Ford Falcon (EA)

Ford Falcon (EA)
Company type	Automobile model
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Ford Falcon (XF)
Founded	1988
Defunct	1991
Successor	Ford Falcon (EB)
Headquarters	Australia, Australia
Products	Full-size car (sedan and wagon)

The Ford Falcon (EA) represents a full-size car manufactured by Ford Australia between 1988 and 1991. This model introduced the fifth generation of the Falcon lineup and included the Ford Fairmont (EA), which served as its upscale variant.

Development

Conceived through a dedicated development initiative, the EA Falcon was built on a platform designed in Australia, incorporating design elements reminiscent of the European Ford Scorpio. It was the first Falcon to undergo wind tunnel aerodynamic testing. Known internally as EA26 (where E denotes large size and A stands for Australia), it preserved hallmark Falcon features such as its broad dimensions and rear-wheel drive configuration—attributes that contributed significantly to its commercial appeal throughout the 1980s. Earlier iterations like the XE and XF Falcons had established themselves as Australia's top-selling vehicles, outperforming competitors including the compact Holden Commodore.

Ford’s dominance within the Australian taxi industry played a crucial role in shaping the EA’s interior layout, ensuring ample space for three passengers in both rear seating and an optional front bench seat. This design also reinforced Ford’s role as a supplier of official government vehicles until Holden launched the Statesman/Caprice in 1990.

To meet regulatory requirements effective from 1 July 1989, a centre high-mount stop light (CHMSL) was incorporated late in the Series I production run.

Engines and transmissions

The EA series debuted revised inline six-cylinder engines featuring a single overhead camshaft (OHC) design, replacing the previous pushrod overhead valve (OHV) 3.3 and 4.1-litre engines. Each engine was equipped with electronic fuel injection managed by the corporate Ford EEC-IV system, along with inclined valve alloy cylinder heads and a low-profile intake manifold designed to reduce overall engine height.

At launch, three engine variants were available:

3.2 litre EFI employing throttle body injection (TBI), also referred to as central fuel injection (CFI)
3.9 litre EFI utilizing throttle body injection
3.9 litre MPEFI featuring multi-point (port) fuel injection

The entry-level 3.2-litre EFI generated at 4000 rpm and at 3250 rpm. This engine was standard on GL models but experienced limited market success due to its comparatively low torque and higher fuel consumption relative to the 3.9-litre option. Following the August 1988 release of the VN Holden Commodore equipped with a 3.8 litre V6 base engine producing , Ford withdrew the less competitive 3.2-litre unit by year’s end.

The 3.9-litre EFI option, initially priced at $384 on the $20,014 Falcon GL and standard on Falcon S and Fairmont trims, delivered markedly improved performance: at 4250 rpm and at 3250 rpm. It retained the 91.86 mm bore size of the 3.2 but extended stroke length from 79 mm to 99.31 mm while utilizing the same throttle body injection system.

The multi-point fuel-injected (MPEFI) version of the 3.9-litre engine came standard on Fairmont Ghia models and was available as an option across other variants, increasing power output to at 4250 rpm and torque to at 3500 rpm through port injection combined with a low-profile intake manifold design. Vehicles equipped with this engine featured a "3.9 Multipoint" emblem on their front fenders—silver in most cases but red on Falcon S models. On Falcon GL versions, selection of larger 215/65R14 tyres often coincided with opting for MPEFI. The special edition 30th Anniversary EA Falcons displayed a winged Falcon badge in this location regardless of engine type, concealing MPEFI identification.

Transmission choices included a five-speed fully synchronized manual gearbox labeled BorgWarner T50D and a BorgWarner three-speed automatic M51, which was replaced by a four-speed automatic M85LE in Series II.

Initial four-speed automatics were prone to reliability problems, with frequent loss of drive occurring before due to damaging harmonics. These issues were subsequently addressed, resulting in enhanced durability provided regular maintenance was observed; Ford often honored goodwill repairs after warranty expiration. Prior to this resolution, taxi operators commonly retrofitted refurbished three-speed M51 automatics until later model bell housing redesigns rendered this modification impossible.

Suspension and chassis

To minimize expenses, the EA model retained much of the earlier X series Falcon platform.

