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General Comment: EF Falcon GLi
(back to
INDEX)
After six years of cars that looked exactly like a EA Falcon,
you can understand the market's keen-ness to see something new and fresh from
Ford - and the EF didn't disappoint. With almost every component new or
significantly revised - this car was not only new, it drove like it
too.
Model differentiation became a whole new ball-game with the
EF, and in many ways Ford only got away with it because the GLi and Futura
looked so damned good. In a controversial move, Ford copied the US
Thunderbird and many others in deleting the grill altogether - which was a bit
too much for the overly conservative Aussie market at the time. -
Which is unfortunate, since the grill-less style was (and still is) a personal
favourite of mine, sharing it's heritage with the likes of the VL series 2
Group A Commodore (dare I say it here!). As a result, Ford would
bring back the grill only 2 years later with the EL - albeit a very small
one...
Despite this, the EF GLi makes for a particularly
attractive package for the modifier or family buyer alike - as
shown on our
EF
Visitors Cars page and providing levels of strength only seen in much more
expensive European makes - especially when compared to the Commodore.
However, the Falcon's main safety advantage was not visible to most - being in
the form of an extremely strong body shell that saw it still tipping the
scales at over 200kg more than the relevant Commy.
It takes very little to make a EF GLi look a
million bucks, thanks to it's new styling and copious amounts of painted items -
as well as some very attractive factory options including a sweet factory
designed body kit and Tickford 16" wheels. Interior wise, it missed
out on some minor items having wind up windows in all four positions as well as
a lack of map pockets in the doors - both of which can be easily retrofitted and
were available on the options list at the time. The lack of ABS and cruise
control however should be taken more seriously if these are on your 'highly
desirable' list of things to get - with the Futura making more sense for
somebody so inclined.
GM direct rival: VR Commodore
Executive.
Current Condition &
Buying Tips:
Due to the paint technologies Ford used and longevity of the Falcon's
interior materials, it is possible for a lemon to look quite good. With
reduced resales having eroded people's willingness to spend money on
maintenance, watch out for and avoid cars that have a plethora of things wrong
with them as the owner has most likely skimped on other things as
well.
Unfortunately the EF Falcon GLi - like every entry-model before it - is doomed
to be relegated to the list of 'least desirable' simply due to it's relative
positioning within the EF range. Hence, it is also the most likely of
the EF Falcons to have been physically abused by uncaring previous
owners. Avoid cars that look like they've been trashed and be prepared
to pay a little extra & spend a little more time, looking for owners who
have looked after their car like it should have been - which often means
looking for an elderly owner or similarly fastidious person. Their
passion for the car should show easily as they walk you round it - as well as
in the overall general condition. Pay particular attention to coolant
condition, presence and change routines - as well as gearbox condition as
these are both particular weak points for any pre-AU OHC Falcon 6 / 4 speed
auto.
There is no doubting the EF Falcon
GLi - like every EF model - ain't getting any younger! Subsequently
the advice is buyer beware as a second rate example can quickly set you back more
than the car is worth with head gasket and gearbox repairs

Above: The EF Futura differed little
externally from the GLi - body coloured mirrors & bumper inserts were
about the only truly noticeable external features. Examples such as this
kitted out with Tickford's optional body-kit from the factory were extremely
rare when they were new - even more so now (the GLi being no exception to the
rule!)
Collectability:
Nobody should be fooled - while the EF Falcon GLi is extremely unlikely to
become collectable so-to-speak - with time (maybe many decades) - it will
eventually become quite rare compared to much more lavishly equipped Futura,
Fairmont & XR models and will be the first variant to suffer significant
deterioration. However, do not expect this to translate into
increased resale values, with the greatest interest being in it's curiosity
value alone especially for those models optioned up from the factory!
However, if you want a EF GLi that will be talked about long
into the future, look for one with a factory fitted 5.0L V8, sunroof, manual
gearbox, body kit, sports suspension or 16" wheels - with the rarest
containing all of the above items! While relatively few made it out of
the factory in this guise, factory-exec & ex-employee cars were the most
likely to have received the treatment adding even more to the curiosity
factor...let's hope enough of them get preserved to let future generations see
just how attractive this car can be!
RRP when new: $25,594 (sedan, 4.0L 5 speed manual)
E F
Falcon GLi vs. ED Falcon GLi:
-
Significantly revised 4.0L six
cylinder engine. Details under the 'engine'
section.
-
Move to 15" wheels standard
with revised hubcap design.
-
New design optional 15"
& 16" alloy wheels.
-
Small reduction in turning
circle - 10.9m vs. ED @ 11.0m.
-
Body coloured exterior door
handles.
-
Body coloured front and rear
bumpers except insert mouldings.
-
Optional air
bag compatible 'Smart Bar' (or bull bar to you and me) - a World first.
The TBF challenge:
While these were the 'official' specifications listed by Ford for the EF Falcon
GLi, the occasional 'escapee' did get out with things that were not
supposed to be available - fitted from new! If you think you have such a
car, we want to hear about it - and encourage you to post details HERE...
(back to
INDEX)

