Ford Falcon (EA)
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The Ford Falcon (EA) is a
full-size car Full-size car—also known as large car—is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars. It is the largest size class for cars. In the United Kingdom, this class is referred to as ...
that was produced by
Ford Australia Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited (known by its trading name Ford Australia) is the Australian subsidiary of Automotive industry in the United States, United States–based automaker Ford Motor Company. It was founded in 1925 as an Austral ...
from 1988 to 1991. It was the first iteration of the fifth generation of the
Falcon Falcons () are birds of prey in the genus ''Falco'', which includes about 40 species. Some small species of falcons with long, narrow wings are called hobbies, and some that hover while hunting are called kestrels. Falcons are widely distrib ...
and also included the Ford Fairmont (EA)—the luxury-oriented version.


Development

The result of a development program, the EA Falcon bore a passing resemblance to the European
Ford Scorpio The Ford Scorpio is an executive car Executive car is a British term for a large car, and is considered equivalent to the European E-segment and American full-size classifications. Executive cars are larger than compact executive cars (a ...
. However under the skin, it remained an entirely Australian design, and is credited as the first Falcon model to employ
wind tunnel A wind tunnel is "an apparatus for producing a controlled stream of air for conducting aerodynamic experiments". The experiment is conducted in the test section of the wind tunnel and a complete tunnel configuration includes air ducting to and f ...
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 had proven to be a successful strategy during the preceding decade; as the
1979 oil crisis A drop in oil production in the wake of the Iranian revolution led to an energy crisis in 1979. Although the global oil supply only decreased by approximately four percent, the oil markets' reaction raised the price of crude oil drastically ...
eased, the XE and XF model Falcons had become Australia's top-selling car, overtaking their key rival, the compact
Holden Commodore The Holden Commodore is a series of automobiles that were sold by now-defunct Australian manufacturer Holden from 1978 until 2020. They were manufactured from 1978 to 2017 in Australia and from 1979 to 1990 in New Zealand, with production of ...
. In addition, Ford's dominance of the
taxi A taxi, also known as a taxicab or simply a cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a Driving, driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of thei ...
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. A centre high-mount stop light (CHMSL) was added late in Series I production as it was mandated by 1 July 1989.


