E-Series Model Information

[EFFalcon]

EA Series II

In October 1989 came the first 'official' update of the EA. The big news was the long-awaited BT-R 4 speed automatic transmission, known internally as the 85-LE. It was the first electronically controlled automatic transmission fitted to an Australian car. Though BT-R was based in Albury, the transmission was hailed by many as the equal of the world's best in terms of smoothness. Half a second was stripped of the 0-100 km/h acceleration time compared to the 3 speed automatic. Better fuel economy, lower noise levels and a greater top speed were other benefits. Perhaps showing Ford's sense of humour, the new transmission cost only $10 more as an option over the 5 speed manual, or $508 in total. The downside to this box was significantly reduced longevity compared to its 3 speed predecessor, which inspired many EA II taxi drivers to retrofit the old 3 speed 'box.

The series II and later cars are distinguished by a body coloured B pillar – arguably a step downmarket in purely aesthetic terms, but a distinction nonetheless. The suspension of the series II gained heavy duty front dampers and superior lower trailing arm bushes for the rear end. Additionally, stiffer stabiliser bar bushes, shorter bump stops, thicker front stabiliser bars, increased front spring stiffness and lower front ride height had all been done as running changes in the months since the original launch of the EA.

EA 30th Anniversary Edition

October 12, 1990 saw the birth of the EA 30th Anniversary Falcon range. While celebrating 30 years since the launch of the XK Falcon was a worthwhile cause, the ulterior motive was to unleash yet another series of improvements. This time, the big news was the so-called Tibbe locking system on the doors, bootlid/tailgate and ignition of all models. This was claimed to provide the highest level of security achievable in a mechanical locking system, in addition to being nicer to use than the keys of the older cars. Door locking buttons now retracted to be flush with the door sills, and central locking became a standard fitment on all models. The EA's value for money advantage over the VN Commodore was heightened.

Security coded radios on all models, and 'Falcon in flight' badges behind the front wheel arches (the badges were silver on the GL and Fairmont, and red on the S) helped distinguish the updated cars. The EA 30th Anniversary Falcon S gained power mirrors and grippy Pirelli tyres, while the EA 30th Anniversary Fairmont gained alloy wheels as well as the same electric mirrors.

EB

The EB Falcon was a very minor facelift, with its front Ford badge now located in the grille, smoother tail lights, new slot-free C pillar trims, new exterior mirrors and glossy door handles among the changes. While this was hardly exciting news, the Falcon being available with a big V8 for the first time since Easter 1983 was another story.

The V8 was optional on all sedans and wagons. Of 5.0 litres (4.9 to be more precise) capacity, it was fitted with an up-to-date fuel injection system to help it produce 165 kW @ 4500 rpm, and 388 Nm of torque @ 3000 rpm. The new small-block engine, called the Windsor, was sourced from Ford's Mustang and fully imported from the US. It was some 90 kg lighter than the carburetted 4.9 and 5.8 engines manufactured locally for the Falcon between 1972 and 1982.

Equipment upgrades on all models were updated significantly, too. This applies less to the EB Falcon GL, which gained wider (albeit still 14") wheels and tyres. The driver's seat gained height and lumbar support adjustments, as well as a footrest. Side indicators, built into the mouldings between the front wheel arches and the leading edge of the front doors, added visibility.

On all models, uprated springs, gas shock absorbers, negative camber and increased castor front end geometry, and other revisions gave the EB Falcon sharper handling than ever before. The EB Falcon S took this a step further with front springs stiffness rates increased 39%, and 25% at the rear. Front seats gained bigger side bolsters and doughnut headrests. Lovely new 5 spoke 15 x 7" alloy wheels replaced the XF Fairmont Ghia-derived 'snowflake' alloys, and the price remained at $28,561.

At the launch of the EB, Ford's executives hinted that the EA Fairmont had not only been lacking luxury equipment, but falling behind the value benchmark of the EA Falcon S. This problem was attacked heavily with the EB Fairmont having electric windows only optional, but the MPI engine, EA Fairmont Ghia alloy wheels, automatic transmission, climate control, cruise control, a trip computer, velour interior, full instrumentation all became standard. Showing that humour again, only $768 to the car's list price.

The EB Fairmont being such a well-equipped model opened the door for the EB Fairmont Ghia to position itself as a sports/luxury model. It gained Falcon S analogue instruments, plus Falcon S seats with velour inserts, and leather bolsters and seatback. BBS alloy wheels wrapped in premium Michelin tyres, combined with body coloured mouldings around the car, double pin striping and a chrome exhaust to move the car's positioning further upmarket.

