ZF 6 Speed vs 5 Speed Auto! NA FG XR6 Comparison*

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Welcome to another Episode of Ross Reviews AU on this weeks Video we find out if there really is a difference between the 5spd auto & the ZF 6spd! is it worth upgrading to the ZF, or can you live with a 5spd just as easily...

let me know what your thoughts are on the 2 :)
2 x FG XR6 Ford Falcons! Up the Aussie Fords*

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[James_ZA]

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

[ItsJustLiam]

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 .

[MrButtonpresser]

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

[MartinJones]

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.

[extroyor]

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

[Mantenner]

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.

[pete]

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.

[dazzamac]

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)!!!

[michaelcalder]

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.

[mess]

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

[stennlake]

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

[crankc]

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

[jamesgovett]

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

[joytech]

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.

[toby]

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

[matthewodwyer]

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.

[beedseed]

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

[stephencodde]

I find I can leave the 6 speed in auto go magically and stand on it and it almost jumps off the ground, no load up and I have no idea what these settings are that he’s taking about, they do go like stink after having a few “x” series Falcons 😊

[ChristopherGrose-lf]

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...

[michaelsheen]

Managed to fluke a BF with the ZF. Brilliant, esp when compared with a 4spd in my Holden. Done 350 plus thousand now. Also, remapping the electic throttle might help on the launch.