My ZF (and the rest of the driveline) are still going perfectly strong at 440k kms so I cant complain at all.

I went from a 4 speed BA to a ZF 6 speed FG. The difference was very noticeable. Love the ZF.

love the aggressive front bumper of the mk 1's but cant lie the slickness around the mk 2 fog lights is so clean . love this review .

I've always preferred the look of the series 1 FG (at least in XR form)... They just look more aggressive but aren't over styled, like the series 2.

This makes so much sense now. I just bought a 2010 fg after writing off my 2009 fg and I noticed everything you pointed out; 6 speed has snappier gear changes / less slugish and higher fuel efficiency (i drove it down from nsw to vic on one tank compared to 5 speed i needed to refuel.). 6 speed definitelty ALOT better compared to the 5 speed apart from the higher service cost :P

Hi Mate,well I agree that the Mk1 FG XR6 was the best looking one built & the ZF box is miles better,of course I say that because I have a 2011 model lol,I've had it for 5yrs with a catback & other light mods & only put BP 98 fuel in it & I haven't had to spend 1 cent for any problems she runs like a dream Johnny,loved the review as you knew I would cheers.

These are some really interesting videos, things that all falcon owners/buyers have thought about and discussed but there's never really been any good info on them in this format. Great video.

Own a stock XR6 limited edition 2011 with ZF 6speed auto. One that was built spot on. Daily driver for light traffic roads averaging 9.2L . Freeway driving gives 8.6L per 100km. Fair dinkum. Tranny oil changed at 120,000km. Linear response.

Soon after the FGs came out, I had an XR6 hire car (for work) for around 2 months... whilst it wasn't too bad on the open road, it was shocking (clunky) whilst down shifting, especially whilst going around roundabouts (and this was in a car that had less than 3,000kms on it)!!!

Didn't even realise they had a 5 speed auto. I thought all FG's were the ZF 6. Definitely worth the extra coin

The 5spd struggles from a dig because the ratio for first is insanely tall lol, 80kph in first gear! It would've been interesting to pin the throttle instead of stalling it, can see the RPM's artificially drop as the ECU manages and reduces power. The same 5spd's were also used in the Ford Courier 4L V6, and were known for failures.

Bought a 5 speed fg xr6 with 250,000km for 6k recently, not the best transmission but does the job

The ratios on the 5 speed are good as the torquey standard Barra is a good match but the issue with the 5 speeders or French Borg Warner ( the 5R-55s) is all about reliability and are a bit hit and miss with them, they have problems and are used in older Ford explorers, mustangs etc, the main problem is with the Servo bores that wear and elongate and hydraulic pressure is lost , you can get them bushes but is not a permanent fix and there is a lot of other problems with them just google up 5R-55 series of transmissions and look for yourself, my 5 speed failed at 85,000 Kay’s a few years back now and Suggest people steer clear of the 1st gen cars

My mum and sister have the ZF and I'm stuck with 5R55S.... And I can tell you what there certainly is a difference. The 5spd is clunky, unrefined, unreliable, slow and always slips going into 3rd. Her car with 40,000 more kilometres feels much better then mine in every aspect. Another thing, only the FG Series 1 cars made in 2008-09 had the 5 speed. As the the factory which made them was sold in 09. 09-11 series 1 FG's had the ZF.

i bought an XT 2010 6 months ago and im damn thankful its got the ZF 6spd trans. as i never knew about these failures before i bought mine! pretty lucky i guess

Nice review Had the 5 speed in a xr6, lasted to 140k then had it rebuilt and slightly built up to handle the Barra, made a huge difference.. was a lemon of a car.. I’d probably never own a fg ever again unless it’s a GT or F6

My biggest consideration when purchasing an FG was the transmission. I did not want to put up with the issues of the 5 speed so opted to get a model with the 6 speed. I also drive 130kms round trip for work, on highways, so fuel economy was another factor. The factory extra urban fuel consumption figure for the 5 speed is higher than the 6 speed (8.2L/100km vs 7.2L/100km, respectively). My Falcon is currently averaging 7.8L/100km so every bit of fuel saving helps, thanks to the extra ratio