Combining the S credentials with the power of the V8 was a new model called the Falcon S-XR8. This model also gained even sportier front seats, while a rear bootlid lip spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip lifted its tasteful appearance subtly. The wheels were identical to those of the Falcon S, but with a highly machined finish. Colour coded mirrors, air conditioning and a limited slip diff helped to justify its $32,595 pricetag. By comparison, the Commodore SS of the time missed out on air conditioning, central locking, power mirrors, security coded radio, split fold rear seats and the adjustable steering column.

Most importantly, the EB Falcon range represented a shift of attitude within Ford Australia. There was more emotion in the products, and the resulting cars could appeal more to enthusiasts. The energetic Jacques Nasser, later to become CEO of Ford Motor Company in the US, was president of Ford Australia at this time.

EB Series II

A car known as the EB Evolution, or more commonly the EB series II, was unveiled in April 1992. For all intents and purposes, this was the most significant EA update of all, despite appearing identical to its EB predecessor. The EB series II managed to steal market leadership back from Holden.

The big news for this model was ABS being available for the first time on a mainstream Australian car. Mitsubishi had offered ABS as an option on its KR Verada Xi flagship, but this was out of the reach of most buyers. Ford's ABS system was called the LC5 by Bendix. The system was critically acclaimed due to its impressive isolation of the brake pedal during braking, as well as its optimisation for Australian gravel roads. Priced at only $990, it was comfortably the cheapest optional ABS system in the country. The system was standard on the EB II Falcon S-XR8 and EB II Fairmont Ghia, and optional on other models.

But the safety upgrades did not stop there. Front belt webbing clamps were designed to limit payout from the belt retractors to just 12mm in a frontal collision, while 'rip-stitch' belt construction enabled the belt to lengthen to help absorb impact energy. Strengthened A, B and C pillars aimed to correct the weakness of the EA-EB Falcon's crash safety. Ford boasted that the roof could now withstand a 3 tonne load.

While the strengthening also made the car more refined, detail revision suppressed NVH further, such as quieter windscreen wiper motors, an instrument panel brace, and more extensive use of sound deadening materials. All audio systems were upgraded to replace that road noise with more desirable sounds. Security was improved too, with major components given Vehicle Identification Number labelling. The EB II Falcon GLi gained a slight name compared to the GL, its predecessor. The digital dash was discontinued where it had been fitted to the EB Fairmont, too, while models with trip computers and climate control now got classier black rather than silver buttons.

If all that was not enough, a revised engine improved reliability, power (up from 139 to 148 kW), torque (from 338 to 348 Nm) and smoothness. With such a comprehensive update, it is interesting to note Ford Australia's reason to not call this model the ED. In Ford bureaucracy, a change of model name requires a model to go through an expensive crash testing procedure. The public might have expected more money to be directed towards cosmetic upgrades other than the 4.0 badge behind the front wheel arches, too.

In October 1992, a further update to the EB series II brought a new security update called Smartlock. Developed entirely in Australia, it was regarded as one of the world's best security systems to that time. Uniquely, it required no input from the driver. Put simply, smartlock only allowed the starter motor and and fuel system to start the car if it received the correct (rolling) code from the key module. In addition to immunising the car from hotwiring, the convenience of keyless entry became standard from this point. Ignition strength was upped, too. The South Australian police unleashed experienced car thieves to test Smartlock, but the thieves gave up... after 4 days.

Released late in 1992 were a couple of very special Falcons. The first was the EB II Falcon S-XR6, which looked identical to the S-XR8 bar different badging. This was only tuning specialist Tickford's second local Ford, the first being the Ford Capri Clubsprint. A red rocker cover with Tickford wings represented a power increase from 148 kW to 161 – only 4 shy of the V8. All figures aside, however, The S-XR6 became a classic because of the way it humbled more exotic machinery. It was typically at least 2 seconds quicker than the S-XR8 around Phillip Island. As for top speed, the 200 km/h speedo was again laughably inadequate. Wheels magazine again got the dial off the clock with a top speed of 224 km/h, compared to 220 for the S-XR8. That the S-XR6 cost little over 30 grand, complete with ABS, alloy wheels, Momo steering wheel and an LSD, earned it a place in history.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Ford's classic GT badge, a limited run of 250 EB II Falcon GT models was created. Just weeks before its release, an infamous display of yobbos jeering Mark Skaife and Jim Richards for winning Bathurst in a Nissan Skyline GT-R. But rather than being designed for the racetrack, the new car was what the designers thought the Falcon GT would be if it had evolved rather than been discontinued in the early '70s. It featured a 5.0 V8 with a claimed (but disputed) 200 kW, combined with a wild body kit including a huge rear spoiler, and various bonnet scoops that Ford claimed were for genuine aerodynamic reasons. Inside was a full leather interior complete with wood-look furnishings, implying this model was aimed at a more mature audience. The GT was no faster than the S-XR6 around Phillip Island.

