Review: Ford T-Series TL50 (1999-02)

Review: Ford T1 TL50 (1999-00)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the Ford T1 TL50 was a long wheelbase, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the TL50 was powered by a 4.9-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic. Furthermore, the automatic transmission featured an ‘Electronic Sports Shift’ mode –engaged via a switch in the centre console – which enabled the driver to use the steering wheel-mounted gearshift buttons.

Windsor V8 engine

The 4.9-litre pushrod Windsor V8 engine had a cast-iron cylinder block and head, sequential fuel injection, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Compared to the engine used for the AU.I Falcon XR8 , the TL50 engine also had an enlarged air intake and modified camshaft for improved breathing and lightweight aluminium roller rockers and needle roller bearings for reduced friction and more consistent valve operation.

Ford Tickford Experience (FTE)

The Ford TL50 was part of the ‘T-Series’ range – which also consisted of the TE50 and TS50 models – that were marketed under the ‘FTE’ (Ford Tickford Experience) brand which was a joint venture between Ford Australia and Tickford. Compared to the AU Falcons , the T-Series models could be identified by their chrome mesh grilles, body-coloured headlamp bezels and bonnet lips, unique front and rear bumpers and rocker mouldings; the TL50 was also distinguished by its larger lower grille opening and grey bumper inserts.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the AU Fairlane , the Ford TL50 was 5122 mm long, 1861 mm wide, 1438 mm high and its wheelbase was 2919 mm long. Furthermore, the TL50 had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment and brakes

Standard safety equipment for the T1 TL50 included dual front airbags, ABS and traction control.

The T-Series models were fitted with an upgraded braking package which consisted of 329 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs with twin piston callipers; the front and rear discs also featured curved grooves for greater fade resistance and wet-weather performance, while the master braking cylinder was revised for sharper pedal feel.

Features: T1 TL50

Standard features for the Ford T1 TL50 included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 tyres and Koni 82 Series shock absorbers, a ten speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, leather trim (in aubergine or warm charcoal), power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gearshift lever, remote central locking, power mirrors and window, power antenna, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Ford T2 TL50 (2000-01)

Overview

Released in October 2000, the T2 TL50 introduced a more powerful V8 engine. Compared to the 4.9-litre V8 engine in the T1 TL50, the T2 TL50 engine featured a unique camshaft, aluminium cylinder heads with larger inlet valves and ports and a matching intake manifold. Furthermore, the exhaust featured higher flow catalysts and a low restriction exhaust manifold, while the throttle system had a larger diameter throttle body and revised throttle plate angle for better throttle response. The T2 TL50 also introduced a laminated steel firewall.

Visually, the T2 TL50 looked the same as its T1 predecessor; under the bonnet, however, there was a unique ‘T-Series’ engine cover with ‘TL50’ logo.

Features: T2 TL50

Standard features for the T2 TL50 were extended to include an eleven speaker 250 watt sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, separate amplifier and subwoofer. There was also a roof-mounted sunglasses holder and satellite navigation was available as an option.

Review: Ford T3 TL50 (2001-02)

Overview

Released in November 2001, the T3 TL50 introduced a 5.6-litre Tickford V8 engine , subtle cosmetic updates and DataDot part identification. Built using a modified Windsor block, the stroked V8 engine had an all-new crankshaft, ported cylinder head with high performance springs and valves, billet machined connecting rods, lightweight pistons with fully floating pins, a revised camshaft profile, an 82 mm diameter throttle body, three-piece high flow inlet manifold and conical air cleaner with dedicated mass air flow sensor. The suspension was also revised, with a retuned front stabiliser bar and 7 mm lower ride height.

Visually, the T3 TL50 could be identified by its new front and rear fascias, black mesh grille incorporating the Tickford logo, side skirts with T-Series badging and deeper rear bumper.

Safety equipment

With the introduction of the 5.6-litre V8 engine, traction control was no longer available. However, there was an optional Brembo braking package with four-piston front and rear calipers, 355 mm cross-drilled and ventilated front discs and 330 mm cross-drilled and ventilated rear discs.

Features: T3 TL50

Standard features for the T3 TL50 included new 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 Dunlop SP9000 tyres.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: FTE T-Series