The sedan's rear suspension continued to utilize a coil spring live axle, positioned by upper and lower trailing arms of unequal length, complemented by a transverse Watt's linkage with its central pivot attached to the differential housing. This setup preserved the roll centre balance first introduced in the 1982 XE Falcon.

For wagons, the leaf spring suspension from previous Falcon models was maintained, favored for its durability in fleet usage and superior load-bearing capabilities.

A significant enhancement across all variants was the adoption of a new front suspension system featuring rack and pinion steering combined with a short and long arm long spindle (SLALS) pseudo double wishbone arrangement. This design permitted longer shock absorbers, optimized ball joint positioning, enhanced geometric control, and notably improved front-end responsiveness compared to the XF Falcon.

All Falcon and Fairmont models came equipped with standard suspension. The Falcon S variant included a lowered ride height by , firmer springs and dampers, plus larger stabilizer bars. An optional Country Pack raised the vehicle's ground clearance and provided underbody protection such as sump guards.

Braking components were consistent throughout the range, consisting of 287 mm front ventilated discs integrated into the hub with single-piston calipers sliding on the hub carrier. The rear brakes employed solid 287 mm discs with calipers that incorporated Ford’s handbrake mechanism, which applied cable tension through a threaded piston system.

Model range

The EA series comprised four distinct model variants:

Falcon GL available as sedan and wagon
Falcon S offered in sedan and wagon forms
Fairmont sedan and wagon configurations
Fairmont Ghia available as sedan and wagon

No commercial body styles were introduced; instead, XF Falcon utilities and panel vans remained in production alongside the EA passenger vehicles.

Series II

Launched in October 1989, the Series II update introduced a four-speed automatic transmission option and replaced the previously black B-pillars with body-colored ones. Although this iteration experienced fewer mechanical problems than Series I, it encountered diminished resale values—a trend similarly observed in the NA Fairlane, DA LTD, and ongoing XF utility and panel van models.

30th Anniversary

Debuting in October 1990, the 30th Anniversary edition featured commemorative winged badges on each front fender and incorporated many technical improvements later standardised in the EB Falcon series.

Production and replacement

A total of 223,612 EA units were manufactured before being succeeded by the updated Ford Falcon (EB) model in 1991.

Aftermarket performance models

Without an available V8 engine or factory high-performance variant, the EA attracted considerable attention from Australia's aftermarket sector seeking Ford endorsement for officially supported versions. Prominent examples included:

Brock B8
Advanced Induction Technology ("AIT") intercooled turbo kits retailed through Ford dealerships
EA SVO
APV SR3900
EA TSS
DJR EA Falcon
Phase Autos HO Phase 7
EA AVO

Brock B8 Produced by Peter Brock’s Austech Automotive Developments, Brock EA Falcons were based on S and Fairmont Ghia models featuring exclusive body kits, 16-inch wheels, and upgraded interiors with bolstered seats covered in model-specific fabrics. Performance upgrades encompassed reshaped camshafts, ECU remapping, modified induction and exhaust systems, plus suspension enhancements aimed at refining handling and ride comfort.

Advanced Induction Technology ("AIT") AIT supplied premium intercooled turbocharger kits via Ford dealers that included front-mounted intercoolers fed through bumper air intakes, turbochargers, additional fuel injectors, along with distinctive build plates marked with instrumentation details.

EA SVO The most successful aftermarket variant with over 1,000 units produced, the EA SVO was developed by racing driver-engineer Mick Webb. It featured ROH 16-inch wheels, Recaro seats, MoMo steering wheels, Bilstein suspension upgrades, engine tuning modifications, aerodynamic spoilers, and two-tone grey paint schemes.

EA TSS Offered by GP Sportscars more as a suite of options than a standalone model, the EA TSS package included body styling kits, interior enhancements, JDD Twin Tire systems, and Sprintex superchargers. Buyers could choose either comprehensive or partial option sets featuring supercharged powertrains or cosmetic upgrades.

EA AVO Australian turbocharger specialist AVO developed a turbocharged EA Falcon which set a world record for towing a caravan at .

Motorsport

Kent Youlden achieved victory in the Australian Production Car Championship in both 1990 and 1991, piloting an EA Falcon.

External links