Skip to product information
1 of 4

Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer (1997-2000) 4.0L SOHC Engine - Blue



Regular price $109.95
Sale price $109.95 Regular price
Free Shipping within USA.

  • Guaranteed Fitment
  • Performance Tested
  • Lifetime Warranty

Want it soon? Order within

I18n Error: Missing interpolation value "end_date" for "Ends on {{ end_date }}"

Tired of that sluggish feeling when you press the accelerator in your Explorer? Imagine a more responsive throttle, a deeper engine note, and power that’s always ready, right when you need it.

Performance Cold Air Intake Kit for Ford Explorer (4.0L SOHC V6)

The factory air intake system on your 1997-2000 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC V6 was designed for quiet operation and cost efficiency, not maximum performance. This often means restrictive bends, a small air filter surface area, and an enclosed airbox that can actually draw in warmer engine bay air, robbing your engine of potential horsepower and torque. That warm, turbulent air is a bottleneck, plain and simple.

Our Cold Air Intake Kit directly addresses these limitations by providing a much smoother, wider pathway for air to reach your engine. By relocating the air filter to a cooler area of the engine bay and utilizing a high-flow, conical filter, we ensure a denser charge of oxygen-rich air is fed into your intake manifold. This isn’t just about sound; it’s about creating a more efficient combustion process, leading to noticeable gains in power and improved throttle response.


Why You Need This Upgrade

  • Instant Throttle Response: Experience a noticeable difference off the line and during acceleration, making your Explorer feel more lively and eager to perform.
  • Boosted Power and Torque: We’ve seen these kits add up to 10% more horsepower and torque by optimizing airflow and delivering cooler, denser air to the engine. That’s power you’ll feel in your daily drive.
  • Deep, Sporty Engine Note: Say goodbye to the muffled stock sound. Our intake system helps your 4.0L SOHC V6 produce a more aggressive, satisfying growl when you lean into the throttle.
  • Lifetime Filtration, Easy Maintenance: The included high-flow, reusable air filter only needs cleaning every 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions, saving you money on disposable filters and providing superior filtration.
  • Simple, Quick Installation: Designed for the DIY enthusiast, installation typically takes less than 60 minutes with basic hand tools. Get back on the road and enjoy your upgrade quickly.
  • Engineered for Compatibility: This kit is designed to work seamlessly with your vehicle’s existing systems and is built to not void your vehicle’s warranty.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 1997-2000 Ford Explorer with 4.0L SOHC V6 Engine
Factory Stats Stock: 205 HP / 250 lb-ft
Installation Easy / Est. 60 Minutes

Replaces These OEM Applications

Compatible Vehicles:

  • 1997 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC V6
  • 1998 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC V6
  • 1999 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC V6
  • 2000 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC V6

OEM Part Numbers / Cross Reference:

N/A


Upgrade Your Ford Explorer Today

Don’t let a restrictive stock airbox hold back your 4.0L SOHC V6 Explorer. Shop with confidence knowing that we deliver the best Cold Air Intake parts with fast shipping and expert support. Experience the difference a properly engineered intake system can make!


Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 


Fitment

Make

Ford

Engine Size

  • 4.0L

Year

  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 1999
  • 2000

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Basic hand tools, but requires extreme patience with 20-year-old underhood plastics.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm socket and ratchet (for battery terminal and factory airbox bolts)
  • 8mm socket or nut driver (for hose clamps)
  • T20 Security Torx bit (to remove the factory MAF sensor)
  • Needle-nose pliers (for factory spring clamps on breather hoses)
  • 3mm or 4mm Allen wrench (for aftermarket intake hardware)
  • CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner (highly recommended while the sensor is out)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The 1997-2000 Explorer 4.0L SOHC platform is infamous on the forums for brittle vacuum lines and PCV elbows that crack under the slightest pressure, causing P0171/P0174 lean codes. When removing the factory accordion intake tube, support the plastic breather fittings with your free hand. Furthermore, the factory Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor uses tamper-proof T20 Torx screws that strip easily, and the sensor hot-wires are fragile. Never touch the MAF wires with your bare hands.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal on your 1997-2000 Ford Explorer 4.0L using a 10mm wrench. This prevents accidental shorts and clears the ECU’s old airflow memory.
  2. Unplug the MAF Sensor: Locate the Mass Air Flow sensor on the factory airbox. Slide the red locking tab back, press the release clip, and gently pull the wiring harness free. Tuck it safely out of the way.
  3. Loosen the Clamps: Using an 8mm socket, loosen the hose clamps securing the factory rubber intake tube at both the throttle body and the factory airbox housing.
  4. Disconnect the Breather Hose: Using your needle-nose pliers, squeeze the spring clamp on the crankcase breather hose connected to the intake tube. Carefully twist and pull the hose off the plastic nipple.
  5. Remove the Factory Airbox: Use your 10mm socket and an extension to remove the bolts mounting the lower airbox to the inner fender well. Pull the entire factory intake assembly out of the engine bay.
  6. Extract the MAF Sensor: Place the factory airbox on a workbench. Use a T20 Security Torx bit to carefully extract the two screws holding the MAF sensor. Pull the sensor straight out. If you have MAF cleaner, give the wires a quick spray and let it air dry.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer (1997-2000) 4.0L SOHC Engine - Blue

  1. Assemble the Heat Shield: Bolt the provided aftermarket heat shield into the factory airbox mounting locations on the fender well using your 10mm socket. Make sure the rubber edge trim is fully seated against the sheet metal to block engine heat.
  2. Transfer the MAF Sensor: Carefully insert your factory MAF sensor into the new blue aluminum intake tube. Ensure the directional airflow arrow on the sensor points toward the throttle body. Secure it using the supplied Allen bolts and an Allen wrench. Snug them down, but do not overtighten and crack the plastic flange.
  3. Mount the Silicone Couplers: Slide the provided silicone coupler over the throttle body and slide two hose clamps loosely over it. Insert the new blue intake tube into the coupler. Leave the clamps loose for now.
  4. Route the Plumbing: Connect the factory crankcase breather hose to the barbed fitting welded onto the new blue intake tube. Secure it with the factory spring clamp using your needle-nose pliers.
  5. Install the Filter and Tighten Down: Slide the new high-flow cone filter onto the end of the intake tube inside the heat shield. Check your clearances, then tighten all 8mm hose clamps starting from the throttle body and working your way to the filter. Plug the MAF sensor harness back in and engage the red locking tab.
  6. The ECU Relearn Procedure: Reconnect the negative battery terminal using your 10mm wrench. On the first startup, turn the key to the ON position for 5 seconds to prime the fuel pump, then start the engine. The vehicle gas pedal should not be touched for 20 seconds until the ECU adjusts to the new, higher-volume airflow metrics. Let it idle to operating temperature.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1997-2000 Ford Explorer 4.0L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]

Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer (1997-2000) 4.0L SOHC Engine - Blue

$109.95