Important: This product ships directly from the manufacturer - availability is the same as advertised by the manufacturer, we do not have on-site inventory of this item.

S&B cold air intake for Explorer ST was engineered to minimize air restriction and flow better than stock. This kit comes with a massive airbox and 2 filters.

Removes the restrictive baffles that hurt performance and quiet down your turbos.
The inlet at the filters lead to unrestricted airflow all the way to the turbos through our high-flow intake tube.

COTTON CLEANABLE

8 layer cotton filter media with red oil.
Can be cleaned and re-oiled.
Easy to maintain using S&B Precision II Cleaning Kit.

DRY EXTENDABLE

Performance is comparable to cotton (Cleanable) filters.
Extend the life of the filter by blowing it out with compressed air.
Ideal for dry, dusty driving conditions.

2020-2026 FORD EXPLORER / LINCOLN AVIATOR 3.0L S & B Cold Air Intake

Name: 2020-2026 FORD EXPLORER / LINCOLN AVIATOR 3.0L S & B Cold Air Intake
Brand: S&B
SKU: 75-5174

SKU: 75-5174

$449.00

Parts Package Discount

Filter Options

Cotton Cleanable

Dry Extendable

Quantity

2020-2026 FORD EXPLORER [ST] 3.0L, GAS
Increased Airflow and Lower Intake Air Temperature:

Cold Air Intakes draw a larger volume of cool air from outside the engine bay compared to stock intakes. They are especially beneficial for turbocharged engines for two primary reasons: increased volume of air at intake and decreased intake air temperature.

Increased Air Flow:

The turbocharger's ability to "boost" is dependent on airflow from the intake. With increased air flow, the turbocharger can compress more air into the engine (as long as the air is cool). This results in higher boost pressure, enhancing power output and overall engine performance. A steady and ample supply of air to the turbocharger also allows it to spool up faster and deliver boost more quickly.

Decreased Intake Air Temperature:

Turbochargers have to work harder to compress hot air than cold air, impacting turbocharger efficiency. When intake air temperatures are lower, the turbocharger can compress more air into the engine, resulting in higher boost pressure and increased power output.

High intake air temperatures can also increase the risk of detonation (knocking), which can damage the engine. To prevent damage, the engine management system may reduce boost pressure or adjust the ignition timing, leading to a decrease in performance.

While some benefits of an upgraded intake can be observed on a stock tune, maximizing these benefits is achieved through custom tuning.

Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions for complete details.

Custom tuning files and services are non-refundable and non-transferable!
You may not use your custom tuning file on any other vehicle or transfer our service, used or unused, to any other customer.

Merchandise Returns will only be accepted within 30 days of the customer receiving the product, and ONLY if a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) has been issued.

RMA must be requested via email to sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com
Returns must be brand new and in their original, unopened packaging.
A restocking fee of up 25% may be applied to all items sold on this website or invoiced by ZFG RACING LLC. Restocking fees are TBD and agreed upon at time of RMA issue.
Special order items and electronics are not able to be accepted for return.
If a customer changes an address, or enters an incorrect address, when placing the order, the customer is responsible for any address change/correction fees billed by the carrier.

Order Cancellations are subject to a 5% cancelation fee.

Cancelation fee to be determined at the time of cancelation.
Cancellations must be requested via email to sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com

⚠️ Important

ZFG Racing does NOT sell or ship to the State of California
Orders outside the Continental USA must be requested via invoice

📦 Order Processing & Shipping

Lead times vary by item and manufacturer
Please allow 3-6 business days for order processing
Most parts are shipped directly from the manufacturer or supplier
Tuning devices and select items ship from ZFG Racing
Orders may arrive in multiple shipments

🌎 Shipping Locations

Continental USA orders can be placed directly through the website
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout
For Alaska, Hawaii, APO/FPO, U.S. Territories, or international:
→ Submit a Request for Invoice with full address details (city, state/province, and postal/ZIP code)

📬 Order Updates

Shipping updates will be sent via email once available
Updates are also available in your ZFG Account→ Order History

❓Questions → Feel free to email us at sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com - include the product link, part number or your order number for reference.

