Help needed with differences between EFI, EFII, and EL Fairmonts - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Adam2 · 12-05-2004, 01:37

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting and EF or EL fairmont. Does anyone know of the differences between these models?

Also are there any common problem areas that I should look out for?

Any help is much appreciated.

FPV TURBO · 12-05-2004, 02:02

Really between the 3 models theres stuff all difference other then the cosmetics like wheels grills etc. If it was a Fairmont Ghia then there would be a fair few differences as the later EF II / EL had the Tickford motor / suspension, but the Fairmonts were all pretty much the same mechanically. They are a pretty reliable car except for headgaskets apparently...

back2thefutura · 12-05-2004, 02:16

Yeah, basically any E series model I6 will go through a headgasket or two. Its unfortunate, but thats just how it is.

EF2 got Tickford motor as has been said (basically a detuned version of the XR6 that was available at the time), the trim options were leather, half leather or velour (or something like that? not sure), and just your basic stuff like climate control, high series dash, better interior and different front end.

If i were you id go for an EL Fairmont, a Ghia if possible.

micmansour · 12-05-2004, 02:16

EF/EL Fairmonts are pretty much the same car mechanically but some key differences are different suspension set ups (EL was drastically improved over EF) and a different air intake system on the EL, allowing for better low end response. Other then that that they are virtually the same. Theres also some exterior differences and the EL has more colour coding inside the cabin. Pretty reliable. My mum's got an EL fairmont with 220,000 kms on it, and it drives like a charm - no noises whatsoever from anywhere, and goes hard when given the boot. Although the power antenna has recently stopped working and will cost around $200 to fix, other then that, I'd say it's perfect.

FPV TURBO · 12-05-2004, 02:21

by the way only EF II and EL GHIAS got the Tickford motor, not the standard Fairmont!

Adam2 · 12-06-2004, 02:58

Thanks for the info guys - can't wait to get one!

Does anyone know how much the headgasket costs to fix if I ever have to get that done?

dawal5 · 12-06-2004, 06:54

in my experience... between $700 and $1000. but that's been a sigma and a telstar. better to get one that's already had the head gasket done as i did with my ea.. they go at about 200,000kms.