2018-2021 Ford F-150 3.0L Powerstroke Cold Air Intakes

Cold air intakes on the 2018-2021 Ford 3.0L Power Stroke

Ford built the F-150 diesel with a closed factory airbox, a Motorcraft FA1883 panel filter and a mass air flow (MAF) sensor ahead of a single variable-geometry turbo. Downstream, an air-to-air charge-air cooler sits behind the radiator shutters. An aftermarket intake like the S&B replaces the airbox and inlet tubing ahead of the turbo and swaps the FA1883 panel for S&B's own filter media.

What the S&B 75-5126 changes

S&B's kit is a fully enclosed airbox with a clear lid, so you can see the filter without opening it up. The silicone components are rated to 400 degrees F. The MAF sensor moves down the intake tube using the extension harness and bracket included in the kit, so you reuse your sensor. S&B claims 20.41 percent more airflow than stock with its cotton cleanable filter, or 16.67 percent with the dry extendable filter. Those are the maker's airflow claims, not horsepower numbers.

What fails and why

We found no documented intercooler, charge-pipe or MAF failure pattern on 2018-2021 trucks. The factory system's one known weak point is a neglected filter, which shows up as restricted MAF readings, reduced boost and soot. An intake isn't a fix for a factory defect. It's a choice about airflow and how you want to service the filter.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

If the truck runs well and your roads are clean, a fresh FA1883 on schedule, every 30,000 miles in normal service, is all the factory system asks for. Choose the S&B if you want more airflow and a clear lid to check the filter at a glance. Choose the cotton media if you'll clean and re-oil it, and the dry media if you'd rather not deal with oil.

What we carry

This page carries the S&B 75-5126 cold air intake, listed for 2018-2021 F-150 3.0L Power Stroke trucks. Intakes for other diesel platforms are on our intakes page, and the rest of the engine is on the Power Stroke hub.

Fitment notes

The 3.0L went only in the F-150. The S&B listing covers the 13th-generation trucks (2018-2020) and the first-year 14th-generation 2021, which carried the diesel over unchanged. No CARB Executive Order means no shipping to California. Confirm your truck with the fitment checker or verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Does the S&B 75-5126 fit a 2021 F-150 diesel?

Yes. It's listed for 2018-2021 F-150 3.0L trucks, and Ford carried the diesel over unchanged when the F-150 moved to its new body for 2021. Still run the fitment checker before you order.

Should I pick the cotton or the dry filter?

S&B claims 20.41 percent more flow than stock with the cotton cleanable filter and 16.67 percent with the dry extendable one. Cotton needs periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry skips the oil, so pick it if you want less upkeep.

Can this intake ship to California?

No. S&B will not ship the 75-5126 to California, and it carries no CARB Executive Order. If your truck is California-registered, stick with the factory airbox.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.