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ENGINES :
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Six Cylinder (standard):
4.0 litre SOHC (single
over head cam) inline 6 cylinder:
(items
changed since the ED Falcon are listed in purple)
- 157kW @ 4900 rpm.
- 357Nm @ 3000 rpm.
- Bore & Stroke -
92.26 x 99.3mm.
- Compression Ratio -
9.3:1
- Multi point sequential
fuel injection
controlled by EEC 5 (ECU).
- Distributorless
electronically controlled ignition system.
- Coil pack replacing
single coil.
- Fuel required: regular
unleaded petrol.
- Alloy cylinder head.
- Cast iron block.
- 12 (fully)
counterweighted crankshaft.
- Alloy rocker cover (new
design).
- Pressed steel sump.
- Dual resonance intake
manifold.
- Serpentine accessory
drive belt for quietness & reliability.
-
Twin electric thermo-fans.
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 |
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Vee Eight (optional):
Optional 5.0L V8:
- OHV push-rod
vee-eight, cast-iron block & cylinder heads.
- 2 valves per cylinder.
- Power: 165kW @ 4500 rpm.
- Torque: 388Nm @3000 rpm.
- Displacement: 4942cc.
- Bore x Stroke - 101.6 x
76.2mm.
- Compression Ratio -
9.0:1.
- Fuel System - Multi-point
SEQUENTIALLY operated fuel injection
controlled by EEC
5
(ECU).
Fuel Type - Regular ULP.
Pressed steel rocker
covers & sump.
Micro-vee (serpentine)
accessory drive belt.
Twin electric
thermo-fans.
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|
Six cylinder option
- Factory fitted LPG:
Tickford Fitted LPG (available from the
factory on six cylinder auto only).
- Developed jointly by Ford and
TVE (Tickford Vehicle Engineering)
- Fully integrated dash mounted fuel
change over switch.
- Dual system fuel
guage.
- Reliable 'petrol always' starting
system.
- Completely compatible with Ford's 'Smartlock'
security system (including engine immobiliser).
- The only factory fitted and warranted
system for the EF Falcon.
- NOTE: due
to the need for petrol starting, it is necessary to always
keep a minimum of a quarter of a tank of petrol avialable
at all times. Regular running on petrol (once a
week) will keep this fresh as well as keeping the
injectors clear and trouble free.
Ensure the petrol
is cycled regularily (used & refilled) to keep fuel
from going 'off' and damaging petrol running systems.
To avoid petrol pump damage, never allow the vehicle
to run on LPG with an empty petrol tank as this will cause
the petrol pump to burn out.
|
 |
* FORUM:
What engine issues have you had with your
EF / EL Falcon and how have you solved them? Discuss it here !
* FORUM: How satisfied have you been with your
EF / EL 4.0L's performance & economy? Discuss it here!
* FORUM: What has been the most effective modification done to your
EF / EL Falcon's motor? Discuss it here!
* FORUM: Been
able to wake up Ford's lazy 5.0L? What did you do & what effect
has it made...
* FORUM:
Falcon engines on LPG, what have been your experiences (good or bad)?
Discuss it here!
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD - TBF
Engine & Ancillaries FORUM
&
The
TBF LPG FORUM (log
in required)
(back to
INDEX)
|


