Ford's I6 Engine Plant: Going, Going, Gone?

[XRated]

So if you've been under a rock or I6 block or something, you might not have heard that our beloved 82-year old Ford engine plant in Geelong will most likely meet its demise in 2010. Why? Recent times has meant that emissions are getting tougher and hence harder to meet (financially and technologically - especially with the old design inline six) which is seemingly Ford Oz's biggest problem because of slow Falcon sales: not enough money.

It'll be a sad time and big milestone in Ford Australia's life. It is expected that a V6 with different variants will be imported for any future Falcon models including a twin turbo version.

I've got mixed feelings about this. First I was shattered because one thing I love about my Falcons is the lazy, torquey I6 which is relatively cheap and easy to work on. But thinking more in-depth, Ford plans a globally designed and used platform (much like what Holden has done with the VE) that will cater for at least RWD and AWD. This alone opens up heaps of potential for the local market. Probably the biggest positive I am hopeful of is with the V6 because it will also be globally-shared by Ford. Think about the potential of modifications and parts if it has US and European enthusiasts!! I.e. how much development and components are available for the Windsor because of the US.

Exciting times are ahead!

[[D1SCNT]]

yer luke im in the same boat.

going to be sad when then cut it outo f production but i guess its for the best and TTV6 will be just as fun im sure lol.

never know the price of a second hand BA XT/XR6T engine might drop and every e-series will have one in the next 3 odd years hahaha.

[EFFalcon]

more reasons to keep eseries

[LTDHO]

It's a shame they need to close the plant and not retro fit it to manufacture the V6.

[TUFED6]

It's a bit disappointing. End of an era. Seems it will hit Geelong hard, around 900 jobs up in the air?

Hopefully the V6 is as tough as the outgoing I6. I wonder what kind of aftermarket support the V6 has in the USA? Does anyone know any specifics of which exact engine we will be getting?

With any luck aftermarket components like forged pistons & rods will be cheap and plentiful.

And don't forget Ford invented the V6, so doesn't let any Holden cockheads try and bullshit you about Ford copying them.

[Sunboost]

Well everyone should buy up on Orion XR6T's - They are going to be the next VL T and probably will be worth some good coin if you keep 'em in good nick. Hopefully by 2009 or around then I can buy one of these outright lol, I don't see the chances being huge but if not I'll get a loan. I don't want to be buying someone's second hand trash like you see with many discontinues performance car lines these days.

Sux hard.

[Gunns]

twin turbo V6 ummmmmmmmm

[EFFalcon]

we need a 4.0 V6
we can't go to a smaller motor then the Commo's!

[blackout]

I bet this will make Holden bring the TT Torana to the market sooner... cos they might be beaten to it!

[five point slow]

Good bye torque!

[-jjM-]

boo @ 3.5L, or will it just be an EA thing, going from 3.5 CFI to 4.0 or + MPFI

ethir way i see it as a loss and a win, I6 will be missed just as they were starting do show up the rest of the compertition...

[Sunboost]

V6 configurations are homo. Good luck getting easy power out of them and it'll be harsh if any of the cars I've driven are to go buy.

I love smoothness of I6's. How depressing.

[[D1SCNT]]

good by easy cam changes:(

why dont ford just concentrate on cut down weight, less weight= less fuel which = happy hippies so no bitching about over the top fuel consumtion.

im sure a could meet the new emissions laws with the i6 if they really try'd.

but what do i know.

[Sunboost]

Ford should have improved the E-Gas to injected gas style and then made it a NCO on the base model. Winner.

[SNR]

Should just make the I6 all alloy!

Mind you ford V6 go well in some situations, look at the Noble M12 GTO3R, Noble M15 etc; twin turbo V6 out of a mondeo (with mods) and the M15 is a 911 Turbo challenger...