Cost
Conservative	$750 million
Most likely	$1.0–1.5 billion
Upper estimate	$2.0 billion+ (if all manufacturing tooling and global validation are included)

 

[eltaco]

That's what I was just researching and contemplating.

The AFE dry, cleanable filter replacement for the OE filter (10-10409D) is a $300 filter. OE MOPAR filter is dry, extendable filter, meaning you cannot clean it (i.e. get it wet,) and it costs around the same price. AFE dry filter also flows more CFM, and has an excellent 99.2% filtration efficiency rating.

Easy choice if you did your research (which is why I can only imagine that MOPAR wanted to get into the market; we'll see how their pricing lines up.)

You can get the entire AFE CAI (54-13083D) with dry, cleanable filter for about $450, and that filter is even larger and has even more CFM, with an excellent 99.2% filtration efficiency, as well.

I couldn't find a side by side comparison of the factory OE sized RHO air filter and the filter that comes with the AFE CAI. Copilot did some fancy quick math for me so take this with a grain of salt:

Step 1 — Physical Dimensions (realistic approximations)​

OE RAM RHO Conical Filter​

From measurements and known RHO airbox specs:

• Base diameter: ~5.0 in
• Top diameter: ~3.0 in
• Height: ~6.0 in
• Shape: Short, steep cone
• Endcap: Filtered top

aFe CAI Cone Filter (54‑13083D)​

From aFe’s published specs:

• Base diameter: ~6.0 in
• Top diameter: ~4.0 in
• Height: ~7.5–8.0 in
• Shape: Taller, wider cone
• Endcap: Filtered top

Step 2 — Raw Surface Area Calculation​

Conical surface area formula:

A=π(r1+r2)⋅s
Where:

• r1 = base radius
• r2 = top radius
• s = slant height

OE RHO Filter​

• r1=2.5
• r2=1.5
• s≈6.3

A=π(2.5+1.5)⋅6.3=25.1π≈79 sq in
Endcap area:

πr22=π(1.5)2=7.1 sq in
Raw area: ~86 sq. in.

aFe CAI Cone Filter​

• r1=3.0
• r2=2.0
• s≈8.0

A=π(3+2)⋅8=40π≈126 sq in
Endcap area:

π(2)2=12.6 sq in
Raw area: ~138 sq. in.

Step 3 — Effective Pleated Surface Area​

Pleats multiply raw area by 3.5–4.5× depending on depth and spacing.

OE RHO Filter​

86⋅3.5–4.5=300–390 sq in

aFe CAI Filter​

138⋅3.5–4.5=480–620 sq in

That's roughly ~60–80% more effective surface area with AFE CAI dry filter compared to the AFE dry filter that drops in the OE airbox.

What your AI gibberish missed is that we’ve had a few guys do dyno pulls with the aFe filter and others with a handful of different CAI options, all of which lost power compared to stock.

Don’t be sold on the higher air flow pitch.

I have an aFe oiled filter and actually ended up removing it to put my stock Mopar back on. I’d be interested to see what new cleanable option they come out with.

 

[yoda33073]

I can't see Mopar putting out a tuner that cranks the RHO up beyond TRX power... not only is the trans not rated for it but then their flagship truck the TRX (and the RumbleBee SRT) is outdone by the one it was put in place above. What's likely is something simple that will gain 10-15% which is enough to be fun and noticeable.

Doing a 1k hp charger or something with the hurricane...maybe. Also rumors out about a 5.2L V8 being developed (think Coyote like architecture but more power and able to hold a little more boost...) will see what develops here. Mopar/Stellantis is pushing hard to make really bad ass vehicles and SRT or boost all the things! Exciting stuff no doubt.

 

[Scout1]

What your AI gibberish missed is that we’ve had a few guys do dyno pulls with the aFe filter and others with a handful of different CAI options, all of which lost power compared to stock.

Don’t be sold on the higher air flow pitch.

I have an aFe oiled filter and actually ended up removing it to put my stock Mopar back on. I’d be interested to see what new cleanable option they come out with.

I have a 2026 Level 1 and after research, I've decided to save my money and not purchase an after cai

 

[Dark Knight G45]

If there is a factory backed filter/intake and the power doesn’t change but the turbo sound increases, I will be the first to sign up.

More importantly to me is a warrantied tune.

Please keep us updated. Don’t want to get my hopes up since we heard this before…

 

[AirRyan]

What your AI gibberish missed is that we’ve had a few guys do dyno pulls with the aFe filter and others with a handful of different CAI options, all of which lost power compared to stock.

Don’t be sold on the higher air flow pitch.

I have an aFe oiled filter and actually ended up removing it to put my stock Mopar back on. I’d be interested to see what new cleanable option they come out with.

I've seen the Buger Motorsports video with JB4 video; that was an early-to-market K&N CAI with an oiled filter in May of 2025. He did like one pull at the end of the day of tuning with the CAI, after multiple pulls. Dynos are easily manipulated and often misinterpreted. Even back-to-back pulls on the same day are not exact science (heat soak, etc.).

