Cold Air Intake For Ford Explorer (1997-2000) with 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine Red

Optimized Induction for the 4.0L SOHC Cologne V6

Who It’s For: Engineered for 1997-2000 Ford Explorer owners running the 4.0L SOHC V6 powerplant who are tired of the stock sluggishness and restrictive factory air mapping.

The Symptom: The factory intake on the 4.0L SOHC engine is designed for cabin silence above all else. It uses a series of plastic baffles and accordion-style rubber tubing that creates significant air turbulence, effectively choking the engine’s throttle response. In a heavy chassis like the 2nd Gen Explorer, this results in a "dead" pedal feel during highway merging and a lack of low-end torque when trying to manage off-road inclines or towing loads.

The Engineering Fix: This system replaces the entire restrictive assembly with a mandrel-bent aluminum intake pipe. By providing a smooth, consistent internal diameter, we facilitate laminar flow, reducing the drag coefficient of the air entering the throttle body. By relocating the intake point and using a high-flow cotton media filter, we increase the oxygen density in the combustion chamber, allowing the ECU to trim fuel for a more aggressive combustion cycle, resulting in sharper throttle snap and a deep, mechanical induction roar.

Why Mechanics Choose This Kit

• Enhanced Torque Curve: By reducing pumping losses, the 4.0L V6 can reach its peak torque faster, making the vehicle feel lighter during mid-range acceleration.
• Thermal Management: The lightweight aluminum dissipates heat faster than stock plastic, helping to maintain lower intake air temperatures (IATs) during prolonged drives.
• Sustainable Performance: The included high-flow conical filter is fully washable and reusable, engineered to capture particulates without the massive pressure drop seen in thick paper OEM filters.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

• 1997 Ford Explorer (XL, XLT, XLS, Sport, Limited, Eddie Bauer)
• 1998 Ford Explorer (XL, XLT, XLS, Sport, Limited, Eddie Bauer)
• 1999 Ford Explorer (XL, XLT, XLS, Sport, Limited, Eddie Bauer)
• 2000 Ford Explorer (XL, XLT, XLS, Sport, Limited, Eddie Bauer)

Interchange Part Numbers:

4.0L SOHC V6, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, T304-EXP-9700-RD

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. This kit is designed for a direct bolt-on installation using basic hand tools. As a pro-tip, we recommend disconnecting the battery during installation to allow the ECU to reset its long-term fuel trims and adapt to the increased volumetric efficiency immediately upon startup.

Common Questions

Will this cold air intake fit my 1997-2000 Ford Explorer with the 4.0L SOHC V6?
Yes, this kit is engineered for a direct bolt-on fit on 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 Ford Explorer models equipped with the 4.0L V6 SOHC engine across XL, XLT, XLS, Sport, Limited, and Eddie Bauer trims.

Does this fit the 4.0L OHV V6 Explorer?
This system is built specifically for the 4.0L V6 SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) Cologne engine layout and its intake tract.

What components are included in the kit?
The system includes a mandrel-bent lightweight aluminum intake pipe and a washable, reusable high-flow conical cotton media air filter.

How is the air filter maintained?
The conical cotton media filter is fully washable and reusable, so you can clean and reinstall it during routine maintenance instead of buying replacement paper filters.

What is required for installation?
It installs as a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory airbox and tubing using basic hand tools. Disconnecting the battery during installation is recommended so the ECU resets its fuel trims upon startup.