I thought fuel economy will be very different depending how much the car cruises. My brother drove the 5 speed from Piara Waters to City West for 3 years as a daily driver, average consumption was down to 9.9L/100km, I started using it frequently between Manning and Vic Park/Belmont, it blew up to 12.6L/100km. Love the wheels on the Mk1

I got a cheap 09 g6 and I just assumed they were all ZF6, annoyed at myself that I didn't know about the 5. Ah well I got the tranny serviced at 140k and it's been good but I def notice that severe thrash at times and also a clunk in the driveline going from 3 to 2, workshop said that's common and dw... On a good note I'm running at 9.3L so can't complain plus I don't intend to set any land records. Great topic and vid mate, cheers.

This is purely on feel so no data to back it up but when I 'gun it' off the lights in my parents XR6 it feels faster if you don't floor the pedal initially. Ie give it say half initially and then quickly (not all at once) floor the pedal as the car gets going. I found 'flooring it' from the start gives that slow feel off the mark that you were talking about

Mate, you're making me feel like a grandma! I've just got 12.7 from my BF MkII 4 speed over almost 1000km of city driving.

5 Speed US design 6 Speed German design There is obviously going to be differences in shifting and refinement between the two. It would be interesting to find out the weight difference between them,

Let's see how many 5 speed owners out here✋

Depends how you drive your car. I have a Mk1 FG 93K kms with the 5spd, you sort of need to match the revs as the auto shifts. Hard to explain, I'd still rather the ZF though ;) Question is when I change it over one day should I go ZF or just convert to 6spd manual?

Good video, I owned a 2009 FG 5 speed from new. Traded it in when the Spanish transmission failed .... lost use of 3rd gear. Repair cost estimated at $4,000. I thought about getting the series 2 with ZF 6 speed but went back to a Mazda6 - reliable, smooth, well finished, well equipped and did everything I need. The Ford had lots of grunt but simply not as nice a car even if RWD.

Whilst the ZF 6 speed is great, the 5 speed is no slouch either, and is quicker on the spec sheets than the 6 speed from 60-100km/h. An owner of one of these cars should be very happy with either transmission. Also note there are various versions of the ZF 6 speed. There is the stock six cylinder version, and the turbo/v8 HP version which is much stronger. Many people think they can have 1000hp with the weaker ZF but eventually find out they are sorely mistaken. So before considering a swap or buying a full car with a six speed for future mods such as a turbo, be sure to get the HP ZF, not the standard ZF. Horror stories regarding both transmissions exist, from the milkshaking in the 5 speed, to the extreme cost of repairing the six speed. In the end, both have pros and cons, a buyer or owner should not worry too much about which trans is 'best', the main thing is the trans is kept in top shape. Peace.

As someone who has had a five speed for 4 years, the biggest complaint is that they DONT CHANGE DOWN in drive. Unless you basically come to a complete stop, it will stay in third going 20kmph up a hill and it is so FRUSTRATING

I know it doesn't seem right, but don't break boost it, for some reason they prefer a idle smash on the throttle

Nice video mate, I really like the Falcons I haven’t owned one yet but I have had owned 2 Toyota Aurions(GSV40R and currently GSV50R) and they often achieve between 6 and 7.5 seconds to 100 stock. I was very surprised with the amount of work done to these Falcons that there not quicker than my stock Aurion.

Fuel economy wise depends on the driver. I thrash my 08 FG XR6 with ZF6 all the time. My avg eco is 17km per 100 on 95, 98 just disappears. Also the ecu adapts to the driver, my mums preserved FG2 XR6 is sluggish compared to my thrashed FG1 XR6.

That lag at the start is to help from damage to the transmission.. same as if you rev the engine in neutral fuel cut out will kick in at 4000rpm to prevent damage...

That’s pretty quick considering the xr8 did a 6.83 and the xr6t did a 6.15. I think that was before you had your dragy as well so they might be even slower

Nice video Jono both fords looked good and sounded nice either 5 or 6 speed you looked at home behind the wheel. Tony

They cam the na’s to get the added power. When you put a bigger cam in you sacrifice low end for top end so makes sense that they’re lazy of the line. Ive got an na fg series 1 myself and knowing what I know now I would have gone newer to get the zf. I think a turbo will work quite well on mine, bang for buck beats na upgrades. Nice work on the review! This was just what I was after!

