EB Falcon Complete Guide (1991–1993)

The EB Falcon was released in 1991 as a major update to the EA Falcon and represented Ford Australia’s effort to improve quality, performance, and handling after early EA issues. The EB introduced important mechanical upgrades including significant suspension improvements and the introduction of the XR6 performance model.

Today, the EB Falcon is remembered as an important turning point that helped restore confidence in the Falcon range during the early 1990s. While now a rare sight on Australian roads, it remains significant in Falcon history. The EB Falcon also signalled the return of the V8 engine to the Falcon line up after an 8 year absence.

EB Falcon Overview

Production years: 1991–1993
Platform: EA–EB Falcon platform
Body styles:

  • Sedan
  • Wagon
  • Ute

Major improvements over EA Falcon:

  • Major suspension redesign
  • Improved handling
  • Introduction of XR6 model
  • Engine updates
  • Improved quality control
  • Better braking performance

The EB is often considered the model that fixed many early EA weaknesses.

EB Falcon Series Updates

The EB Falcon was produced in two main versions:

EB Series I (1991–1992)
Initial release model.

EB Series II (1992–1993)
Major update including:

  • Introduction of V8 engine return
  • Improved brakes
  • Refinements to suspension
  • Safety improvements

Series II models are generally more desirable due to the return of the V8.

EB Falcon Model Range

The EB continued Ford’s traditional Falcon lineup.

Main models included:

Falcon GL – Base model
Falcon GLi – Improved base
Falcon S – Sports appearance model
Falcon XR6 – Performance six cylinder
Falcon XR8 (Series II) – V8 performance
Fairmont – Luxury model
Fairmont Ghia – Premium luxury

Utility and wagon versions were also widely used.

EB Falcon Engines

The EB Falcon used updated versions of Ford’s inline six engines and reintroduced the V8 in Series II.

Inline Six Engines

3.9L Inline Six (early models):

  • Around 139 kW
  • Around 338 Nm

4.0L Inline Six (later update):

  • Around 148 kW
  • Improved torque

These engines formed the basis for later Falcon six cylinder development.

EB XR6 Engine

The EB introduced the XR6 nameplate.

XR6 received:

  • Around 161 kW
  • Improved cylinder head design
  • Performance tuning
  • Sport suspension

This model started the XR6 performance legacy that continues through BA, BF, FG and FGX.

EB Falcon V8 (Series II)

5.0L Windsor V8:

  • Around 165 kW
  • Strong torque characteristics

The return of the V8 helped Falcon compete with Holden Commodore V8 models.

EB Falcon Transmissions

Transmission options included:

4-speed automatic

Most common option.

5-speed manual

Available in XR models and some others.

Both transmissions were relatively simple and durable if maintained.

EB Falcon Key Specifications

Typical EB GLi:

Engine: 4.0L inline six
Power: approx 148 kW
Torque: approx 338 Nm
Fuel economy: approx 11–14L/100km
Drivetrain: RWD

XR6:

Power: approx 161 kW

XR8:

Power: approx 165 kW

These figures helped Falcon remain competitive in the Australian market.

EB Falcon Driving Experience

The EB improved significantly over the EA in handling and ride quality.

Key characteristics:

  • Improved suspension tuning
  • More predictable handling
  • Comfortable highway ride
  • Strong low-end torque
  • Traditional Falcon driving feel

XR models offered improved suspension and better performance feel.

EB Falcon Reliability

The EB is generally considered more reliable than the early EA models due to improvements made during development.

Strengths include:

  • Improved engineering over EA
  • Simple mechanical design
  • Durable inline six engines
  • Limited complex electronics
  • Good parts availability

Like all Falcons of this age, maintenance history is critical today.

Common EB Falcon Problems

Most EB issues today are related to age rather than design flaws.

Head Gasket Issues

Possible symptoms:

  • Coolant leaks
  • Overheating
  • Rough running

Cooling system maintenance is important.

Cooling System Wear

Common issues:

  • Radiator ageing
  • Hose failures
  • Water pump wear

Preventative maintenance is recommended.

Suspension Wear

Common ageing wear includes:

  • Bush deterioration
  • Ball joints
  • Steering component wear

Normal for vehicles of this age.

Electrical Issues

Possible faults include:

  • Window regulators
  • Central locking issues
  • Instrument cluster ageing

Usually repairable.

Transmission Wear

Possible symptoms include:

  • Rough shifting
  • Fluid leaks
  • Delayed engagement

Servicing helps extend lifespan.

EB Falcon Running Costs

EB Falcons remain inexpensive to own due to simple engineering.

Typical ownership factors:

Purchase price: Low
Parts: Affordable
Servicing: Moderate
Fuel consumption: Moderate to high

Because of age, maintenance costs vary based on condition.

Is the EB Falcon a Good Used Car Today?

The EB is now best considered a budget classic or enthusiast project.

Good choice if you want:

  • Cheap Falcon ownership
  • Classic Australian car
  • Simple mechanical design
  • DIY maintenance potential
  • XR6 enthusiast interest

Less ideal if you want:

  • Modern safety
  • Modern fuel economy
  • Modern technology
  • Daily reliability without maintenance

Best suited to enthusiasts today.

What To Check When Buying an EB Falcon

Important inspection areas include:

  • Cooling system condition
  • Engine leaks
  • Suspension wear
  • Transmission operation
  • Rust issues
  • Interior condition
  • Electrical systems

Condition is extremely important given age.

Which EB Falcon Models Are Most Desirable?

Popular variants include:

Best budget Falcon:
EB GLi

Best enthusiast six:
EB XR6

Best V8 option:
EB XR8 Series II

Best luxury:
Fairmont Ghia

XR6 and XR8 models attract the most interest today.

EB Falcon Market Value Trends

EB Falcons are now uncommon compared to later Falcons.

General trends:

Base models:
Very affordable

XR6:
Growing enthusiast interest

XR8:
Most valuable EB models

Original low km cars:
Rare survivors

Australian car interest may support clean examples long term.

EB Falcon Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Improved engineering over EA
  • Proven engines
  • Simple mechanical design
  • Comfortable driving
  • Affordable ownership
  • XR6 heritage significance

Weaknesses

  • Age related failures
  • Limited safety features
  • Fuel consumption
  • Older interior design
  • Increasing rarity

EB vs ED Falcon

Major ED improvements included:

  • Updated styling
  • Improved safety
  • Further refinement
  • Better interior quality

EB advantages include:

  • XR6 introduction significance
  • Often cheaper entry price
  • Simpler electronics

Why the EB Falcon Still Matters

The EB remains important because it introduced:

  • The XR6 model name
  • Improved Falcon handling
  • V8 return to the range
  • Refinement of the EA platform

It represents the beginning of the XR6 performance story that later defined Falcon performance models.

Conclusion

The EB Falcon represents an important chapter in Falcon history, particularly due to the introduction of the XR6 and the return of the V8.

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