Alphabetical INDEX:   INTRODUCTION: General Comment. Current Condition &  Buying Tips. Collectability. ED Futura vs. ED GLi. Audio. Body. Brakes. Cargo. Door Trims, Parcel Shelf & Floor Coverings. Driver Controls. Engine. Exterior Dimensions. Fuel Economy. Gearbox & Driveline. Identification / Appearance. Instrumentation.

Interior Heating & Cooling. Interior Lighting. Interior Storage. Lights. Safety. Seating. Security. Steering. Suspension Towing. Vision / Windows. Wheels & Tyres.

General Comment: ED Falcon Futura                                                                  (back to INDEX)

Introduced after a hiatus of 18 long years, the choice to re-introduce the model name came only after reviewing 186 other possibilities both by Ford and an outside specialist employed for the job.  Ford found by it's research that the name not only appealed to the loyal Ford buyer but also to a younger demographic - and was easily distinguishable from that of 'GLi'.  Still in use today, the Futura nameplate remains a great way to start up the Falcon ladder for those desiring a greater equipment level but not able to reach into say a Fairmont (although now-days, with prices being so depreciated the difference is often only a matter of hundreds of $$$ not thousands) or XR maintaining a much more restrained appearance - yet no less classy.

Hence the Futura remains a great choice second hand - with many of the options included on the harder side to add at a later date, yet adding very little to the amount you'll pay over say a used GLi, but making all the difference when it comes to livability and pleasure of ownership.  With Cruise Control and ABS heading the list of items included standard, safety was and is still a reason for purchasing a Futura - in addition to the Falcon's traditional large-car strengths over smaller vehicles.

With the demise of the 'Falcon S' with the ED, Ford needed something to fill a gaping hole between the GLi and the more upmarket Fairmont - without the overtly sporting nature of the XR6.  For those who appreciated value-for-money inclusions, the Futura gave Ford the right car to combat GM's just released Commodore Acclaim - it's direct rival.

RRP on release: $27,683 for the 4.0 automatic sedan compared to $29,183 for the Acclaim.  However, the Futura missed out on the Acclaim's IRS (no Falcon would be available with IRS before the AU of 1998) and a driver's side air bag.  The Futura however could be had with a 5.0L V8 - unavailable on the Acclaim.

Current Condition & Buying Tips:
There is no doubting the ED Futura - like every ED model - ain't getting any younger!  Subsequently the advice is buyer beware as an abused example can quickly set you back more than the car is worth with head gasket and gearbox repairs - along with some newies (ABS & Cruise) to deal with.  - Not that these two were particularly troublesome, just that if you are buying a Futura for it's extra equipment you had better want to make sure it all still works as you had hoped!

Like the GLi, 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.

Above: The ED Futura could be transformed with the addition of a few factory options - namely the optional 16" wheels, sports lowered suspension & factory body kit including rear spoiler.  Needless to say, cars so-equipped were rare even from the factory so if you find one, hold onto it tightly!

Collectability:
While the ED Falcon Futura will likely never become collectable so-to-speak - with time (maybe many decades) - it will gain curiosity status as most people gravitate towards XRs & Fairmont Ghias!  However, do not expect this to translate into increased resale values.  And just like the GLi, if you want a ED Futura that will be talked about in years to come, look for one with a factory options such as the 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 great this car once was!

• Body coloured door handles & mirrors vs. the GLi's black numbers.

• Availability of 'Black Pearl' paintwork.

• Silver bumper pin-stripe insert vs. grey on GLi.

• Body coloured front bumper lower edge extension.

• Differently styled 'fine-turbine' painted silver hubcaps.

• Demand wash-wipe feature on windscreen wipers (demand wipe only on GLi)

• ABS brakes.

• Cruise Control.

• Full instrumentation pack (four ancillary gauges plus tachometer) with volt meter & oil pressure guage being in addition to that offered by Commodore.

• Digital clock.

• Lamps for ignition lock & map reading.

• 8 speaker Clarion sound system.

• carpeted door map pockets on front doors only.

• full cloth trim (vs. the GLi's vinyl backed & fronted seats) 

Price When NEW:

$27,105 manual 4.0 sedan ($27,683 auto), $29,753 manual 5.0 sedan ($30,331 auto).
$29,319 auto 4.0 wagon (manual or V8 Futura wagon not available).

The TBF challenge: 
While these were the 'official' specifications listed by Ford for it's ED Falcon Futura range, the occasional 'escape' 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....