GEARBOX & DRIVELINE:
Gearbox:
- 5 speed manual std on both sedan and
wagon.
- Cable actuated clutch.
- Overdrive 5th gear.
- 1600kg rated maximum towing limit.
- NOT available behind 5.0L V8 in GLi.
- 4 speed automatic
standard
including:
- electronically controlled.
- Lock up torque converter.
- Normal & Economy modes with mode
indicator light on dashboard.
- Overdrive 4th gear.
- Gearbox oil cooler recommended for
towing.
- 1200kg standard towing capacity -
can be increased to 2300kg with the appropriate towing hitch,
transmission oil cooler.
- Standard 100,000km service
intervals, OR 50,000km if towing regular or heavy loads (dependant
on the condition of the transmission, this may be required more
often than this.
Column
shift four-speed auto available however only available when ordered
in combination with front bench seat and then only on 4.0L six
cylinder. Cruise control not available with this
option.
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Differential:
- 3.23:1 diff ratio for both 6 and 8 cyl except 4.0L auto sedan which was 3.08:1.
- A Limited Slip
Differential was available from new as an extra-cost option.
* FORUM:
Considering a ratio change or been there, done that? Which ratio works best for you? Discuss it here!
* FORUM:
How do you rate Ford's factory LSD? Have you had any work done on yours & how much did it cost?
Discuss it here!
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD -
The TBF
Drive Train FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
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SAFETY:
- Driver's Air Bag standard.
- Passenger's Air Bag optional in EF
series 2.
- Front Intertia reel seat belts with
"belt lockers" to minimise payout of set belt webbing in
extreme conditions.
- Rear inertia reel seat belts for all
passengers (sedan).
- Rear interia reel seat belts on
outside seating positions and adjustable rear center lap belt for
center position (wagon).
- Child proof rear door locks
|
- Standardised child seat anchorage
bolt fitted.
- Plastic fuel tank fitted to sedan -
will deform in an accident rather than splitting. Pressure
& impact tested to far above what a normal steel petrol tank
can withstand.
- Best in class roof crush strength.
- Optional fire extinguisher -
includes mounting bracket.
- Single note horn standard.
- Dual tone air horns optional (dealer
fitted accessory).
|
Below: Amongst the biggest safety
upgrades for EF was the inclusion of a driver's airbag standard - the
passenger's airbag did not become an option until series II - and required
a different dash shell to be fitted making this a difficult fitment item
if chosen to be done after the vehicle left the factory.

* FORUM:
What has been your experience in the best tyres for your Falcon?
* FORUM:
Ever had a serious 'out' in a EF or EL Falcon? How do you
feel it performed in regards to occupant protection?
Add your comments here!
(back to
INDEX)
.
|

BODY:
- Body coloured exterior door handles.
- Body coloured front and rear bumpers except insert mouldings.
- Optional air bag compatible 'Smart Bar' (or bull bar to you and me) - a World first.
- Optional form fitted front and rear mudflaps.
- Remote boot lid release.
- Remote fuel filler door release
- Improved side impact protection - 30%
ahead of ADR 29 and partly responsible for the ED's overall weight
increase.
- Improved roof crush protection (carried
over from EBII) via epoxy resin reinforcement of both A & B pillars
and thicker front and side glass - now able to withstand a 3
tonne load.
- Body VIN codes permanently marked on
major body components.
- Optional Tickford fitted body styling kit which included styled front, side & rear skirts as well as a boot mounted spoiler with integrated high mounted stop light - sedan only.
- Optional separate
boot mounted spoiler with integrated high mounted stop light - sedan
only (independent of body kit).
- Optional clear plastic bonnet leading
edge protector to guard against stone chips.
- Kerb weight: 1536kg (sedan), 1600kg
(wagon).
- A 5 year perforation
corrosion warranty was included with each new EF Falcon at the time.
Needless to say - very few people needed to use it, however with
age rust is starting to be a concern in some cars & caution should
be taken when purchasing.

Above: Showing the Falcon's
inherent internal strengths via side intrusion beams, linked front and
rear crumple zones. Shown also are airbag inflation - including the
optional passenger mounting position.
*
FORUM:
What
detail observations (other than the obvious styling related ones) have you
made on the differences between the ED & EA, EB? Ever bought
something off of one of these models thinking 'it should be the same' but
isn't? Add your experience HERE!
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD -
The
TBF Body & Chassis FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
.
|

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
| Exterior
(mm)
Overall
length
Overall height
Overall width
Wheelbase
Front track
Rear track
Front overhang
Rear overhang
Kerb weight |
Sedan
4906
1453
1861
2791
1566
1547
919
1196
1536kg |
Wagon
5042
1529
1856
2923
1566
1547
919
1201
1600kg |
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD -
The
TBF Body & Chassis FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
.
|

