Falcon Facts: ZK Fairlane / FD LTD

Power rose to 105kW at 3800rpm, and this was due to the new Weber carburettor.
The old leaf sprung suspension was replaced with all round coil springs and a Watts link rear suspension. It was considered the best non-independent suspension available and resulted in better handling and a smoother ride. It also allowed for a deeper boot, after criticism of XD Falcon/ZJ Fairlane/FC LTD’s shallow boots. A lot of attention was also paid to improving noise, vibration and harshness.
Sales of the Fairlane/LTD suggested that the optional V8s were losing favour, and in March 1983, they were axed, ending 50 years of V8s at Ford Australia. As a replacement, the 4.1L six was available with electronic fuel injection, and was claimed by Ford to match the performance of the 4.9 V8. This EFI engine powered the LTD, but was optional on the Fairlane
A new steering wheel was the talking point of the interior, being a unique twin-spoke asymmetrical design. For a better driving position, the new wheel was positioned closer to the dash, while the front seat featured adjustable lumbar support and cushion tilt. Also added was an electric boot release, electric mirrors, a woodgrain finish in the dashboard and rear headrests. In addition, the LTD gained electric seat adjustment, moonroof and cigarette lighters in the rear doors.

Ford ZK Fairlane / FD LTD

On Sale: March 1982 - October 1984

How do I know it's a ZK? Almost unchanged from ZJ. Grille with two horizontal and three vertical bars and Ford badge in bottom right corner, fluted tail lights, unique steering wheel.
How do I know it's a FD? Almost unchanged from FC. C-pillar window louvres, new alloy wheels, unique steering wheel.

Models available:

Fairlane:
LTD:

sedan
sedan

Option packs/prototypes/limited editions:

Fairlane Sportsman:

(Limited Edition) Wool tweed trim, Volante alloy wheels, bonnet ornament, two-tone paint.

What’s new? Weber carburettor

Firsts: Electronic fuel injection, all round coil springs and Watts link suspension

Prices at introduction: Fairlane - $16654, LTD - $23695

Total ZKs built: 16896, FDs: 3436

Transmission: 3 speed automatic

Engines:
4.1L Alloy Head 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 105kW at 3800rpm
Torque: 310Nm at 2300rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Weber carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.3:1

4.1L Alloy Head EFI 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 111kW at 4000rpm
Torque: 325Nm at 2800rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Bosch LE II Jetronic fuel injection
Compression ratio: 8.8:1

4.9L V8
Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm
Power: 140kW at 4500rpm
Torque: 344Nm at 3200rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Carter four barrel carburettor
Compression ratio: 9.2:1

5.8L V8
Bore and stroke: 102 x 89 mm
Power: 149kW at 4300rpm
Torque: 415Nm at 3000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Carter four barrel carburettor
Compression ratio: 8.9:1

Fuel consumption:

Performance:
(Fairlane 4.1L EFI sedan, three speed auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 75km/h
2nd: 110km/h
3rd: 165km/h
0-100km/h: 12.2 seconds
Standing 400m: 17.7 seconds

(LTD 4.9L sedan, three speed auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 77km/h
2nd: 130km/h
3rd: 165km/h
0-100km/h: 12.6 seconds
Standing 400m: 18.8 seconds

Suspension:
Front
Independent short/long arm. Progressive rate coil springing mounted on upper arm. Twin tube telescopic shock absorber mounted coaxially with the coil spring, 22mm diameter stabiliser bar

Rear
Live axle, four trailing arms with Watts linkage. Coil-type springing (with multiple rate) mounted on rear axle. Twin tube telescopic shock absorber mounted coaxially with the rear coil spring, 22mm diameter stabiliser bar.

Brakes:
Front
Power assisted ventilated discs

Rear
Power assisted discs

Steering: Power, recirculating ball, hydraulically assisted, 2.6 turns lock-to-lock

Wheels: 6 x 14 inch with full cover, optional 6 x 14 inch alloy. LTD - Alloy 165 x 390

Tyres: ER70 H14 radials. LTD - Michelin TRX 220/55R 390H

Dimensions:

Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase:
Front track:
Rear track:
Kerb weight:
Turning circle:
Fuel tank:
Boot space:

Fairlane/LTD
5011mm
1868mm
1394/1397mm
2947mm
1559mm
1527mm
1490/1560kg
12.8m
80 litres
460 litres

Interior dimensions:

Front headroom:
Rear headroom:
Front shoulder room:
Rear shoulder room:
Front hip room:
Rear hip room:
Front legroom:
Rear legroom:

Fairlane/LTD
955/901mm
956/901mm
1510mm
1508mm
1510mm
1480mm
1063mm
1052mm

Features:

Awards:

Fairlane Rivals: Holden WB Statesman
LTD Rivals: Holden WB Statesman Caprice

ZK Fairlane/ FD LTD Links (new window)

Falcon Facts: XE Falcon
Falcon Facts: ZJ Fairlane / FC LTD
Falcon Facts: ZL Fairlane / FE LTD

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