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ENGINES : Six Cylinder (standard): 4.0L SOHC straight six, cast-iron block, alloy cylinder head. Duplex chain drive / 2 valves per cylinder. Power: 148kW @ 4500 rpm. Torque: 348Nm @3750 rpm. Displacement: 3984cc. Bore x Stroke - 92.26 x 99.3mm. Compression Ratio - 8.8:1. Fuel System - Multi-point fuel injection controlled by EEC 4 (ECU). Fuel Type - Regular ULP. Alloy Rocker cover / pressed steel sump. Multi-Vee accessory drive belt. Viscous hub cooling fan. Dual Fuel LPG option (Tickford Fitted) available only on 4.0L auto GLi sedans..not on Futura (according to Ford's brochure anyway) Optional sump guard & removable insect screen on radiator. Vee Eight (optional): 5.0L V8 optional at $2648 extra (while Acclaim offered no such option) - not available on Futura wagon. 5.0L 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 4 (ECU). Fuel Type - Regular ULP. Pressed steel rocker covers & sump. Micro-vee (serpentine) accessory drive belt. Viscous hub cooling fan. Optional sump guard & removable insect screen on radiator. Stainless steel exhaust & chrome tip on V8s. * FORUM: What engine issues have you had with your ED Falcon and how have you solved them? Discuss it here !   * FORUM: How satisfied have you been with your EB / ED 4.0L's performance & economy?  Discuss it here! * FORUM: What has been the most effective modification done to your ED Falcon's motor?  Discuss it here! * FORUM: Falcon engines on LPG, what have been your experiences (good or bad)?  Discuss it here! (back to INDEX)

GEARBOX & DRIVELINE:      Gearbox: 5 speed manual std on both sedan and wagon. Cable actuated clutch. Overdrive 5th gear (0.72:1 for the 6 cyl model, 0.73:1 for the V8) 1200kg rated towing limit. NOT available behind 5.0L V8 in Futura. 4 speed automatic option 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 auto not available in Futura. Right: Ford's own advertising brochures included this picture (being an auxiliary gearbox oil cooler) with these words printed directly underneath:   "Transmission oil cooler.  Helps avoid overheating and possible transmission damage.  Essential for towing with auto transmissions."            You've been warned! * FORUM: Had a good / bad experience with the Falcon's 4 speed auto? Share it here! * FORUM: Thinking of converting from an auto to a manual?  Discuss it here!    Driveshaft: Rear Wheel Drive. Single piece driveshaft. Aluminium tubular construction.  * FORUM: Had a good / bad experience with the Falcon's tail shaft? Share it here!    Differential: 3.27:1 diff ratio for 5 speed manual (both 6 and 8 cyl) and V8 Auto. 3.08:1 diff ratio for 6 cylinder 4 speed automatic. 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! (back to INDEX)

BRAKES :   Power assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Front - 287mm dia ventilated discs.          - cast iron single piston caliper (equalizing sliders). Rear -  287 mm dia solid discs.         -  aluminum single piston caliper with integral             hand brake mechanism. Dash mounted hand brake pull (left side of steering wheel). ABS brakes a $990 option when new. Taking up the 2300kg rated tow-pack also saw heavy-duty brake pads fitted. Right: image showing routing and circuits included when ABS is selected as a option. * FORUM: How have the ED's standard brakes performed to your particular requirements?  Have you been able to make any improvements to them or looking for ideas to uprate them?  Discuss it here! * FORUM: What do you find to be the best performing pads for your particular application? Discuss it here!   (back to INDEX)

 

 