Engines and transmissions

The EA series brought heavily updated inline six engines of single
overhead camshaft An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine in which the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combustio ...
(OHC) design to the Ford Falcon, replacing the long-running pushrod
overhead valve An overhead valve engine, abbreviated (OHV) and sometimes called a pushrod engine, is a piston engine whose valves are located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with flathead (or "sidevalve") engines, where the v ...
(OHV) 3.3 and 4.1 litre units. All engines were now equipped with electronic fuel injection utilising the corporate Ford EEC-IV engine management system, inclined valve alloy heads and a low profile intake manifold lowering the engine height. Three engine choices were initially offered: * a 3.2 litre EFI engine using throttle body injection (TBI), also known as central fuel injection (CFI) * a 3.9 litre EFI engine also using throttle body injection * a 3.9 litre MPEFI engine using multi-point or port fuel injection The base 3.2-litre EFI gave at 4000 rpm and at 3250 rpm. This engine was standard on GL models, although relatively few were sold and many owners of the 3.2 litre found lacklustre torque and the resultant driving behaviour caused increased fuel consumption versus the 3.9. Following the introduction of the new full-sized VN Holden Commodore in August 1988, which featured a 3.8 litre V6 as the base engine, Ford quietly discontinued the now-uncompetitive 3.2 litre engine by the end of that year. Initially a $384 extra cost option on the $20,014 base price of the Falcon GL, and standard on Falcon S and Fairmont, the 3.9-litre EFI (commonly referred to as the CFI or TBI engine) gave significantly higher output, with of power at 4250rpm and of torque at 3250 rpm. It featured the same 91.86 mm bore as the 3.2, but stroke increased from 79 mm to 99.31 mm. It used the same TBI as the 3.2-litre. Standard on Fairmont Ghia and optional across the range was the multi-point injection (commonly referred to as "MPEFI") 3.9-litre. This utilised port injection along with a low profile intake manifold to increase outputs to at 4250 rpm and at 3500 rpm. The option was signified on vehicles by a "3.9 Multipoint" badge on each front fender behind the wheel arch was silver, except on Falcon S where it was red. On Falcon GL models the fitment of 215/65R14 tyres in place of either 185/75R14 (sedan) or 195/75R14 (wagon) tyres was also linked to the MPEFI option. All 30th Anniversary EA Falcons used a winged Falcon badge in the same fender location regardless of engine option, causing there to be no obvious MPEFI identification. A five-speed
BorgWarner BorgWarner Inc. is an American automotive and Electric vehicle, e-mobility supplier headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. As of 2023, the company maintains production facilities and sites at 92 locations in 24 countries, and generates revenu ...
''T50D'' fully synchronised manual and BorgWarner ''
M51 M51 or M-51 may refer to: * M-51 (Michigan highway), a state highway in Michigan * M51 highway (Russia) * M51 (Cape Town), a Metropolitan Route in Cape Town, South Africa * M51 Skysweeper, an anti-aircraft gun * M51 MACI mine * M51 SLBM, a Frenc ...
'' three-speed
automatic transmission An automatic transmission (AT) or automatic gearbox is a multi-speed transmission (mechanics), transmission used in motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving conditions. The 1904 ...
were offered, however the latter was replaced by a four-speed '' M85LE'' in the Series II range. The initial four-speed automatics suffered poor reliability with loss of drive common within the first .
Noise, vibration, and harshness Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), also known as noise and vibration (N&V), is the study and modification of the noise and vibration characteristics of vehicles, particularly cars and trucks. While noise and vibration can be readily measured, ...
expertise later found the issue to be destructive
harmonics In physics, acoustics, and telecommunications, a harmonic is a sinusoidal wave with a frequency that is a positive integer multiple of the ''fundamental frequency'' of a periodic signal. The fundamental frequency is also called the ''1st harm ...
within the transmission and this was remedied with the transmissions later being highly regarded for reliability when properly maintained. Ford would often meet repair costs for these transmissions post-warranty on a goodwill basis. Until the fix, taxi owners would continue to fit reconditioned three-speed ''M51'' automatics to these cars, until the bell housing design was finally changed in later models preventing this practice.


Suspension and chassis

The EA carried over significant parts of the prior X series Falcon platform to save costs. Rear suspension on the sedans continued with the coil spring live axle located by upper and lower unequal length trailing arms, and a transverse
Watt's linkage A Watt's linkage is a type of mechanical linkage invented by James Watt in which the central moving point of the linkage is constrained to travel a nearly straight path. Watt's described the linkage in his patent specification of 1784 for the ...
. The Watt's linkage had its centre pivot mounted to the differential housing carrying over the roll centre movement compromise from the XE Falcon of 1982. All wagons carried over the leaf spring suspension of prior Falcons, chosen for their performance in fleet applications including load carrying. The biggest change for the EA series was the introduction across all models and body types of a new front architecture comprising rack and pinion steering with new front suspension utilising the short and long arm long spindle (SLALS) pseudo double wishbone design. This allowed for longer shocks, optimised ball joint location, improved geometry control, and dramatically improved front end response over the XF Falcon. Standard suspension was fitted to all Falcon and Fairmont models. The Falcon S lowered ride height by and increased spring and shock rates with larger stabiliser bars. An optional Country Pack suspension offered increased ride height compared to the standard suspension and typically came with enhanced underbody protection including a sump guard. Brakes were the same across the range using a hub integrated (i.e. not a hat rotor) front ventilated disc design of 287 mm and single piston callipers sliding on the hub carrier. The rear used solid discs also at 287 mm and the rear callipers carried over the Ford handbrake system using a threaded piston applying the handbrake cable forces to the rear disc pads.


Model range

The EA series was available in four model variants: * Falcon GL sedan and wagon * Falcon S sedan and wagon * Fairmont sedan and wagon * Fairmont Ghia sedan and wagon No commercial vehicle variants of the EA were developed and the existing XF Falcon
utility In economics, utility is a measure of a certain person's satisfaction from a certain state of the world. Over time, the term has been used with at least two meanings. * In a normative context, utility refers to a goal or objective that we wish ...
and
panel van A panel van, also known as a delivery van (United Kingdom), blind van, car-derived van or sedan delivery (United States), is a small cargo vehicle with a passenger car chassis, typically with a single front bench seat and no side windows behind ...
both continued in production alongside the EA passenger vehicles.