After you place your order:

Tuning Package (with device): – Your RTD device will ship after processing – Most devices are delivered within ~1 week
Tune Only: – No shipment required – You can get started📘 right away
Additional Tune / Tune Updates & Upgrades: – No shipment or new files required – Submit a Tune Request to begin

📘 Getting Started (Required for New Customers)

Review Pre-Tune Preparation for recommended mechanical checks ✅
Follow the Quick Start Guide before moving on:
- Set up the TDN app
- Link ZFG Racing as your tuner (enter code: TFWP-6913 in the TDN App)
- Read your stock file Note: If you encounter any issues while reading your vehicle, please follow the guide and retry the process before submitting your request

📩 Next Step (Required):

Submit your Tune Request through Tuning Central
We cannot begin your tune until this is submitted

🔁 Tuning Process:

Custom tuning is revision-based
Your final file is built using your data logs
Most tunes are completed within ~2 weeks after your first submission

The information below is relevant to all vehicles (regardless of condition or mileage)

✅ Confirm vehicle is mechanically sound

✅ Verify fluid levels

✅ Verify battery health / voltage stability ⚙️ See What mechanical checks do you recommend? for full details on the recommendations above.

🔧 Install available modifications

You are not required to have mods installed before tuning
If you do have parts on hand, install them prior to submitting logs
See FAQ: Modifications → Recommended modifications & Should I wait until parts are installed? for more detail

🔍 Check for prior modifications or tuning (pre-owned vehicles)

If the vehicle was purchased used, verify whether it has been previously tuned
If you know the vehicle has been tuned, we strongly recommend having it flashed back to stock by a Ford Service Department before starting the tuning process.
If you are unsure:
- We can often identify whether the ECU has been modified once your stock file is submitted
- These cases are handled case-by-case during the review process

Starting from a confirmed stock baseline is strongly recommended. Known or unknown prior tuning can impact results and may introduce inconsistencies during the tuning process.

Keep our recommendations handy with this PDF:

✅ The information below is relevant to ALL vehicles (regardless of condition or mileage)

💧 Verify fluid levels

Transmission: Fill to ~3 on the dipstick (note: known to come under-full from the factory)
Engine Oil: ~0.5 qt over standard fill
Top off all other fluids as needed

⚡️ Verify battery health / voltage stability

Ensure battery is fully charged and in good condition
Low voltage can cause flashing issues or inconsistent logs

⚙️ Verify spark plugs

If replacements are needed, we recommend going to a step colder plug
We recommend the NGK 95605 gapped to 0.028"

⚠️ Address existing codes first

Even if unrelated, we recommend resolving any stored or pending DTCs before tuning

Keep our recommendations handy with this PDF:

Product Recommendations:

📱 Device / app readiness

Confirm your RTD / MPVI device is updated and recognized
Download and log in to the HP Tuners TDN app prior to starting

📊 Safe logging conditions

Perform logs in a safe, controlled environment
Find a flat, open road with minimal traffic

⛽ Use the correct fuel

Run the fuel type your tune is for (e.g., 93, E30, etc.)
If switching fuels, allow time for the new fuel to fully circulate before logging

🌡️ Bring vehicle to operating temp

Do not perform logs on a cold engine
Recommended transmission temp 170*+

🧾 Submit complete Tune Request (through Tuning Central)

Complete & update your Member Profile to pre-fill Tune Requests
Ensure all fields are filled out accurately and completely
Mismatched info (fuel, mods, etc.) can delay revisions

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your vehicle runs safely, reliably, and performs at its best with your custom tune.

We recommend staying on top of the following items, specifically:

Engine oil: Check regularly and run ~0.5 quart over (especially if launching or driving aggressively)
Service intervals: Shorten intervals and stay ahead of routine maintenance
Fluids: Check levels consistently and adjust as needed (engine, trans, etc.)

Remember:

• Tuning can’t fix mechanical issues

• Mechanical issues won’t always show in logs

• Overall vehicle condition directly impacts performance

For full details, please refer to our Maintenance & Fill Recommendations guide. Your tune file notes and any direct guidance from our team always take precedence.

Additional Considerations:

Spark Plugs & Ignition Health

Maintain properly gapped, quality spark plugs and ensure ignition components are in good condition—this becomes increasingly important on higher-power setups. We recommend the NGK 95605:

Overall Vehicle Health

Address any underlying issues promptly, as the tune is designed around a properly functioning vehicle

Hardware Changes

If you plan to modify or install additional parts, we recommend reaching out before aggressive driving so we can confirm compatibility with your current calibration

For additional detail, we provide a Maintenance & Fill Recommendations guide as a reference.