ED

In August 1993 came the final EA facelift. This car was not a very strong competitor for the formidable VR Commodore range, but was designed to keep the Falcon reasonably fresh for a year until the heavily revised EF's August 1994 unveiling. In truth, the EB received fewer changes than the EB II. Still, 288 components had changed – though nothing like the 5714 new or revised parts incorporated since the EB II. New Ford corporate grilles of an oval shape looked a little out of place to most eyes, but was one of only a few ways to distinguish the new and old cars.

Improved side impact protection on all models put the Falcon 30% ahead of ADR29 requirements, while R134a air conditioning refridgerant was CFC-free. Minor exterior trim colour changes was not big news, but there were 4 new exterior colours: Reef Green, Cobalt (a blue-purple that debuted on the EB II Falcon GT), Polynesian Green (the most popular colour) and Magenta. All models bar the GLi gained colour-coded door-handles. The base Falcon S was discontinued, but in its place was a new family model between GLi and Fairmont. After 187 names were reviewed, the ED Falcon Futura (its name dating back Ford's luxury model of 1962) was born. Like the ED Fairmont, It was equipped with ABS as standard. Full instruments, cruise control, a multi-speaker Clarion audio system, ignition and map lights and sunshading across the top of the rear window were standard. A 3 point inertia reel lap/sash seat belt for the rear centre passenger was also fitted – a safety feature rarely found any other cars in the world at the time.

The XR models were the most heavily revised of the range. Their names were changed from S-XR6 and S-XR8 to simply become XR6 and XR8 respectively. A unique 4-headlight arrangement gave a purposeful stance reminiscent of the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. A body coloured front airdam, Tickford wings badge and grooved-spoke alloy wheels provided further distinction. A "Supersport" suspension option was available on these models, too, which included extensive use of urethane bushing for the front anti-sway bar and its drop links, the front tension rods and the rear lower trailing links. Negative camber increased to 1.25 degrees, and 2 mm of toe-in was also part of the package. There was also provision for camber/castor adjustment by shims.

Another new ED model was released, this time an XR8 that had been modified by Tickford. But in truth, the ED Falcon XR8 Sprint was best described as a wolf-in-sheep's-clothing Falcon GT – omitting power windows and cruise control in addition to shedding the GT's wild bodykit. But even with tasteful 16" ROH alloy wheels and suspension work, it was only 2 or 3 seconds faster than the EB II S-XR6 around Phillip Island. Still, that is not to call this model slow – far from it.

EF

The EF was the first major facelift in the E-Series 10 year cycle. Every panel on the EF Falcon sedans were changed from the EA shape, while the wagons, however, only received the front end panel treatment. The EA design had run for more than 6 years, and the new shape was well received by the public. The EF and the later EL were considered two of Ford's finest products, the EF winning many awards from a variety of organisations. These included "Best Large Car" from the RACV and "1994 Family Car Of The Year" for the Futura, from Royal Automobile Association of South Australia. Perhaps the biggest accolade was winning the Australian Design of the Year award. It also outsold the Commodore in 1995, something the Falcon has found difficult to do since then.

The 4.0 litre straight six was retained from the ED, albeit heavily reworked. The engine was made a lot smoother and fuel efficient, and the introduction of new belts reduced noise. The new 'Computer Torque Control' computer and the dual runner intake manifold increased power 9kW on the previous ED Falcons. The maximum torque was also increased, and obtained at a lower rpm. The distributor was also deleted in place of coil packs, and the noisy viscous cluth fan of the ED was replaced with a much quieter twin electric thermofan setup.

The new interior was well laid out and ergonomical, the styling of which was not out-dated like the other cars of its time, with digital displays on the dash replacing the old style odometers. The seats were comfortable, good for both short trips and long journeys, and space was always in abundance.

New paint colours became available with the introduction of the EF, and door handles were also colour coded, unlike the previously black ones from the ED. The handbrake was removed from the umbrella style under the dash to the more conventional type on the centre console, except for column shift cars which received the foot operated parking brake.

Perhaps one of the best features incorporated into the EF/EL Falcons were standard airbags, the EF getting the drivers standard, while some of the later models also came with it standard in the passenger side as well. 15 inch wheels were also made standard, improving the looks of the car, and more importantly, the handling.