AFE posted their dyno numbers on their CAI, albeit they were at different times of the year and not back-to-back on the same day. They adjusted the CF for the temperature/humidity, and it seemed plausible given the differences in the weather on the two different days in different seasons of the year. Gains observed aren't always peak, but through the curve. I've installed multiple AFE filters and AFE CAI's, I think they are good products. I went with S&B on my 22 Silverado ZR2 and I liked the testing they provided, but I was a little disappointed when I realized their dry, extendable filter is not the same thing as a dry, cleanable filter.

I finally got around to installing an AFE CAI (wife's 24 Grand Wagoneer already has 29.5k miles in 22 months,) this weekend, and it looks like a great product. Larger filter but still a 99.2% filtration efficiency. The HO Hurricane in the Grand Wagoneer has always been a rocket ship. Had a similiar AFE CAI in her previous ride, a 22 Lincoln Navigator with the HO 3.5L EcoBoost, and it ran great. I had a Bank's CAI on my previous 23 2500 Rebel HD with 6.7 Cummins, and it would periodically throw an excessive EGR flow code, which was annoying, but I could clear it with the Bank's iDash so it wasn't that big of a deal. By the time they sent me a revised intake tube to correct that problem, I had sold it for my RHO.

The AI slop is just math; I thought it was pretty cool how it calculated what it did and I just like exploring its boundaries. I have no idea if the measurements it was using to make those calculations are accurate, however. I'm sure AFE has this information somewhere, but the gist of what it was calculating remains the same - a larger filter on the CAI vs the drop-in OE replacement. Here's a pic from TRD JON's AFE CAI install comparing the size of the two filters, side by side.

I wouldn't run an oiled filter for free. Its ability to filter relies on the presence of the oiled media. Too much oil and it clogs the MAF. Not enough, or not evenly applied, and you're not only flowing less air, but you're also trashing your motor with less filtration efficiency. I love the AFE dry filters, though.

A larger filter with more surface area typically translates into greater flows, and typically ECU's are able to respond (to a certain extent) with adding a little more fuel, and in turn deliver a small amount of additional power. Some vehicles respond better than others. Typically, with boosted motors, they have the ability to respond to greater air flows without a tune.

If you have links to anything further that I may have missed, please share. AFE has a backorder on their CAI with dry filter right now, out to like the middle of September.

 

[Ctech-Review]

I've seen the Buger Motorsports video with JB4 video; that was an early-to-market K&N CAI with an oiled filter in May of 2025. He did like one pull at the end of the day of tuning with the CAI, after multiple pulls. Dynos are easily manipulated and often misinterpreted. Even back-to-back pulls on the same day are not exact science (heat soak, etc.).

AFE posted their dyno numbers on their CAI, albeit they were at different times of the year and not back-to-back on the same day. They adjusted the CF for the temperature/humidity, and it seemed plausible given the differences in the weather on the two different days in different seasons of the year. Gains observed aren't always peak, but through the curve. I've installed multiple AFE filters and AFE CAI's, I think they are good products. I went with S&B on my 22 Silverado ZR2 and I liked the testing they provided, but I was a little disappointed when I realized their dry, extendable filter is not the same thing as a dry, cleanable filter.

I finally got around to installing an AFE CAI (wife's 24 Grand Wagoneer already has 29.5k miles in 22 months,) this weekend, and it looks like a great product. Larger filter but still a 99.2% filtration efficiency. The HO Hurricane in the Grand Wagoneer has always been a rocket ship. Had a similiar AFE CAI in her previous ride, a 22 Lincoln Navigator with the HO 3.5L EcoBoost, and it ran great. I had a Bank's CAI on my previous 23 2500 Rebel HD with 6.7 Cummins, and it would periodically throw an excessive EGR flow code, which was annoying, but I could clear it with the Bank's iDash so it wasn't that big of a deal. By the time they sent me a revised intake tube to correct that problem, I had sold it for my RHO.

The AI slop is just math; I thought it was pretty cool how it calculated what it did and I just like exploring its boundaries. I have no idea if the measurements it was using to make those calculations are accurate, however. I'm sure AFE has this information somewhere, but the gist of what it was calculating remains the same - a larger filter on the CAI vs the drop-in OE replacement. Here's a pic from TRD JON's AFE CAI install comparing the size of the two filters, side by side.

View attachment 33363

I wouldn't run an oiled filter for free. Its ability to filter relies on the presence of the oiled media. Too much oil and it clogs the MAF. Not enough, or not evenly applied, and you're not only flowing less air, but you're also trashing your motor with less filtration efficiency. I love the AFE dry filters, though.

A larger filter with more surface area typically translates into greater flows, and typically ECU's are able to respond (to a certain extent) with adding a little more fuel, and in turn deliver a small amount of additional power. Some vehicles respond better than others. Typically, with boosted motors, they have the ability to respond to greater air flows without a tune.

If you have links to anything further that I may have missed, please share. AFE has a backorder on their CAI with dry filter right now, out to like the middle of September.

agreed I feel same way about a oiled filter.

 

[TT BeastMode]

Just to be clear, are there still rumors you're hearing about a Mopar branded tuner ?

And the filter you mention, is it just a filter replacement, or an entire CAI replacement ?

 

[Bananarocket]

Just to be clear, are there still rumors you're hearing about a Mopar branded tuner ?

And the filter you mention, is it just a filter replacement, or an entire CAI replacement ?

This is also what I’m wondering. Cuz that makes me horny.

 

[TT BeastMode]

This is also what I’m wondering. Cuz that makes me horny.