IDENTIFICATION / APPEARANCE:
-
No grill - features a blank panel with a Ford oval
mounted in the middle.
-
Black body side protection mouldings and bumper
inserts.
-
Grey number plate & reversing light surround on
GLi station wagons.
-
Black exterior rear view mirrors.
-
Black licence plate lamp (sedan only).
-
New front bumper, including 'Thunder Grey' (that's
black to you and me) brake
ducts, grill deleted.
-
Front bumper protection strips removable.
-
New unique bonnet to the GLi / Futura.
-
Unique 'EF' Falcon badge lettering style.

* FORUM:
Did we miss
anything? Add it HERE!
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD -
The
TBF Body & Chassis FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
.
|

VISION / WINDOWS:
- Wind-up windows in all 4 positions.
- Front power windows optional (with consol mounted switches).
- 'Ceramic Grey' (unpainted black plastic)
electrically adjustable fold away exterior rear view mirrors.
- Wide angle left hand rear view mirror.
- Prismatic day/night interior rear view
mirror.
- Twin dual jet windscreen washers.
- Two speed front windscreen wipers with intermittent
setting (fixed delay period) and demand wipe feature giving one-touch
control for single sweep wiping..
- Rear fixed intermittent wiper with demand wash/wipe and auto wiper (via twist knob on end of wiper shaft) activated when in reverse gear and front wipers operating on wagon.
- Rear window demist with timed automatic
off feature.
- Rear glass graduated sun shade band for EF2.
- Vinyl covered sunvisors.
- Tinted laminated windscreen with dark tinted band
at top.
- Factory tinted side and rear glass.
- 3mm side glass.
- A "German manufactured"
sunroof was available as an extra cost
option when new featuring tilt vent operation as well as full
retraction slide away - also included was an automatic pop-up wind
deflector.
- Optional "Aero Profile" rear
sunshade constructed of dark grey translucent acrylic.
- Optional twin louver front exterior
sunvisor - same as used right back to EA.
- Optional interior mounted rear window louvres (semi gloss black, powder coated steel) for sedan or wagon.
- Optional exterior mounted rear window louver (black plastic) avialable in sedan only.
- Optional front side weather shields in
clear acrylic.
- Optional Wagon dust deflector (fitted to
top of tail gate) - made of dark grey translucent acrylic, designed to
scoop air off of the roof down onto the tail gate helping prevent dust
from accumulating on the rear window & obscuring vision.
|

Above: Front
and rear sunshades, the front having done service since the EA!
|
|
Below:
EF GLi sedan showing optional rear window louver (external), front
weather shields & carry bars.

*
FORUM: What tint
level do you have, which company did you use & how satisfied have you
been with it? Add your experiences here!
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD - The
TBF Body & Chassis FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
|
|

LIGHTS:
- Polycarbonate halogen headlamps with
integrated indicator and park lamps (overall shape of light has been
changed from ED - previously with a glass lense). - This change
not only brought with it significant weight savings, but removed the
need for head light protectors due to the new polycarbonate lenses
near on shatter proof construction.
WARNING: fitment of brighter higher wattage headlight globes may
damage the lenses of these headlights, yellowing or melting the
polycarbonate lenses depending on how hot they get.
- New tail lights (sedan) with clear
lenses replacing the ED's amber indicators & reverse lights
incorporated into tail lamp assembly itself - rather than mounted on
the boot lid as in the ED.
- High mounted stop light.Black licence
plate lamp (sedan only).
- Plastic headlight protectors optional -
despite the pointlessness of them due to the new headlight lenses
- High mounted auxiliary stop light on
both sedan and wagon.
- NOTE Special 'towing' turn-signal
flasher fitted to vehicles fitted with tow-bar.

