When you consider what some comparable four cylinders cost on the second hand car market, the EA Fairmont Ghia has got to be one of the luxury bargains of the decade with most falling well under the $8K mark and plenty around an even lower $5K. So it was no wonder that our man Sam chose one of Ford's finest from 1988 at a tender young age of 21.
As one of the very first EA's alarm bells might be going off in your head by now giving the very will publicised quality problems Ford had way back then, but by now most problems should be well and truly sorted which put Sam at ease. And besides, she wasn't going to stay stock for long! Choosing an EA series 1 actually has it's advantages - aside from the lower initial asking price - with the 3 speed auto a cinch to change for a much better five speed manual (definitely on the cards according to Sam, but for a later date) without the need for a computer change.
Improving this particular example though is a much more pleasing altitude courtesy of EB GT springs and Monroe GT shocks & camber kit, leaving Sam's EA attached to Tickford's EF/EL 16" alloy wheels for a look that puts most winged VN's positively in the shame file. Add to that an EB Falcon bonnet (no ford badge recess), EB GT blinkers (clear - not amber), shaved front badges and tinted windows completes this understated but tough looking exterior package. Complimenting the original white paint work are these black and white shots taken by Sam - just perfect for the occasion and showing colour isn't always everything!
Making it go is a slightly modified 3.9 litre SOHC Falcon six fitted with an EL dual resonance intake manifold giving a significant performance increase when combined with Sam's other modifications. "It now breaths much better, even at high revs and it's also much smoother compared to how it was before." Helping the engine along is a Simota Racing air filter, H&M headers, feeding into a high flow cat and 2.5" Mandrel Bent exhaust and free flowing muffler.
Keeping things cool are a set of EL Falcon thermo fans and finally driving through the soon to be ditched original 3 speed auto. The EB XR6 diff however is staying which will eventually be jointed by a matching XR6 engine. In the mean time a Uni-chip and cam via Herrods Motorsport will have to do while Sam saves up for the XR transplant and planned powerdyne supercharger. And while same has not had his particular EA on a dyno yet, he says the changes so far make themselves very easily felt.
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Interior wise, Sam has improved even Ford's highest offerings with extra wood grain on the dash board and consul, adding a wood grain steering wheel to suit. Making sure he doesn't risk all that hard earned dough on the engine is a big 3" dash top mounted tacho with inbuilt shift light allowing Sam to keep his eyes on the road when the going gets tough. Costing $150 from Marlows Car Accessories fully installed it wasn't a bad deal either - with more to come in the very near future. |
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Well, it's great to see an EA finally treated with the respect they deserve - especially one from as fine a mould as this Fairmont Ghia. Great one Sam - and we look forward to seeing those updates!
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AU
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