3.9L vs 4.0L ('88 Fairlane) - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

SIM EF6 · 04-30-2001, 04:20

Hi, I've got a friend (no, not me, i'm serious) who is interested in getting an NA - NC Fairlane for his first car. What we wan't to know is: Is there much of a difference between the 3.9L and 4.0L engine? I realise the 3.9 produces less power, but is there anything else that would make the extra $$$ for an NC really worth it? Remember this is for a FIRST CAR and it's possible that he will only be able to afford an NA, if he wants descent kilometers and good condition etc.

Is it as smooth as the 4 Litre? And is the 3.9 too underpowered compared to the 4.0?

Any help appreciated, thanks

edit: * It's the MPFI model *

Broomy · 04-30-2001, 04:24

is it the mpfi 3.9 or the cpfi? i had the cpfi 3.9 and it only put out 120 kW which is pretty ****ty.
the 3.9L blocks had a ****load of cam probs and they had been ironed out by the 4.0L model. if its got a reco cam then the 3.9 mpfi will be cool, dont bother with the cpfi one thou.

Martin · 04-30-2001, 04:53

If I was your buddy then id be buying whatever model has the least amount of Kms and is in the best condition. Also try to keep away from an 1988 model as they are obviously the worst of the bunch, and try to get one that has had the 4 speed Auto replaced or reconditioned as they cost an absolute fortune to fix. And the 3 speed Auto will last atleast twice as long as the 4 speed from what ive seen.

How much has he got to spend? Theres a NB/NC V8 Fairlane Ghia selling for $9900 at Gerald Slaven Holden in Canberra.

XR_Strider_GuY · 04-30-2001, 16:05

Okay firstly snce Fairlanes deal only with Auto's what ever your mate buys, tell him to get the Series with the 4 speed. I believe it was introduced whent the EA series II falcons rolled out. If you get a very first NA it will have the 3 speed box and it didn't suite the engine like it did in the XF.

I believe the NA had the 3.9 MPI making 139kw and 339Nm. The NC had the 4.0L making 148kw and 348Nm which was the same engine in the EB2.

Definitly the NC would be the go for your mate, as the engine trans and ride have all been enhanced. But at the end of the day it's all up to the condition of the car.

I hope this info will shed somelight.

Aussie Pete · 04-30-2001, 18:20

ALL Fairlanes were the MPI. I've never seen a TBI Fairlane :confused:

SIM EF6 · 05-01-2001, 02:28

well i reckon he can get an NAII (4 speed, yay) but not an NC, too costly

Wulos · 05-01-2001, 02:48

U checked prices for fairlanes at auction, might suprise u a little about the price

SIM EF6 · 05-01-2001, 03:01

Do you know where, online, I could go to check the prices of these auctioned vehicles?

thanks :thumbup:

Wulos · 05-01-2001, 03:22

Attend a couple of auctions down your way (generally free entry) check out the prices for yourself.
Not too sure what market value down Melbourne way is. Generally you can save yourself a couple of thousand on the price (At a recent auction up this way seen a '88 Nissan Skyline Sillouhette go for $3000 in excellent condition - 150000kms)
Make sure u take someone mechanically minded with u though (u can do anything with the car except drive it)

Wulos · 05-01-2001, 03:31

have a look at pickles.com.au for starters