* FORUM: How do you
rate the EF Falcon's headlights, and what have you done to upgrade them?
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD - TBF
tech &
The
TBF Interior and Electronics FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
.
|

SECURITY:
- Optional Car Alarm (dealer fitted
option) incorporated into Smart Lock system.
- "Smart Lock" electronic immobilization
and remote-keyless entry system standard.
- Smart lock flashing symbol on dash board when ignition is turned off.
- Central locking including wagon
tailgate lock / unlock.
- 'Tibbe' high security locking system on
doors, ignition lock, and boot lid.
- Recessed door lock buttons.
- 'Strengthened' steering column lock
housing.
- Lockable glove box (low security - as it
is
only as good as it's plastic lid)
- Body VIN codes permanently marked on
major body components.
- Optional smart-lock integrated car
alarm.
* FORUM:
Have you ever had
a late model Falcon, Fairlane or LTD broken into or stolen? How did
they gain entry, and what was broken / stolen?
Right:
Standard Falcon remote & Tibbe key.
(back to
INDEX)
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 |
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INSTRUMENTATION:
- Smart lock flashing symbol when ignition
is turned off.
- Service interval indicator.
- Normal/Economy mode auto transmission
indicator light.
- Optional Trip Computer - calculates
distance to empty, average speed, average fuel consumption etc.
- INSTRUMENTATION includes Speedometer
(km/h), Odometer, Trip Meter, Fuel Level, Water Temperature &
Tachometer standard.
- AUDIBLE WARNING CHIMES: low fuel, lights
on, high coolant temperature
and turn signal.
- Trip Computer available as an option featuring fuel
consumption figures, distance to empty, average speed & time
display.
* FORUM:
Have you had any
problems with your EF Falcon's instrument cluster & how did you
overcome it?
* FORUM:
List your custom modifications here! How
did you do it & what did you do?
* FORUM: How do you rate the accuracy of your Falcon's
instrument cluster? |
- Warning lights:
- High beam.
- Rear window demister on.
- Turn signal / hazard lights on.
- Alternator failure.
- Lights on.
- Park brake on.
- Brake failure.
- Seat belt reminder (set on timer,
every time you start the vehicle).
- ABS test lamp - where fitted (comes
on when you start the car while the ABS does a self test - remains
on if a problem is found).
- Air bag test lamp.
- High temperature.
- Service Interval exceeded indicator.
- Flashing Smart Lock indicator when
ignition is turned off.
|
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD - TBF
tech &
The
TBF Interior and Electronics FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
.
|

 

DOOR TRIMS, PARCEL SHELF & FLOOR
COVERINGS:
- An entirely new
blended design theme - one where the dash leads into the doors and
consol producing that ultra smooth, organic feel the follows through
the rest of the car and out into the exterior.
- Doors trimmed in vinyl
with 'Circuit' cloth covered insert.
- Optional vynal trim on seats and door
trims - available only in conjunction with the automatic column shift
& Mako Mist interior colours. (In other words, your basic
taxi interior). ONLY available on GLi.
- Door trims moulded to include arm rest -
required to suit manual window winder operation (a different door trim
& arm rest was provided when power windows optioned).
- Black coloured seat
belts.
- No Front Door map
pockets (optional accessory).
- Cloth covered sunvisors with passenger
vanity mirror.
- Moulded cloth covered headlining.
- Carpeted passenger & luggage
compartment floor.
|
.* FORUM: What pieces of
your interior have you had wear first?
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD - TBF
tech &
The
TBF Interior and Electronics FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
|

SEATING:
- New front seats with
anti-submarining technology made by Hendersons Geelong.
- Adjustable (removable) head rests for front seats.
- Adjustable lumbar support for driver and
passenger.
- Seats trimmed in
'Boulevard' cloth with 'Circuit' cloth insert.
- Driver's seat height adjustment
and adjustable thigh support via easy to use thumb-wheels.
- Driver and front
passenger seat infinitely adjustable recline between limitations of
rear seat and steering wheel.
- Driver and front passenger seat manual
fore and aft adjustment.
|
- 60/40 split fold rear seat upright in
both sedan and wagon.
- Optional front center
fold bench seat (only available with column shifted auto). Cruise
control not available with this option.
- Integrated entry-assist overhead grab
handles.
- Map pockets behind seat front seat
uprights.
- Optional vinyl trim
on seats and door trims - available only in conjunction with the
automatic column shift & Mako Mist interior colours. (In
other words, your basic taxi interior).
|

* FORUM:
How do you rate
the comfort & longevity factor of the standard Falcon's seats - front and rear?
Have you had to make any repairs, and if so, what and how much did it
cost?
Related
Pages on TRUEBLUEFORD - TBF
tech &
The
TBF Interior and Electronics FORUM
(back to
INDEX)
.
|
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