The EF became available in four different guises, alongside the two XR performance vehicles. The Gli was the EF’s base model, with the Futura having quite a few more options as standard. These included power front windows, body coloured mirrors, rub strips, and brake ducts, and some minor interior modifications, such as a different cloth used on the seats, digital clock on the dash, adjustable rear seat headrests, and an interior light with additional map reading lamps. A six stacker CD player was also optional on the Futura, but not on the Gli. ABS brakes were also standard on all models, except as an option on the Gli.

The Fairmont and Fairmont Ghias were the two luxury models, which introduced a different bonnet and grill, among a whole host of options. The Fairmont has a velour trim, while the Ghia received leather with velour inserts. Full leather was an option on the Ghia also. The Ghia also received a top of the line audio system, with Digital Sound Processing. To further distance the Ghia from the Fairmont, it was also given chrome interior door handles.

The XR series also received some attention of its own, receiving its own bonnet and like the ED, distinctive quad headlight front bar. They ran 15x7 inch alloy wheels, the XR6’s power increased to 165kW, while the XR8 was increased to 169kW. The addition of spoilers and optional bodykits also distinguished the performance models from the rest. A limited slip diff was also made standard on the XR’s. The interior was also trimmed in a special “Formula One” cloth, and battery voltage and oil pressure gauges added. An EF XR6 wagon was also available in limited numbers, but no XR8 wagon.

EF Series II

The changes introduced into the series II EF were minor, but addressed some of the criticisms of the series I models. These included a revised front suspension, as the series I had what was described as overly nervous handling. The front seats were modified slightly to improve comfort, and the passenger airbag was introduced to the range. This safety feature was optional from the Gli to the Fairmont, but standard on the Fairmont Ghia.

EL

Changes were made to the bonnet of the EL, which now incorporated a grill on all models. The front lights were also changed to a more rounded look, and the rear lights had orange indicator lenses, as opposed to the EF clear lenses. The cars also had colour coded bumper inserts across the range.

While the engines remained the same for the EL series cars, the amount of models available almost doubled. The base model was still the Gli, very much like the EF as far as standard features were concerned. The Futura also mirrored the EF in the list of features, but the introduction of the Sapphire pack did bring some extra options. The Sapphire pack was introduced to combat the new VT Commodore, and offered 3800 dollars worth of extras for no cost to the buyer. The extras offered for both models were metallic paint, 15 inch alloys, and unique Sapphire badging and stripping. The Gli also got cruise control and power windows, while the Futura also received a passenger airbag and unique seat trims.

The EL also brought the re-introduction of the Falcon S, as a special value pack. The extras included Air Conditioning, a six stack CD player, with the stacker located under the passenger seat, ‘S’ pin stripping, and ED XR8 alloy wheels.

The Fairmont and Ghia also introduced a new grill of their own, as well as their own unique wheels. Electric windows were standard on all doors, and new interior trims were added. Automatic climate control was also one of the more luxurious features introduced into the Fairmont as standard. The Ghia received a warmed over engine, the 6 cylinder producing 162kW, a limited slip diff, unique alloys, chrome tip exhaust, plus interior extras that the EF Fairmont Ghia received.

The XR6 wagon was dropped in the EL range, but the sedans did receive a revised rear suspension that made them a lot more stable. The EL XR’s also received a nose job, the front bar had a revised shape with a grill added to reflect the change in the sedan. The EL XR6 produced 164kW, while the XR8 had 170kW standard. The extra weight that the XR8 gained for the slight power increase meant that the early EL XR6’s were more popular than the 8. The changes from the EF included dual exhausts from the front to the back (XR8), new bodykits and spoilers, and smart glass window tinting.

EL Series II

The EL Series II was the last of the E-Series updates. The VT Commodore was introduced halfway through the life of the EL Falcon, and several upgrades were made to compete with it. These included the Sapphire packs and the Falcon S (as previously mentioned). Ford also began using some of the new AU colours, such as Cardinal Red and Oxford Green.

One of the only other notable differences in the series II was to the XR8. Halfway through it’s life, it received the new AU 185kW engine upgrade, which was brought forward to compete with the new VT SS power output of 179kW.

[Commando]

Was this on http://www.eseries.com.au? Could some of the text be altered?

Dave's anal trainspotting:

1 - EB series 1 didn't have glossy door handles
2- EB series 1 Fairmont Ghias came with the digital display, not analogue
3 - EL2 XR8 didn't receive the AU 185kw engine, it still came with E7 heads

Still a great read, whoever wrote it up (Jack? Yourself?) did an awesome job.