SUSPENSION:  Front: Double control arm with forward reaching tension rod. Heavy guage pressed steel large upper control arm. Drop forged lower control arm. Short / Long Arm, Long Spindle (SLALS) component relationship. Rubber control arm inner pivot bushes. Single rate coil springs. Twin tube telescopic shock absorbers with "coil over" spring / shock absorber mounting design. Stabiliser bar. * FORUM:  Have you been able to improve the ED's suspension in any way? Discuss it here! * FORUM:  What is the most effective mod you've made to your ED Falcon's suspension? Discuss it here! * FORUM:  Found a alignment expert who does wonders for your Falcon or have a particular set of non-factory alignment data that works particularly well?  Share it here! Right: image shows ED front suspension fitted with ED Futura hubcap.   Rear: Sedan: Coil sprung live axil. 4-link via trailing arms. Watts Link. Single rate coil springs. Twin tube telescopic shock absorbers with "coil over" spring / shock absorber mounting design. Stabilizer bar. Rubber trailing arm pivot bushes. Station Wagon: Leaf sprung live axil. Twin tube telescopic shock absorbers. Rubber shackle bushes.  Options: 'Heavy Duty' suspension consisting of heavy duty springs, heavy duty shock absorbers and increased rear ride height (approximately 20mm in sedans, 6mm in wagons).  As part of this package, the rear stabilizer bar was deleted from the sedan!!! A 'Sports Suspension' option was available on ED Falcon sedans (not wagons) including stiffer lower front and rear springs, sports tuned shock absorbers and bushes as well as revised wheel alignment. Air adjustable rear shock absorbers available as an option. * FORUM: How do you rate the Falcon's load carrying ability & how have you improved yours?  Discuss it here! * FORUM: Do your station wagon's leaf springs squeek? If so, what fix have you found for them?  Discuss it here! * FORUM: What experiences have you had with different shock absorber brands &types - which are the best and which are the worst? (back to INDEX)

 

WHEELS & TYRES: Unique silver 'fine-turbine' plastic painted hub-caps, differing from GLi. 14" x 6.0" wide steel wheels standard. P195/75 HR14 steel belt radial ply tyres recommended (standard). 15" x 7" 'new generation' alloy wheels optional - aka XR6. 16" x 7" alloy wheels originally fitted with Michelin P225/50 ZR16 tyres optional on ED Falcon sedans (available only in conjunction with sports suspension option) - NA on wagons due to unavailability of wagon sports suspension when new. Above:  EB / ED optional 16" wheel - only available with sports suspension option. Above:  ED optional 15" alloy wheel (aka XR6).    Above:  standard ED Futura fitment 14" pressed steel wheel and plastic painted hubcaps. * FORUM: What has been your experience in the best tyres for your Falcon? * FORUM: If you have aftermarket wheels fitted, what offsets / widths did you use & how do you rate their functionality? (back to INDEX)

 

 

STEERING : Cruise control as standard meant that the ED Futura & other similar cruise-fitted Falcons missed out in the ED's new look steering wheel, having to make do with the not un-attractve previous steering wheel design. Power assisted rack and pinion steering. Steering column adjustable for rake & reach. MOMO leather covered steering wheel available as an option when new. Minimum turning circles - 11.0m (sedan) or 11.4m (wagon). Right: Due to having cruise control standard, the ED Futura received the old style steering wheel. * FORUM: Have you ever had any problems with your Falcon's steering?  What was it & how did you fix it?  Discuss it here! (back to INDEX) .

 

SAFETY: Childproof rear door locks. ABS brakes standard. Front inertia reel seat belts with lockers. Rear inertia reel seat belts for all passengers in sedans. Rear outboard inertia seat belts for wagon passengers - with adjustable centre lap belt only. Improved side impact protection - 30% ahead of ADR 29. Plastic fuel tank in ED Falcon sedans (resistant to puncturing during an accident or due to metal fatigue - a common VN-VP Commodore fault) Optional cabin fitted hand held fire-extinguisher - including mounting bracket. Optional dual tone air horns. Right:  Belt locker device minimises payout of seat belt webbing under extreme conditions.. * FORUM: What has been your experience in the best tyres for your Falcon?  Discuss it here! * FORUM: Ever had a serious 'out' in a EA, EB or ED Falcon?  How do you feel it performed in regards to occupant protection?  Add your comments here! (back to INDEX) .

 

BODY: Colours Available: Magenta, Polynesian Green, Reef Green, Quartz, Sandstone, Biscayne Blue, Cardinal Red, Platinum, Dynamic White, Le Mans Red, Black Pearl. Colours NOT available from the factory: Stark White, Cobalt Blue. Body coloured front bumper lower edge extension. Metallic paint standard with non-metallic paints available as a no-cost option. 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 pilliars and thicker front and side glass - now able to withstand a 3 tonne load. Kerb weight (kg) - 1490 sedan & 1560 wagon (4.0L GLi / 5 speed manual) - up 45 & 53kg respectively Body VIN codes permanently marked on major body components. Optional body styling kit including side skirts, front and rear bibs attached to the lower extremities of the bumper bars as well as a raised deck lid spoiler - available on sedan only. Optional low-line boot lid spoiler.  Independent of body kit. Optional clear plastic bonnet leading edge protector to guard against stone chips. Above: ED Falcon Futura was also available in station wagon formats. * 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! (back to INDEX) .

