Home » Fairlane/LTD » ZL Fairlane / FE LTD
Ford Falcon Facts
Now that Ford was no longer manufacturing V8s, the only engine used was the 4.1L six: the ZL Fairlane’s carburettor version and the FE LTD’s EFI version, optional on Fairlane. These engines were slightly improved, but the EFI engine scored the new Electronic Engine Control system (EEC IV).
ZL Fairlane / FE LTD(1984 - 1988)
It was much more efficient than the previous system, with some of the changes including combustion chamber shape, piston rings and valve system seal design revisions. Maximum power and torque was now developed at lower revolutions, making up for the lack of a V8 for towing purposes.
The cars were given a facelift - but they weren’t softened up like the XF Falcon range - and now the Fairlane and LTD looked almost identical. New headlights were single rectangular units on either side of a larger grille, and the tail lights were simplified. Fairlanes came with steel wheels (they were often specified with optional Fairmont alloy wheels), while the LTD had flush-desigh alloy wheels.
The new interior was the same as the XF Fairmont Ghia, and featured a host of high-tech instruments. Due to Ford’s partnership with Mazda, the dashboard display was all digital, and there was a trip computer and climate control. The LTD also had plush velour trim.
In order to comply with new laws requiring new cars to run on unleaded petrol, Ford modified its engines slightly, and this resulted in slight drops in power. Unleaded cars added small indicators in the front bumper surround.
October 1986 saw the carburettor engine dropped. Other changes included standard snowflake alloy wheels on Fairlane, brighter grille finish and body-coloured sills.
ZL Fairlane / FE LTD Photos (photos are cropped, click to enlarge)
 
Ford ZL Fairlane / FE LTD
On Sale: October 1984 - May 1988 (Unleaded update: January 1986; Update: October 1986)
How do I know it's a ZL? Larger grille with chrome surround, two horizontal bars and Ford badge in bottom right corner, wide rectangular headlights, wide tail lights with horizontal line dividing indicator and brake. January 1986-: indicators in front bumper surround. October 1986-: snowflake alloy wheels, brighter grille, body-coloured sill
How do I know it's a FE? As for Fairlane, plus: LTD grille (vertical bars), bonnet ornament, body-coloured mirrors, C-pillar window louvres, flush-design alloy wheels, LTD boot lock.
Models available:
Fairlane:
LTD:		 sedan
sedan
Option packs/prototypes/limited editions:
Fairlane Sportsman: (Limited Edition) Two-tone paint - red, white or silver on dark grey, check cloth inserts, trip computer. 700 built, July 1987, $29639.
What’s new? New interior, Electronic Engine Control system
Firsts:
Prices at introduction: Fairlane - $19688, LTD - $31167
Total ZLs built: 26195, FEs: 4156
Transmission: 3 speed automatic
Engines
4.1L Alloy Head 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 103kW at 3750rpm
Torque: 316Nm at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Weber carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.35:1
4.1L Alloy Head EFI 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 120kW at 4000rpm
Torque: 333Nm at 3000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC IV fuel injection
Compression ratio: 8.8:1
4.1L Alloy Head Unleaded 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 97.5kW at 3600rpm
Torque: 316Nm at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Weber carburettor
Compression ratio: 8.77:1		 4.1L Alloy Head EFI Unleaded 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 121kW at 4000rpm
Torque: 325Nm at 3000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC IV fuel injection
Compression ratio: 8.7:1
Fuel consumption: 16.7L/100km (Fairlane 4.1 EFI unleaded, Modern Motor magazine)
Performance:
(Fairlane 4.1L EFI sedan, 3 speed auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 85km/h
2nd: 140km/h
3rd: 167km/h
0-100km/h: 11.1 seconds
Standing 400m: 17.6 seconds
(LTD 4.1L EFI sedan, 3 speed auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 80km/h
2nd: 130km/h
3rd: 170km/h
0-100km/h: 10.33 seconds
Standing 400m: 17.31 seconds
Suspension:
Front
Independent short/long arm. Progressive rate coil springing mounted on upper arm. Twin tube telescopic shock absorber mounted coaxially with the coil spring, 22mm diameter stabiliser bar
Rear
Live axle, four trailing arms with Watts linkage. Coil-type springing (with multiple rate) mounted on rear axle. Twin tube telescopic shock absorber mounted coaxially with the rear coil spring, 22mm diameter stabiliser bar
Brakes:
Front
Power assisted ventilated discs
Rear
Power assisted discs
Steering: Power, recirculating ball, 2.4 turns lock-to-lock
Wheels: Fairlane: Pressed steel, optional alloy. October 1986: standard snowflake alloy wheels. LTD: 6.5 x 15 inch alloy
Tyres: P205/65 HR15 steel belted radials. LTD: Bridgestone Supercat P205/65 HR15
Dimensions:

Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase:
Front track:
Rear track:
Kerb weight:
Turning circle:
Fuel tank:
Boot space:		 Fairlane/LTD
5014mm
1868mm
1394/1397mm
2957mm
1548/1562mm
1533/1545mm
1515/1565kg
12.8m
80 litres
460 litres
Interior dimensions:

Front headroom:
Rear headroom:
Front shoulder room:
Rear shoulder room:
Front hip room:
Rear hip room:
Front legroom:
Rear legroom:		 Fairlane/LTD
965mm
970mm
1502mm
1500mm
1492mm
1476mm
1063mm
1072mm
Features: Legend

Automatic
Air conditioning
Power steering
Power windows
Power mirrors
Central locking
Radio cassette
Steering adj.
Seats
Speedometer
Tachometer
Trip computer
Cruise control
Alloy wheels		 Fairlane
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cloth
digital
digital
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•		 LTD
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velour
digital
digital
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Awards:
Rivals: Holden WB Statesman
LTD Rivals: Holden WB Statesman Caprice
 
ZL Fairlane/ FE LTD Links (new window) Related pages
Bryan's Aussie ZL Fairlane Page
Bryan's Aussie FE LTD Page
Australian Ford LTD Central (FE LTD)
Ford LTD (Australia)
Carsurvey: Fairlane reviews
Carsurvey: LTD reviews		 Falcon Facts: XF Falcon
Falcon Facts: ZK Fairlane / FD LTD
Falcon Facts: NA Fairlane / DA LTD
 
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