Submitted 18/05/2005
Tom's old EL Futura:

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Personal:

Name:

Tom Colahan

Location:

Korumburra / Chadstone VIC

Lazy Sunday Afternoon: sweet and simple sauce!

Username:

tomcolahan

Age(ish):

20


Vehicle:

Year of Manufacture:

1998

Model:

EL Falcon Futura

Body Style:

Sedan

Colour:

Amaretto (Gold)

Specs:

Engine:

4lt Straight Six (Hybrid)

Transmission:

4 Speed Auto

Power:

~165kw

Torque:

~365nm

Brakes:

DBA slotted rotors / Axxis Pads / Reco Calipers

Suspension:

King Spring ‘Lows’, KYB / Monroe Shocks

Wheels:

16” CSA Enforcer II

Tyres:

215/60/16 Yokohama A’Spec

Stereo:

Kenwood Head Unit, Kenwood 6” 2 way front speakers, Kenwood 6x9” rear speakers, Clarion Amp, Clarion 12” Sub

Engine Modifications:

AU XR8 Snorkel, Redback 2.5” Exhaust, Pacemaker Extractors.

Still yet to do a head gasket!!

Interior Modifications:

AU XR8 Perforated Leather steering wheel

Neon green footwell lamps, neon green rear courtesy lamp (all wired into interior light circuit including fade)

Hidden Nokia phone charger

Exterior Modifications:

Darkest legal tint

Body coloured grill (the fin part) coming soon.

Other Modifications:

Narva 55w Driving/Fog Lights

Philips Crystal Vision headlight globes

Other green lights hidden around the place

¼ Mile Times/
Performance:

N/A

The Hybrid story begins...

The EL was bought in March 2003, 2 Months before my 18th Birthday. It was previously owned by my mother’s work, so I had known the car since it was bought new, in April 1998, also meaning that it is a Hybrid EL.

The modification bug bit before I had even acquired the car, with the stereo being bought for the car before it arrived, meaning it was the first thing to go in, with a mate helping me out with the install.

Next was the tint, which improved the stock look no end. This was followed by the alloy wheels, which, due to insurance at the time, could only be 16”. All of this was completed just prior to my 18th birthday, meaning the day I got my license I had a car I was pretty proud of to drive around!

Although like most people, I wasn’t happy with it like this for long, with a Redback 2.5” exhaust fitted to replace the tired factory exhaust. Also the brakes were very soon upgraded to DBA slotted rotors and good pads, as well as fitting KYB shocks all round, making the car a nicer overall car to drive.

Next to go was the standard 4wd ride height, with King ‘low’ springs replacing the stock items, and Monroe shortened rear shocks replacing the KYB’s up back. An AU XR8 snorkel was the next thing fitted, along with an AU XR8 leather steering wheel, much nicer than the standard vinyl one.


Along the way other little things like the Narva 55w driving lights were fitted, along with some more interior lighting and a couple of home made projects like the phone charger.

The only real problems I have had while owning the EL (50,000kms now) is with chronic front brake shudder, although hopefully (fingers crossed) it is now cured. Other than that there has been only routine maintenance, as well as some smaller things like tie-rod ends that have been required to keep her running great.

One thing that this car has definitely taught me is that preventative maintenance is much better than remedial maintenance.

The EL is my only car and therefore is used for absolutely everything, it travels an average of 600kms a week, of which most are highway driving, and does it with ease and in comfort. At this stage plans are to keep the EL for a while yet, as it’s too hard to justify selling it and losing out on the money spent, especially considering I’m still quite happy with it and it is at a stage now where most vital components have been replaced.

The photos here are all from my recent holiday, as they are the only good current ones I have. In the near future when I get a chance I will take some more (including some interior shots etc) and add them.


Ed: Wow! Interesting concept Tom!

We reckon:

This is one EL you probably won't see often: the Amaretto paint is an AU colour, making this EL, with factory AU spec paint, very unique! Can't wait to see some other pics, and we look forward to hearing more! Unfortuantley Tom has since sold his EL to make way for a BA ute. Hopefully we will cover this ride soon

Discuss Tom's EL here!

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