 

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:      Exterior (mm) Overall length Overall height Overall width Wheelbase Front track Rear track Front overhang Rear overhang Sedan 4811 1399 1857 2794 1554 1533 878 1139 Wagon 5003 1483 1857 2923 1554 1533 878 1202 (back to INDEX) .

 

IDENTIFICATION / APPEARANCE: Body coloured door handles & mirrors vs. the GLi's black numbers... Silver mist painted sleeve in grill / 'Thunder Grey' centre bar, body coloured surround. Body coloured front and rear bumpers with grey uppers and silver / chrome strip insert (grey on GLi). Dark grey number plate / reversing light enclosure (vs. black for the EB) Smooth vent-less C-pilliar cover in body colour (EA had slotted vent here) Reversing lamps next to the rear number plate (incorporated in the tail lamps in the EA) Body styling kit optional when new.    * FORUM: Did we miss anything?  Add it HERE! (back to INDEX) .

 

VISION / WINDOWS:  Fold-away (to avoid damage) electric remote operated exterior rear view mirrors on each side - gloss black 'as cast' shell. 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 intermittent wiper with demand wash/wipe and auto wiper, activated when in reverse gear with front wipers operating - wagon only. Rear window demist with timed automatic off feature. Rear window (sedan) 'ceramic' sunshade - painted bands at the top standard. Vinyl covered sunvisors. Tinted windscreen with dark tinted band at top. Factory tinted side and rear 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. Sunroof N/A on Falcon wagon. Optional "Aero Profile" rear sunshade constructed of dark grey translucent acrylic. Aerodynamic front windscreen sunshade optional. Exterior fitted rear windscreen louver optional. Optional front side weather shields in clear acrylic. * FORUM:  What tint level do you have, which company did you use & how satisfied have you been with it?  Add your experiences here!   (back to INDEX)

 

LIGHTS:  Glass fronted twin-element headlights - EA/ED headlights were always noted for their exceptional performance vs. both previous & later models - a very real strong point of these models. High mounted auxiliary stop light on both sedan and wagon. Reversing lamps next to the rear number plate (incorporated in the tail lamps in the EA) NOTE Special 'towing' turn-signal flasher fitted to vehicles fitted with tow-bar.   * FORUM:  How do you rate the ED Falcon's headlights, and what have you done to upgrade them? (back to INDEX) .

 

SECURITY:  Optional Car Alarm (dealer fitted option) "Smart Lock" electronic immobilization and remote-keyless entry system. Central locking including tailgate on wagon. 'Tibbe' high security locking system on doors, ignition lock, and boot / tailgate. 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) .

 

INTERIOR HEATING & COOLING: 4-speed fan boosted ventilation with front footwell ducts and rear seat ducts (incorporated into the back of the centre consol). 2 air outlets each side of the dash. 2 air outlets located centrally within the dash. 2 air outlets located within the rear of the center consol in bucket-seat equipped models. Ergonomically located easy-to-reach fan & climate adjust controls right next to steering wheel (LHS). Standard tint in windows (albeit minimal). Air Conditioning Optional (CFC free - change vs. EB) including increased performance vs. previous model Right: The Falcon's conveniently mounted climate control centre included the important words "CFC free" for the first time in Falcon history! * FORUM: What have you had fail on your ED Falcon's heating / cooling system, what did you do to fix it & how much did it cost? (back to INDEX) .

 

AUDIO: Clarion AM/FM stereo inc radio/cassette with: 8 individual speaker elements. joystick fader / balance control. auto reverse. auto scan memory. storage and security code. Digital clock included in radio/cassette unit. Premium Audio Package option available at a then astonishing $1,812 extra when new! Optional electric aerial.   * FORUM:  With such a large range of aftermarket options out there, what did you use in your ED Falcon & how do you rate it?   * FORUM:  How do you rate the Falcon's standard audio system against other vehicles you've driven or owned?   (back to INDEX) .

 

INSTRUMENTATION:  Full instrumentation pack (four ancillary guages plus tachometer) - with volt meter & oil pressure guage being in addition to that offered by Commodore (Acclaim). Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel guage & water temperature guage standard in addition to the above.  High beam, rear window demist on, turn signal / hazard light, alternator fail, lights on, park-brake on and low oil pressure warning lights. Separate Digital clock. Optional Trip Computer featuring fuel consumption figures, distance to empty and average speed. * FORUM: Have you had any problems with your ED 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? (back to INDEX) .

