Ford Fairmont's...Have you had one?

Question

I was just wondering how cool (or uncool) u guys think a fairmont is. If u had one tell me about it. i should be getting a free one with an inline 6, anyone know the top speed? lol

Answer 1

We owned a 1978 Fairmont wagon with the in line six. I can tell you that it was a reliable car, just not a very powerful one. You may have a tough time finding parts for this ride. But at least this on will be a straightforward to fix. Gripes included body rust, not enough power or acceleration, and poor handling. the driving position isn't the great either, but the visibility was great. Since this car is about 30 years old give or take, I expect that you're going to have problems with the body, brakes and power train. Brakes are a big concern on cars a third this age. Cool has nothing to do with this, a ride is a ride. You just need to make sure it's safe and runs.

Answer 2

Seriously, my best friend had an 84 fairmont and it was junk itself. You would never get your 1k out of the car once the repairs are made and it has little power and poor mileage. Your mechanic is either looking to take You for a ride or you need a new mechanic. Fairmonts did have lots of transmission and starter issues. If your mechanic thinks that new cars are unreliable or well... I can't think of a single category other than nostalgia of a lost decade of crap cars that would put an 86 fairmont above a newer (late 90's or early 2000's) car... then he's been either dead for 25 years or he's only driven VW rabbits and Ford Explorers. Get $3000 and buy a used Maxima, Camry, Fusion, hell.. spend $20 and look up consumer reports ratings and get something from there.

Answer 3

foolish people any 302 289 5.0 351 windsor will fit but you need different motor mounts. Just use mustang motor mounts because that fairmont is a mustang but with more doors. (some came with 2 doors though) If you want good reliable power? Do what I did find yourself a 86 5.0 yank those heads off and buy some heads off of a newer 87 and up 5.0. Bolt it on there and you got 30 more hp. Why? Higher compression ratio and better head than the 86's. Leave the stock cam in it or you be asking for trouble. Then you find yourself a mustang tranny. Hope the rear holds up to the power but hey its all good. Find yourself a 86 to a 93 mustang 5.0 and yank the rear and stick it in your's.

Answer 4

The Top speed should be about 80-85 mph and they were decent cars for its time, they came out during the time when America was going through an oil shortage and the economy was starting to become bad, I think that a Ford Fairmont is a good car to own.

Answer 5

Had a fairmont, got rid of the 6, went to a 302 H.O, couldn't have been happier, and couldn't have laughed harder when I was beating up on mustangs, and camaro's. Talk about a real street sleeper. This car was a granny's wet dream, but a racers nightmare. Made lot's of money, totalled the car, still miss the fun to this day.

Answer 6

i dont see everyone's obsession with a 5.0.. first of all, 302 is 4.9, not 5.0. second, you must be crazy if you thinking dropping an EFI 5.0L is going to be easy, its not. it would be easier dropping a 429 Big Block. the big block will create enough power to Move the heavy fairmont. most cars back then were Extremely Heavy. My suggestion is, if its an original I6, you will need a completely new drivetrain and a few other things if you want a V8. If you decide to swap, get a 351W or C a Big Block. they will create enough torque to move it easily.

Top Speed, no idea, maybe aroung 80, 0 - 60 in a Fortnight

Answer 7

They were a fairly reliable midsize car. The 6 was a solid motor, but not a hot rod.

It never was and probably will never be a "cool car", but it beats walking.

Advantage: It's a roomy 4 door with plenty of room in the back. Good for houling your friends around.

Top speed: at least 80 to 100 mph, although it might take awhile to get there!

Answer 8

They are on the same fox body platform as the same year mustangs. With minor mods a 289 302 351 windsor small block ford and 5 speed will bolt in. You would definatly suprise some people with that. There used to be a sweet black coupe with a wrecked mustang drivetrain in it around here.

Answer 9

They are a relatively reliable car. Just to add to others suggestion of swapping in for a 5.0L 302. Bear in mind that for such a swap, requires replacing the front K-member on the front suspension. The most DESIRABLE swap would be the powertrain of out any '87 to'93 Mustang GT or LX 5.0. This would all BOLT in.

Answer 10

Actually, if you get one a 5.0 will drop in it pretty easily. It's a nice enough looking car, and they look pretty good hopped up. They're pretty light. If you leave in the 6, it won't be fast. The late 70's & early 80's cars had crappy performance, even with an 8.