Please note: Your tune file notes and any direct guidance from our team will always take precedence.

Before making any hardware changes, we recommend reaching out so we can review your setup and confirm compatibility with your current tune.

Your calibration is built around your existing configuration, and even small changes can impact performance, drivability, or reliability. Getting ahead of this ensures your vehicle continues to operate as intended.

If updates are needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps before you push the vehicle.

If something doesn’t feel quite right, stop driving aggressively and reach out to our team so we can take a closer look.

📋 Letting us know what you’re experiencing—along with any recent changes or conditions—helps us determine next steps quickly.

📈 In many cases, we may request a data log to review what’s happening.

⚠️ Including full DTC reports or relevant screenshots, photos or videos with your request is helpful to us and can reduce the time required for troubleshooting.

⚙️ For transmission-related concerns (e.g., harsh or inconsistent shifting), please see this FAQ: Why is my transmission shifting harsh after tuning?

📌 Please keep in mind:

• Tuning can’t resolve underlying mechanical issues

• Not all mechanical issues will show clearly in data logs

• Overall vehicle condition plays a direct role in performance

We’re here to help—reach out and we’ll work with you to get things sorted.

Harsh or inconsistent shifting immediately after a tune is not uncommon and is typically not a concern.

Modern Ford transmissions use adaptive learning, meaning the transmission adjusts shift behavior based on driving habits over time.

What to expect:

Adaptive learning is reset any time the ECU is flashed
Initial driving may feel inconsistent or harsh while the system re-learns
Heavy throttle / WOT-focused driving early on can delay smooth behavior
Adaptation is drive-mode specific, so behavior may vary between modes
This relearning process can take several drive cycles depending on driving conditions

In most cases, normal mixed driving will resolve shifting behavior as the transmission relearns.

⚠️ When to take action

If concerns persist after adequate driving/adaptation, or if you have immediate concerns, follow this process:

✅ Check transmission fluid level
✅ Perform a re-learn cycle
✅ Capture a data log of the concern
✅ Flash back to stock to isolate behavior (if needed)

📎 Transmission Guide (PDF) includes full step-by-step instructions:

Fluid level verification
Re-learn procedure
Logging + next steps

🧠 Important reminders

Tuning cannot fix mechanical issues
Some mechanical issues may not appear in logs
Transmission behavior is heavily influenced by adaptive learning

To ensure your vehicle performs as intended, it’s important to consistently run the specific fuel type your tune was designed for. The fuel type of your tune is in the file name and can be reviewed in the TDN App at any time.

Using lower-octane or inconsistent fuel can impact performance, drivability, and overall reliability.

If you’re considering changing fuel types (e.g., switching octanes or moving to an ethanol blend), you can purchase an Additional Tune to cover it.

Don't hesitate to reach out first so we can confirm compatibility or advise on next steps.

💡 For more information on Fuel and Ethanol Blends, please see the Fuel & Gains section of our FAQ.

2020-2026 FORD EXPLORER / LINCOLN AVIATOR 3.0L S & B Cold Air Intake

Vehicle Applications

Installation Instructions

Why We Recommend This Product

What should I expect after purchasing?

What should I do to prepare for tuning?

What mechanical checks do you recommend?

How should I prepare for data logging & tune revisions?

What maintenance should I follow after getting tuned?

What should I do before making hardware changes?

What if something feels off?

Why is my transmission shifting harsh after tuning?

What fuel should I run with my tune?

Related Products

Subscribe for updates & promotions

Preferred Contact Method:
email sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com

2020-2026 FORD EXPLORER / LINCOLN AVIATOR 3.0L S & B Cold Air Intake

Vehicle Applications

Installation Instructions

Why We Recommend This Product

What should I expect after purchasing?

What should I do to prepare for tuning?

What mechanical checks do you recommend?

How should I prepare for data logging & tune revisions?

What maintenance should I follow after getting tuned?

What should I do before making hardware changes?

What if something feels off?

Why is my transmission shifting harsh after tuning?

What fuel should I run with my tune?

Related Products

Subscribe for updates & promotions

Preferred Contact Method: email sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com

Preferred Contact Method:
email sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com