Ford EA Falcon
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| Ford EA II Falcon S Sedan |
Ford EA
Falcon
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Overview
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Manufacturer
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Ford Australia
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Also
called
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Ford EA Fairmont
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Production
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March 1988 to July 1991
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Body and chassis
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Body
style
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4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
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Related
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Ford NA Fairlane
Ford DA LTD
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Powertrain
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Engine
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3.2 litre inline 6
3.9 litre inline 6
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Transmission
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3 speed automatic
4 speed automatic with overdrive
5 speed Borg Warner manual
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Dimensions
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Length
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4811mm (189.4 in) sedan
5003mm (197.0 in) wagon
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Width
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1857mm (73.1) sedan
1857mm (73.1) wagon
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Height
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1399mm (55.1) sedan
1483mm (58.4) wagon
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Curb
weight
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1418kg (3,126 lb) sedan
1508kg (3,325 lb) wagon
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Chronology
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Predecessor
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Ford XF Falcon
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Successor
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Ford EB Falcon
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Model range
The EA series was available in eight model variants:
- Falcon GL Sedan
- Falcon GL Wagon
- Falcon S Sedan
- Falcon S Wagon
- Fairmont Sedan
- Fairmont Wagon
- Fairmont Ghia Sedan
- Fairmont Ghia Wagon
The Falcon nameplate was not used on Fairmont & Fairmont Ghia models.
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Engines and transmissions
Engine choice comprised three straight-six units: the 3.2 litre and 3.9 litre with ”CFI” throttle body injection and a 3.9 litre with ”MPI” multi-point fuel injection. The Falcon GL was equipped with the 3.2 L straight-six, although most were sold with the 3.9 CFI. The 3.9 L CFI engine was available in the Falcon S and in the Fairmont and the MPI version was standard in the top of the range Fairmont Ghia.
A five-speed T50D fully synchronised manual and Borg-Warner Model M51 three-speed automatic transmission were offered, however the latter was replaced by a four-speed BTR Model 85LE in the Series II range then updated to the BTR 95LE in the EB update in 1991. Taxi owners, however, would continue to fit reconditioned 3-speed M51 automatic transmissions (as these were less costly) to these cars, until the bellhousing design was finally changed in later models preventing this practice.
Development
The result of a A$700 million development program, the EA Falcon bore a passing resemblance to the European Ford Scorpio. However under the skin, it remained an entirely Australian design, and is credited as the first Falcon model to employ wind tunnel testing. Developed under the codename EA26 (E for the large size, A for Australia, 26 for the (usually in sequence) global project number), it would retain the traditional Falcon hallmarks of width and rear-wheel drive. This proved to be the correct move as sales of the Falcon began to climb after the fuel crisis aftermath, while those of the rival Commodore slipped. It became clear that Australian buying patterns had not truly changed and what the public wanted was a full-size (albeit smaller) family car.
In addition, Ford's dominance of the taxi market in Australia meant that a car that could comfortably seat three along the back seat—and even the front, with a bench seat installed—was necessary. It also ensured that Ford could retain, at least until Holden released the new Statesman/Caprice in 1990, the market for official cars for governmental use.
While initially popular, the EA's build quality was uncompetitive with uneven panel shutlines, computer problems, poor paint quality and front suspension alignment problems.
EA Series II
Launched in October 1989, the Series II brought with it a four-speed automatic transmission and body-coloured B-pillars. Despite the Series II models having significantly fewer problems than the Series I, Series II prices are also affected by curtailed resale values. The same problem also affects the NA Fairlane and DA series LTD, and even the utility and panel van variants, which continued with the older XF architecture.Production and replacement versions
Production of the EA series had totalled 223,612 vehicles at the time of its replacement by the facelifted Ford EB Falcon in 1991.Aftermarket performance versions
Due to the absence of a V8 engine and a proper factory performance model, the EA saw massive interest Australian aftermarket industry, with many companies turning there efforts to the model, many hoping to catch the attention of Ford themselves to gain factory backing as an official factory backed product.
These included:
- Brock B8
- EA SVO
- APV SR3900
- EA TSS
- DJR EA Falcon
- Phase Autos HO Phase 7
- EA AVO
Brock B8
Australian racing identity Peter Brock formed Austech Automotive Developments to produce a selection of vehicles based on the EA 's' and Fairmont Ghia models. All Brock BA falcons featured a unique body kit, 16inch wheel package and interior upgrades. The latter used the standard seats bolstered and trimmed in a cloth specific to the model. Brock also improved the power output through a re-profiled camshaft, ECU tuning and modification to the induction and exhaust systems. A suspension upgrade was also performed, improving handling and ride quality.
EA SVO
See also: Special Vehicle Operations
With over 1000 built, the EA SVO was the most successful aftermarket option. A creation from Australian motor racing driver and engineer Mick Webb, the EA SVO came with ROH 16" wheels, Recaro seats, MoMo steering wheels, suspension upgrades including Bilstein shock absorbers, engine modifications, spoilers and two tone grey paint work.
EA TSS
The EA TSS was a series of options from body kit manufacture GP Sportscars. These cars were known for the option of a JDD Twin Tire system and Sprintex supercharger system. GP also manufactured a complete body styling kit, and interior package. As the TSS was a range of options, rather then a specific model, a interested owner could have a complete car optioned up, or just specific options. As a result some featured either just the supercharged motor, or body kit.
EA AVO, holder of world record caravan pull
And Australian turbocharging company, AVO, built up a turbocharged EA falcon that held the world record for the fastest caravan tow, at 204.4 km.
Motorsport
Ken Youlden won the Australian Production Car Championship in both 1991 and 1992 driving a Ford EA Falcon.
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Last updated on 27 August 2014 at 03:29.
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