How to make a Ford Falcon more fuel efficient?

A Ford Falcon’s fuel efficiency can be improved through a combination of regular maintenance, weight and drag reduction, and smart driving habits. Small, practical changes add up over daily use and longer trips.

The Falcon range spans several generations with petrol, LPG, and flex-fuel options, built around inline-six and V8 engines. While you can’t rewrite the car’s basic design, you can pursue proven strategies that help usually deliver better miles-per-gallon without compromising safety or reliability. The following guide translates current, practical steps for Falcon owners today.

Maintenance and mechanical health

Regular upkeep is the foundation of any fuel‑economy plan. The checks and services below help keep the engine and fuel system running efficiently.

• Maintain correct tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level, and check routinely. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and waste fuel.


• Keep wheel alignment and balance in check to prevent drag and uneven tire wear that hamper efficiency.


• Replace the engine air filter on schedule; a clogged filter restricts airflow and can reduce performance and economy.


• Replace spark plugs and inspect the ignition system; misfires or weak ignition wastes fuel.


• Regularly service the fuel system, including fuel filters and injectors; dirty injectors or a clogged filter can lower fuel economy.


• Check oxygen sensors and the mass air flow (MAF) sensor; faulty sensors can cause a rich mixture and poorer MPG.


• Use the correct grade of motor oil as specified in the owner’s manual and follow the recommended change intervals; proper lubrication reduces friction and improves efficiency.

Note: If your Falcon runs on LPG or is dual-fuel, ensure the tuning is correct for each fuel to avoid economy penalties and emissions issues. Always align any upgrades with local regulations and warranty terms.

Sensor health and fuel system awareness

Diagnostics that focus on sensing and fuel delivery can yield meaningful gains, especially on older engines that may develop tolerances over time.

• Have the ECU and sensors tested if you notice drop-offs in fuel economy or rough running, especially after a tune or modification.


• Keep the PCV valve clean or replace it if described as a maintenance item in your manual; a stuck PCV valve can impact engine efficiency.

Regular diagnostic checks help catch efficiency-killers early and keep your Falcon running cleanly and economically.

Smart driving habits

Driving behavior has a major impact on real-world fuel economy. The following practices help you stretch each tank without compromising safety.

• Plan trips to combine errands and reduce total miles driven on short hops that never reach optimal operating temperature.


• Drive smoothly: accelerate gently, anticipate traffic, and brake gradually to minimize wasted energy.


• Maintain a steady highway pace; use cruise control on long stretches to avoid unnecessary speed fluctuations.


• Avoid prolonged idling; if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine where safe.


• Use higher gears and avoid lugging the engine; in manual transmissions, shift early to keep RPMs low and efficient.


• Minimize aerodynamic drag: remove roof racks or crossbars when not needed and keep the overall weight reasonable for the vehicle size.

Tips like these compound over weeks and months, often delivering noticeable improvements in daily driving and on longer journeys.

Practical upgrades and options

For some Falcon owners, select upgrades can provide measurable gains, especially when paired with solid maintenance and efficient driving.

• Choose low rolling resistance tires that suit your climate and driving needs to reduce energy lost to tire drag.


• Consider lighter wheels or wheel designs that reduce unsprung weight, provided they are compatible and safe for your model.


• Keep the car’s aerodynamics intact: avoid aftermarket modifications that increase drag; however, ensure any modifications are tested for real-world efficiency gains.


• Ensure the exhaust and catalytic converter are functioning properly; an efficient emissions system supports better fuel economy and cleaner operation.


• If your Falcon is LPG or dual-fuel capable, a properly tuned LPG system can lower running costs when LPG is economically favorable; be aware that energy content differs from petrol and performance may vary.


• ECU remapping or tuning may offer fuel-efficiency gains on some engines, but results vary and may affect emissions compliance and warranty—use a reputable tuner and verify regulations.

Upgrades should be weighed against cost, reliability, and local rules. Not every modification yields a favorable return, and some may impact warranties or emissions compliance.

Special considerations for fuel types and the Falcon’s legacy

The Falcon lineage includes petrol, LPG, and flex-fuel options across different generations. If your car runs on LPG or switches between fuels, keep the system tuned for each fuel type to maintain efficiency and reliability. Ethanol blends (like E10) are common in many markets; they can alter energy content and fuel economy, so monitor your MPG when using different fuels.

Always consult the owner’s manual and a qualified mechanic before major changes, especially if your vehicle is older or has a non-standard setup. Emissions rules and warranty terms can vary by region and year.

Summary

Improving fuel efficiency in a Ford Falcon comes down to disciplined maintenance, mindful driving, and thoughtful upgrades. By keeping the engine and fuel system in good shape, trimming weight and drag, and adopting economical driving habits, Falcon owners can achieve meaningful real-world gains while preserving safety and reliability. As always, tailor your approach to your specific model year, fuel type, and local regulations, and consult a qualified technician when in doubt.

What modifications improve MPG?

• Air Intake Systems.
• Performance Exhaust Systems.
• Fuel Injectors.
• Performance Chips.
• Aerodynamic Upgrades.
• Low Rolling Resistance Tires.

What is the fuel saving trick?

► Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph. ► Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.

What can save about 90% of fuel waste?

Hard braking or rapid acceleration burns more fuel because the engine has to work harder. Maintaining a steady cruising speed and using cruise control when available can significantly reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford Falcon get?

Ford Falcon MPG varies significantly by model year, with older models achieving 30 mpg or more, while more recent versions are less fuel-efficient, typically ranging from 10 to 17 liters per 100 km (9.9−15.1 L/100 km9.9 minus 15.1 L/100 km9.9−15.1 L/100 km), especially in city driving. The specific fuel economy depends on factors like engine size, driving conditions, and whether the vehicle uses petrol or a more economical alternative like LPG.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the fuel economy of a Ford Falcon from 1998: 59sMike's Man CaveYouTube · Mar 31, 2019
Older models (e.g., 1960s)

• Achieved up to 30 mpg or more, with a 1961 model averaging 32.6 mpg in a specific economy run. 
• These older models often had smaller engines and were designed with fuel efficiency in mind. 

Newer models (e.g., 2000s and later)

• Vary significantly based on engine and driving conditions. 
• Urban driving: Can consume between 10 to 17 liters per 100 km (12−17 L/100 km12 minus 17 L/100 km12−17 L/100 km) or more. 
• Highway driving: Might see improvements, potentially around 8 to 10 liters per 100 km (8−10 L/100 km8 minus 10 L/100 km8−10 L/100 km). 
• Examples:
  • 2009 model: Fuel economy ranged from 9.9 L/100 km to 15.1 L/100 km depending on the specific trim. 
  • 2010 XR6 FG model: Drivers reported fuel economy around 16.6 L/100 km for mostly city driving. 
• Efficiency improvements: Later models saw the introduction of engines like the 2.0L Ecoboost in 2012, designed to improve fuel efficiency. 

Tips for improving fuel economy

• Consider LPG: Some Falcons can be converted to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which can be more economical than petrol. 
• Check the engine: Issues with spark plugs, fuel injectors, or fuel pumps can negatively impact fuel economy, so ensure the engine is in good working order. 
• Drive smoothly: Avoiding aggressive acceleration and high-RPM driving can lead to better fuel consumption.