My dad owned two ford xr6s with the same zf gear box

My car history is lame because Ive never had much money, in saying that, I’ve had an au 4 speed, zl fairlane 3 speed, ba 4 speed, fg mk2 6 speed and now i have and fg xr6 mk1 5 speed in that order and I have to say to anyone hating on the 5 speed it’s my favourite. I’m not saying it’s the best hands down but it’s why I prefer for sure 👍🏿 love your vids Ross

It would be great to review the transmissions of the other two big sixes, the Aurion and 380. I won't hold my breath Me Ross.

Hi ross, I own a xr6 with the 6speed I feel the the best for launch is using triptronic and really hold out first gear

Everytime I watch your videos I go for a burn in my 2009 FG afterwards 😂

Biggest let down was the 2.73 final drive ratio in 6sp ZF falcons, give it an EcoBoost 3.27 final drive & i reckon they'd move alot better.

I have a G6E Mk1 with the ZF. Stock standard but still get to 100 in 7.5s. It runs so damn well.

Interesting to see if any difference trying launching off the handbrake, the transmissions have built in torque reduction when you stall them up.

the diff ratio in the six speed is also longer fairly sure 2.73 where as the 5spds only 3.08 fairly sure so that would affect these times heaps!

FG is a bloody good car.

I have a FG ute with 100,000 ks on the clock. I ALSO HAVE AN FG SEDAN, 700000 km and more, the only thing I've changed is the battery and the tires. Oil, oil filter and coolant air filter I've owend since new and I have 5 sp no problem although I have heard they were no good don't believe that for a second how many big tank cars do you see running around with $700,000 on the clock. I would not buy anything other than a Ford My heart is shattered that they have stopped producing these beasts😢 My ute is in mothballs Although I do go out and melt some tires and time to time😂 allegedly

I remember on the xr6tubo forums, that the rule of thumb was the manual's would lose around 17% and the ZF's around the 23% mark when it comes to drive line loss.

I will say shorter Diff gears go a long way to making a 5 spd quicker As well as preserving the 5 spds life a bit longer by taking load off the gearbox a bit better

Got a mk2 G6E. Love these cars.

Is the 5 speed the 5R55S that the S197 Mustang got or something else? Edit: Just looked it up; it is. That explains a lot about the driver's experience.

honestly people often forget to look at what fuel they are each running everyone preferences is different but some are certainly better than other. even the station you go to makes a difference honestly..we are getting ripped in this country with everything

This channel should be called ford falcon reviews 80 percent content is the ford Barra

For 200kw Ross they seem to struggle alot. My MK2 is a zf and it made 171kw atw with the zf tune. and mine hits 0/100 in 5.9 seconds. Only has a cat back exhaust and 3 inch intake with stock airbox.

Do a comparison with a ECOLPI fg xr6 and Petrol will be a good comparison as the ECOLPI are much quicker off the line

The 5 speed looked like it was faster 40-100 but the ZF was quicker 0-40 and looked slower 40-100 but more linear overall as you say

Up the Germans for the zf 6🤙churr bro for vid

will u ever do video about Toyota Aurion series 1 (GSV40) and series 2 (GSV50) 😬?

Can you do the 4 speed top loader or Borg Warner against the 6 speed manual…?

Still a great Aussie made car that looks schmick 🇦🇺🍻👍

Go the falcon!!! 🇦🇺🤘

Cheap 5 sp cars good for manual swaps. Add LSD, good headers, cats and a second hand turbo exhaust and a tune

Was there a turbo variant available? I’m still new to all these sport/performance sedans available in Oz

They’re not bad it’s just they mainly alloy so at about 200,000k’s they just naturally shit themselves from all the wear

You should do a 0-100 in a v6 zb commodore

You ever tried launching while just in normal drive mode? I don't use performance mode because it doesn't seem to do anything for me.. I'll get wheel spin on most launches but I got big 20 inch low profiles on so it grips great. I still got a stock na 5 speed and I swear my box is about to blow because instead of it going into 3rd or 4th it just free revs and doesn't want to go into gear it's actually pretty dangerous I think because you just don't know when it's going to go into gear and stop revving. Especially if I'm giving the accelerator a good push and I boost forward and or especially if I turn a corner. I swear it must be low on trans fluid or it's dirty inside. I dunno man but these 5 speeds are so weird.

