Need Help & Opinions - AUII F/Ghia V8

[RedHotGT]

Hi Guys,

Looking very seriously at buying a low km 2001 AU II Fairmont Ghia V8.
1 owner, 101,000 km... In really good condition, full service history, full leather interior, petrol only, for $10,000 (with RWC)
FOR THE WIFE

Basically wanted to know anyones thoughts about this particular model. I know that the AU is the ugliest ford since.... well anyways....

But I basically wanted to know the following:

Can I put a reasonable exhaust on the car and at what sort of costs???
(I want to hear the V8, but I don't expect PERFORMANCE specs)

Will BA/BF wheels fit/suit the stud pattern and setout of the AU
(looking at maybe the BF XR Wheels or something like it 17-18")

Any major dramas with the Autos in these things??
(Seemed to serve the taxi industry well on the 6-cyl, but does it cope well with the V8)

And can someone confirm/deny the power output of the Ghia V8. I've read mostly that its 175kw but i've also read that it may be 185kw??

And any other general comments (other than the AU is ugly, because I am aware of these things!!!!!!)....

Thanks guys,
Loftie

[Matty4]

My old man has an AU1 Fairmont V8 wagon.
He has fitted a set of headers and mufflers to it (surprisingly the pipes themselves are of a decent size and don't need upgrading). The note this thing makes is great!!!

He's never had a problem with the auto and he's dragged a caravan probably 50K around Aus with it (trans cooler fitted).

He has the Tickford 17's on his but I understand that any AU onwards rims will fit.

IIRC it's rated at 175kw.

[Elks]

AU Fairmont's with the high line bonnet never suffered the way the early Forte's did. Very easy to make look good. And the Fairmont Ghia has the double wishbone IRS. Which is damn good.

Additionally a series 11 has a bunch of upgrades. Great car for the price.

Don't put BA wheels on it. Find a nice set of aftermarket wheels with a bit of bling to suit the Fairmont chrome work.

Make sure fronts are 8" and rears are 9 or 9.5". Yes it will cost you a couple of hundred more. Then fit super low springs. You will be amazed at how good it looks and how many people tell you so.

Good luck

[Windsor220]

The autos are ok aslong as they are maintained. People forget about the fluid because of the lack of a dipstick.

Definitely 175kw. I think the very last of the fairlanes/LTDs got the 185kw engine.

And about the AU being ugly, the AU is actually not considered ugly these days because the styling is suited to now. Look at an equivelent VT Commodore and they just look old.

[RedHotGT]

Cheers for the advice guys

I'll be looking for some aftermarket wheels for sure - and it definately needs to be heard.... no point having a quiet V8 now is there?

Thanks again!!