Review: Ford T-Series TE50 (1999-02)

Review: Ford T1 TE50 (1999-00)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the Ford T1 TE50 was a large, rear-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the TE50 was powered by a 4.9-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. 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

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 TE50 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 TE50 was part of the ‘T-Series’ range – which also consisted of the TS50 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 TE50 was also distinguished by its mesh lower grille.

Dimensions and suspension

The Ford TE50 was 4907 mm long, 1870 mm wide, 1437 mm high and its wheelbase was 2793 mm long. Furthermore, the TE50 had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment and brakes

Standard safety equipment for the Ford T1 TE50 included dual front airbags and ABS.

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

Standard features for the Ford T1 TE50 included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 ZR17 tyres, a ten speaker 100 watt sound system with a six-stack CD changer in the boot, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports bucket seats with cloth and synthetic suede trim, cruise control, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Review: Ford T2 TE50 (2000-01)

Overview

Released in October 2000, the Ford T2 TE50 introduced a more powerful engine, a five-speed manual transmission, additional features and a subtle facelift. Compared to the 4.9-litre V8 engine in the T1 TE50, the T2 TE50 engine featured a unique camshaft, aluminium cylinder heads with larger inlet valves and ports and a matching intake manifold. Furthermore, the exhaust utilised 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 TE50 also introduced a laminated steel firewall.

Compared to its T1 predecessor, the T2 TE50 could be identified by its side skirts with ‘TE50’ 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 ‘TE50’ logo.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the T2 TE50 was extended to include traction control for all automatic models. However, the T1 TE50’s braking package was replaced with the twin-piston system of the AU.II XR8.

Features

Standard features for the T2 TE50 were also extended and included a six speaker, 100 watt sound system with six-disc in-dash CD player, leather trimmed seats with either red or blue inserts, seat-embroidered ‘TE50’ logos and a roof-mounted sunglasses holder. Satellite navigation was available as an option.

Review: Ford T3 TE50 (2001-02)

Overview

Released in November 2001, the T3 TE50 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.

Visually, the T3 TE50 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 TE50 spoiler.

Safety equipment

With the introduction of the 5.6-litre V8 engine, traction control was no longer available. However, braking performance for the TE50 was improved with a return to the braking package of the T1 TE50, i.e. twin-piston front calipers with 329 mm diameter front and 287 mm diameter rear rotors with curved grooves. There was also 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

Standard features for the T3 TE50 included 18-inch Azzurro alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 Dunlop SP9000 tyres and front fog lights. Inside, there was a choice of three leather colour schemes: red and black, blue and black and straight black.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: FTE T-Series