Great content as always, they do NOT sound nice lol. Any more E serise coming? maybe a NL/DL? Make awesome cruises. keep punching bro!

The 5 Speed was actually a French made transmission. I knew a fellow who had one in his FG Ute and hated it. The ZF 6 speed is much better.

Got my 5 speed mk1 converted to a 6 speed today after my second 5 speed transmission died. It's way better.

It's a good gearbox untill you start having problems, I learn the best way

"Do you want the red car... or the blue car?"

I find in the 5 speed fg stalling it up .akes it slower. If you sit at lights and stand on it from idle it will break traction. But if I stall it up it does a weird hold back thing that dulls it down and no spin feeling doughy.

I lost 2nd in my 5 speed under normal driving in the non turbo

My FG ute is 5 speed, it’s a pretty average transmission, would like to convert it to 6 speed soon

My Xr50 na does a 13.8 1/4 mile

Long live the 4 speed lol

The series 1 looks much better than the series 2, that lower bumper grill on the series two looks terrible compared to the much sportier looking series 1 lower bumper.

what is the launch control app that you use

Go neutral then rev more then put it in drive 😮‍💨

Hey Ross where can i buy the device from and what brand is it thanks

What fuel are both of these running on? 95 or 98.

Can't help but think this video is several years too late. I don't know how it is in the Eastern states but where I am good low mileage examples are few and far between. Too hard to find to be picky about what auto trans you can get! I bought my 2010 XR6 less than 3 months ago. 1 owner, 70k, always garaged and completely unmodified. It drives like a new car and strangely I've never worried about it having the 5 speed auto. I hope no-one's take from this video and some of the ridiculous comments is that they must get the 6 speed because you could end up waiting a long time for the right car.

Those wheels on the S1

For a turbo what’s better, the zf auto or 6 speed manual?

How did they go from 265 crank horse power to 270 rwhp? That’s a massive gain..

Yeah the Ross dog!

T400 the world

Yeah but, haha haha, the five speed is a big step up from the BTR four speed and doesn't require the dear ZF fluid and costs about the same as the BTR to rebuild.

Pssh get the powerhouse i have… 09 MK1 with the MONSTER BTR 4 speed.

My 5 speed started to get a delayed engagement when trying to take off in drive at about 190,000 km. At 200,000 km it does it more frequently do you have any idea why this happens?

Any of you guys fitted a external tranny cooler on your 5 speed/ZF 6? My BA has one and still runs great.

In Sports Mode 5 SPD xr6 goes 1-2-3-4-5-D this is 6 speed 5 is lower than D. The Sports Mode 6 spd xr6 has 7 speeds if using Sports mode and dropping into D after 6.

I've owned both, ZF6 is just far superior. and stronger. wayyyy stronger. you'll have a hard time destroying it. especially NA

Fuel consumption 12k's per 100 🤣🤣 thats great economy, mines 39 at the moment (poor tune and cam'd) best it ever was was 18/100 Yeh the Falcon 🤙

I swear I have a 6 speed series 1 2009 is that possible?

Why do people, particularly ricers put a strip across the top of their headlights? Is it to make them look slimmer, sleeker?

Do a btr vs zf

They do achieve their factory fuel consumption figures easily, if you're doing 12.something per 100 it's your fault... The 0-100 should be done from idle in drive, this will show you how bad the 5 actually is... yes I have one

5 speeds ain’t bad it’s just they always have gear slips or no gears at all🤦🏾

Dump the ballast 🤣 you got the same as your 4 cylinder test (these 6s were tuned too.) It's 'apples with apples' not 'apples with oranges'. How about stock tune 4 vs stock tune 6 ?

Could be worse cough…4L60E…cough

I got 5 speed auto fg 200 k on it never had problems with the gearbox then again I drive like a old fart .