 

DRIVER CONTROLS     (those not already listed under dash):  Cruise Control Standard with steering wheel mounted operation buttons & disengagement whenever brake, clutch or "off" switch are activated. Cruise Control featuring all of the above components was also available at the time for retro-fitting by your local Ford dealer. Driver's left foot rest.   * FORUM: Have you had an aftermarket cruise control unit fitted, and what is your overall opinion of it?   * FORUM: How reliable has the Falcon's Cruise Control been for you, and what fixes have been required? (back to INDEX) .

 

DOOR TRIMS, PARCEL SHELF & FLOOR COVERINGS:  Doors trimmed in vinyl with matching cloth covered armrest insert. Vinyl trim not available on Futura. Vinyl covered sunvisors. Moulded cloth covered headlining. Carpeted passenger & luggage compartment floor.   * FORUM: What pieces of your interior have you had wear first?   (back to INDEX) .

 

SEATING:  Seats trimmed in 'Circuit' cloth with 'Track' cloth insert. Seat backs & skirts trimmed in matching cloth vs. the GLi's use of vinyl in these areas. Driver and front passenger fore and aft seat adjustment & infinitely adjustable recline. Driver's seat features manual lumbar support and seat base height adjustments. 60/40 split fold rear seat upright in both sedan and wagon. Removable, adjustable front head rests. Integrated entry-assist overhead grab handles. Bench front seat not available on Futura. Map pockets behind seat front seat uprights.   * 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? (back to INDEX) .

 

INTERIOR STORAGE: Large centre consol with deep lidded storage bin (padded lid doubles as arm-rest) and two additional open storage pockets. Map pockets behind seat front seat uprights. Carpeted door map pockets on front doors only. 60/40 split fold rear seat upright allowing direct access to the boot in non-LPG fitted sedans. Door mounted rear ashtrays. Illuminated front cigar lighter and ash-tray. Overhead interior coat hooks standard. * FORUM: What interior storage options do you wish your Falcon had that it does not currently? * FORUM: * FORUM: Rate the Falcon's interior storage against other cars you've owned... * FORUM: * FORUM: What interior storage options have you managed to add to increase the functionality of your Falcon's interior? (back to INDEX) .

 

INTERIOR LIGHTING: Illuminated entry system. Additional lamps for ignition lock & map reading. Wagon luggage area overhead lamp. Illuminated front cigar lighter and ash-tray. Illuminated glove-box. * FORUM: Interior lighting provides a great place for you to show your custom flair - what tricks have you used & how much did they cost? * FORUM: Have you had one of those annoying interior lights that keeps on blowing globes?  Which one was it and how did you end up fixing it? (back to INDEX) .

 

CARGO:  Luggage capacity - sedan 453L / wagon 1466L (rear seats up) 2622L (rear seats folded down) Sedan boot lamp. Remote boot lid release on sedans, remote tailgate lock / unlock button on wagons. 60/40 split fold rear seat upright in both sedan and wagon to allow large items to be fitted retaining use of part of the back seat. * FORUM: What's the largest item you've managed to fit into your Falcon without damaging the interior or boot? * FORUM: Cargo wish list - what do you wish your Falcon had that it currently doesn't? (back to INDEX) .

 

TOWING:    Towing Options available when new: 1200kg rated tow pack. 2300kg rated tow pack.   Each 'Tow Pack' consisted of the following: Tow bar. Hitch and / or ball mount. Wiring harness with 'flat' 7-pin electrical connector. Special 'towing' turn-signal flasher. Supplementary transmission cooler (automatic transmissions only) Heavy duty brake pads (where not fitted as standard). Hayman Reese towbar & load distributing hitch for 2300kg kits.   Other Towing related considerations: Despite opinions to the contrary, Ford's own advertising brochures showed pictures of an automatic gearbox auxiliary oil cooler with these words printed directly underneath: "Transmission oil cooler.  Helps avoid overheating and possible transmission damage.  Essential for towing with auto transmissions."  You've been warned! Above: Hayman Reece towbar & load spreader as optional on ED Falcon's 2300kg tow kit. Above: Standard 1200kg tow pack 'tongue'. * FORUM: What towing experiences have you had - good & bad? * FORUM: How do you rate the Falcon's towing ability to other cars you've owned? * FORUM: What sorts of things have you done to improve your Falcon's already impressive towing ability? (back to INDEX) .