1979 Ford Cortina TE review from Australia and New Zealand
"A hotted up TE is a little legendary car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine mounts tore due to increased engine output.
Radiator coolant contaminated the engine oil from alloy-head trouble.
Brakes needed attention.
General comments?
The TE with the 250 Cross-Flow is a great combination and even when stock will pull 17second 1/4 Mile with auto and 185R13's.
My TE has been retro fitted with Electronic Ignition from an 1985 XF Falcon. This eliminates points.
It has the EFI Alloy head which flows more than carby head and has been shaved 35thou for 9.42:1 Compression.
I run the Weber carby re-jetted and attached to the redline 2 barrel manifold that suits a 350 holley.
With a Pod filter and bonnet scoop the temperature stays down and more air gets into the engine to help it rev.
I have also fitted a T5 5 speed manual with lightened flywheel which is much faster to 100 than the auto ever was.
With the above combo and extractors, 2.5" mandrel bent exhaust with one lukey resonator this cars is damn quick and can beat XR6 Falcons.
I can now do 0-100km in 6.5 seconds.
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| 1979 - Cortina TE 4.1 Crossflow A cute, powerful and head-turning car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.1L EFI head/ Weber Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 320000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 340000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Falcon |
| Date of Entry | 30th April, 2005 |