[EFFalcon]

Majority of the content was done by Jack i beleive.
i'm just transfering stuff over from eseries.com.au

[Bipolar]

Sweet as. I love reading that stuff.

[Commando]

Well it's great to see all this stuff getting shifted to over here

I suppose more people will see it on these forums than on the website. So what will become of eseries.com.au?

[EFFalcon]

eseries.com.au will become the portal section of this site.
so goto eseries.com.au and you'll end up at http://www.eafalcon.com/portal.php

or similar anyway.

[Commando]

Ahh that's right, I'd forgotten. Damo please insert an emoticon here for "forgotten".

[Damo]

Goooooo the EA!

[gerendasi]

Great read. Kudos to the author

[syko4d]

thats excellent and a good read

i even learnt a lot to

thats excellent whoever wrote deserves a beer

[EFFalcon]

for the record, a majority of the content on the E-Series Site was done by Jack Travis (The creator of the Club)

[landy351]

I worked at Ford Broadmeadows until mid 1993 and saw pilot vehicles code named EA77 ibis project that were later to become the EF Falcon, Also during production EA2 went down the prodution line as an EB, EB went down the line as EC, EB2 went down as ED and ed went down as EE just a little trivia that I thought that I would share.

Mike

[landy351]

I worked at Ford Broadmeadows until mid 1993 and saw pilot vehicles code named EA77 ibis project that were later to become the EF Falcon, Also during production EA2 went down the prodution line as an EB, EB went down the line as EC, EB2 went down as ED and ed went down as EE just a little trivia that I thought that I would share.

Mike

[pHaT`eL]

Great read Although the colours from the AU werent right.

Ford also began using some of the new AU colours, such as Cardinal Red and Oxford Green.

Cardinal was on ED's wasnt it? Maybe Regency or Sparkling Burgandy?

Mocha Foam was an AU colour?

[BROCKYB8]

No info about some of the special models loike svo or brocks, also i believe ythere were some moffet ones and djr ones too

[Sundeep]

Yeah there were Brocky. There was also EL Ghia for sale and you were interested but you weren't

[wicksy]

how do we find out about build numbers??

[CaRtZ]

might i suggest an options thread in addition to this one? this is all awesome info and i think if people know what was avalible for there cars when they were manufactured it would be a great help to keep the beloved e-series on the road ie springs, shocks, brakes, interiors so on and so forth...

[Kyle the ED4LTR]

Who was president of Ford Australia after Nasser?

[dandaman]

I have a 03/92 EB Fairmont Series 1. It was factory fitted with a 4 litre. I was told this is rare???

Is this true? I have no idea. Some one said that it may have been towards the end of the series1 run and they run out of engines??

[edfairmont4.0]

Was this on http://www.eseries.com.au? Could some of the text be altered?

Dave's anal trainspotting:

1 - EB series 1 didn't have glossy door handles
2- EB series 1 Fairmont Ghias came with the digital display, not analogue
3 - EL2 XR8 didn't receive the AU 185kw engine, it still came with E7 heads

Still a great read, whoever wrote it up (Jack? Yourself?) did an awesome job.

MY Eb Series 1 did come with glossy door handles, it was the last month of the series 1 i believe...there was also some other things i cant think of.....my ED fairmont also came in the colour mocha foam it was also the last month of the ED i believe that is in EF/EL only colour.

[impraven]

Something interesting that I stumbled across when I owned my NA SVO and was looking for some details about it is some information about the NB fairlane. There were very few made but they do exist. Here is some guys write up on his: http://www.trueblueford.com/RossNBfairlane.html

On this topic it lead me to wikis writeups, all which are a good read!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(Australia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Fairlane_(Australian)

[edfairmont4.0]

that is interesting alright! might go check if my ED is an EC

[SnyperEB]

Great Read John!

[Troutman]

Cheers all, there are a few errors (eg the lap/sash rear centre belt was a '93 EB thing, not ED as stated; at the time you didn't get the feature even on a BMW 7 series or a Lexus LS400) but the basics are there. My source for pretty much all that I wrote was various Wheels magazine articles from when the various models were launched.

Cheers to John for giving me the credit/blame for the original site content.

-Jack

[EFFalcon]

You did well Jack

[EDXR61994]

With regards to Cardinal Red my EBII Fairmont 1993 model is Cardinal Red. I spoke to my local ford Dealer and gave them the Vin number and they looked it up for me cause I wasn't aware what the colour was called.

[WILDEB]

EB Series 1's didn't have glossy door handles