Review: Ford T-Series TS50 (1999-02)

Review: Ford T1 TS50 (1999-00)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the Ford T1 TS50 was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the Ford TS50 was powered by a 4.9-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with 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, sequential fuel injection, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. For the TS50, however, the engine was also fitted with a unique camshaft, aluminium cylinder heads with larger inlet valves and ports and a matching intake manifold. Furthermore, the exhaust had a higher flow catalyst converter and a low restriction exhaust manifold. The throttle system also had a larger diameter throttle body and revised throttle plate angle for better throttle response.

Ford Tickford Experience (FTE)

The TS50 was part of the ‘T-Series’ range – which also consisted of the TE50 and long wheelbase TL50 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 on which they were based, 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 TS50 was also fitted with an open-style grille.

Dimensions and suspension

The TS50 was 4907 mm long, 1870 mm wide, 1437 mm high and its wheelbase was 2793 mm long. Furthermore, the TS50 had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment and brakes

Standard safety equipment for the T1 TS50 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 TS50

Standard features for the Ford T1 TS50 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, leather trim (in aubergine or warm charcoal), contoured front sports seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a power antenna, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Ford T2 TS50 (2000-01)

Overview

Released in October 2000, the T2 TS50 introduced a five-speed manual transmission, additional features and subtle cosmetic changes. Furthermore, the 4.9-litre V8 engine had a new camshaft which provided a small increased in bottom-end torque, though peak power and torque outputs were unchanged. The T2 TS50 also introduced a laminated steel firewall.

The T2 TS50 could be identified by its side skirts with ‘TS50’ insignia. Buyers could also opt to have no rear spoiler fitted, the single-plane XR8 rear spoiler or the pre-existing T-Series rear spoiler. Under the bonnet, there was a unique ‘T-Series’ engine cover with ‘TS50’ logo.

Safety equipment

Compared to its T1 predecessor, safety equipment for the T2 TS50 was unchanged although the newly introduced manual models were not fitted with traction control (unlike the automatics).

Features: T2 TS50

For the T2 TS50, standard features 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 TS50 (2001-02)

Overview

Released in November 2001, the T3 TS50 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 TS50 could be identified by its new front and rear fascias, black mesh grille incorporating the Tickford logo, side skirts with T-Series badging, deeper rear bumper and unique TS50 rear spoiler.

Safety equipment

With the introduction of the 5.6-litre V8 engine, traction control was no longer available. However, an optional Brembo braking package was available 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 TS50

For the Ford T3 TS50, standard features were extended to include 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 Dunlop SP9000 tyres and a six speaker 100 watt sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer. Inside, the TS50’s ‘luxury’ seats were omitted and there were three interior leather trim options available: red/black, blue/black or warm charcoal.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: FTE T-Series