Series II

Launched in October 1989, the Series II brought with it a four-speed automatic transmission, and could be distinguished via body-coloured, rather than black 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 LTD, and even the utility and panel van variants, which continued with the older XF architecture. ;30th Anniversary Released in October 1990 the 30th Anniversary commemorative models were identified by a 30th Anniversary winged badge on each front fender. These vehicles carried the vast majority of the technical updates of the EB Falcon. File:1991 Ford Falcon (EA II) GL 30th Anniversary sedan (2015-06-03) 02.jpg, Falcon GL 30th Anniversary sedan (Series II) File:1990 Ford Falcon (EA II) S sedan (17741702339).jpg, Falcon S sedan (Series II) File:1990 Ford Fairmont (EA II) Ghia sedan (2015-07-14) 02.jpg, Fairmont Ghia sedan (Series II) File:1990 Ford Fairmont (EA II) Ghia sedan (2015-07-14) 01.jpg, Fairmont Ghia sedan (Series II)


Production and replacement

Production of the EA series had totalled 223,612 vehicles at the time of its replacement by the facelifted Ford Falcon (EB) in 1991.


Aftermarket performance models

Due to the absence of a V8 engine and high performance model, the EA attracted significant interest from the Australian aftermarket industry hoping to gain Ford's approval for a factory backed model. These included: *Brock B8 *Advanced Induction Technology ("AIT") offering intercooled turbo kits sold through many Ford dealers *EA SVO *APV SR3900 *EA TSS *DJR EA Falcon *Phase Autos HO Phase 7 *EA AVO Brock B8 Australian racing identity
Peter Brock Peter Geoffrey Brock (26 February 1945 – 8 September 2006), known as "Peter Perfect", "The King of the Mountain", or simply "Brocky", was an Australian motor racing driver. Brock was most often associated with Holden for almost 40 years, al ...
formed Austech Automotive Developments to produce a selection of vehicles based on the S and Fairmont Ghia models. All Brock EA 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 reprofiled camshaft, ECU tuning and modification to the induction and exhaust systems. A suspension upgrade was also performed, improving handling and ride quality. File:1989 Ford EA Falcon S Brock B8 sedan (7708289246).jpg, Ford EA Falcon Brock B8 sedan File:1989 Ford EA Falcon S Brock B8 sedan (7708289972).jpg, Ford EA Falcon Brock B8 sedan File:1989 Ford EA Brock B8 Falcon S (6058649734).jpg, Ford EA Falcon Brock B8 build plate Advanced Induction Technology ("AIT") One of the premium offerings for the EA Series was the offering of intercooled turbo kits sold through many Ford dealers. The kit used a front mount intercooler fed by extra air vents in the bumper, turbocharger, extra injectors and was signified by a build plate and instrumentation markings. EA SVO 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-inch 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 than a specific model, an 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 An Australian turbocharging company, AVO, built up a turbocharged EA falcon that held the world record for the fastest caravan tow, at .


Motorsport

Kent Youlden won the
Australian Production Car Championship The Australian Production Car Championship is an Australian motor racing title for production car racing, production cars. The championship was first contested in 1987 and from 2008 to 2015 the title was awarded to the most successful driver in th ...
in both
1990 Important events of 1990 include the Reunification of Germany and the unification of Yemen, the formal beginning of the Human Genome Project (finished in 2003), the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the separation of Namibia from South ...
and
1991 It was the final year of the Cold War, which had begun in 1947. During the year, the Soviet Union Dissolution of the Soviet Union, collapsed, leaving Post-soviet states, fifteen sovereign republics and the Commonwealth of Independent State ...
driving an EA Falcon.


See also

*
Ford Falcon (XF) The Ford Falcon (XF) is a full-sized car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1984 to 1988. It was the third iteration of the fourth generation of the Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (XF)—the luxury-oriented version. Between 1 ...
– Utility pickup and panel van of the Falcon line running concurrently with the EA series sedans and wagons


References


External links

{{Ford Falcon EA Cars of Australia Cars introduced in 1988 1980s cars 1990s cars EA Falcon Sedans Station wagons Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Cars discontinued in 1991