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What cars have a barra engine

What car has the Barra engine?

The Barra engine, a renowned powerplant developed by Ford Australia, has become synonymous with some of the country’s most iconic automobiles. This high-performance engine has been a staple in a variety of Ford models, earning a reputation for its impressive power, reliability, and distinctive sound.

What is the Barra Engine?

The Barra engine is a family of inline-six-cylinder engines developed by Ford Australia. It was first introduced in 1995 and has since been used in a wide range of Ford vehicles, including the Ford Falcon, Ford Territory, and Ford Fairlane. The Barra engine is known for its robust construction, exceptional durability, and impressive power output, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and performance-oriented drivers.

Key Features of the Barra Engine

  • Inline-Six Configuration: The Barra engine features an inline-six-cylinder design, which provides a smooth and balanced power delivery. This configuration is renowned for its inherent vibration-dampening properties, contributing to the engine’s overall refinement.
  • Displacement and Power: The Barra engine is available in various displacement sizes, ranging from 4.0 liters to 4.9 liters. Depending on the specific model and tuning, the Barra engine can produce between 195 horsepower and 430 horsepower, making it a highly versatile and powerful powerplant.li>
  • Durability and Reliability: The Barra engine is known for its exceptional durability and reliability, thanks to its robust construction and meticulous engineering. Many Barra-powered vehicles have accumulated high mileage without major issues, earning the engine a reputation for longevity.li>
  • Distinctive Sound: The Barra engine is renowned for its distinctive and throaty exhaust note, which has become a hallmark of many Ford performance models. This unique sound has contributed to the engine’s popularity among enthusiasts and has become a source of pride for Barra-powered vehicle owners.

The Barra engine’s combination of power, reliability, and distinctive sound has made it a beloved choice among Australian car enthusiasts and a key component in the legacy of Ford’s iconic vehicles.

What is the weakness of the Barra engine?

The major Ford Barra engine problems mainly concern the valve springs in very early examples which can fail and oil pump gears which were also a tiny bit prone to failure.

What is so special about Barra Engine?

Barra 310T
Featuring a larger turbocharger and intercooler, different pistons to reduce compression, and larger injectors than its less powerful sibling (the FG Barra 270T), it was the first engine manufactured in Australia to produce more than 100 hp (75 kW) per litre, producing 310 kW at the flywheel.

What cars have the Barra engine?

The Ford Barra engine was first equipped in 2002, in a 2002 Ford Falcon (BA). Over the following years, the Barra engine features in the Ford Fairline, Ford LTD, and the Ford Territory.

How big is a Barra vs 2JZ?

The Barra engine weight is around 525 pounds while a 2JZ comes in around 440 pounds. One of the most famous examples of an American Barra-powered car is YouTuber Adam LZ’s Mustang Shelby GT350 swap.

How big is Barra in miles?

Accessed by regular (but tide dependent) flights from Glasgow or ferry from Oban, Barra is just 8 miles long by 5 miles wide.

What cars come stock with a Barra?

Barra 195. The Barra 195 is the last version of the naturally aspirated I6 engine and is found in the FG/FG-X Falcon and SZ/SZ II Territory.

What is so special about Barra engine?

Barra 310T
Featuring a larger turbocharger and intercooler, different pistons to reduce compression, and larger injectors than its less powerful sibling (the FG Barra 270T), it was the first engine manufactured in Australia to produce more than 100 hp (75 kW) per litre, producing 310 kW at the flywheel.

What is the Barra weakness?

4. Oil Pump. There are a couple of weaknesses in the factory Barra motor, particularly early BA-BF examples. The factory oil pump gears have been known to fail with enthusiastic driving and a few revs, even in lightly modified cars, leading to catastrophic engine failure.

Why did the US never get the Barra engine?

The reasons for the Barra not being used in the USA is because most cars in the USA are front wheel drive and a straight 6 is hard to package in a vehicle of that configuration. Secondly pick up truck buyers favour V8’s so no market there for the Barra.

How much HP can Barra handle?

How much HP can a Barra handle? After initial testing, that might change, but Bowling says that the engine should handle 1,500-plus horsepower with ease.

What cars have a barra engine

The Barra engine, a renowned inline-six engine series, has gained immense popularity among automotive enthusiasts due to its exceptional performance, reliability, and tunability. Developed by Ford Australia, this engine has powered a range of vehicles, from sedans to utes and even performance cars. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various cars that have been equipped with the Barra engine, delving into their specifications, performance capabilities, and key features.

Ford Falcon (1998-2016)

The Ford Falcon served as the primary platform for the Barra engine, with various models featuring this powerplant over its production lifespan. The Barra-powered Falcons include:

– **XR6 and XR6 Turbo:** These models offered a potent combination of performance and affordability, with the turbocharged versions delivering impressive acceleration and handling.
– **GT:** The ultimate performance Falcon, the GT was equipped with a tuned Barra engine that produced over 400 horsepower, making it one of the most formidable muscle cars of its era.
– **F6 Typhoon:** A limited-edition performance Ute, the F6 Typhoon featured an enhanced Barra engine with a supercharger, resulting in blistering acceleration and top speeds.

Ford Territory (2004-2016)

The Ford Territory, an SUV, also benefited from the Barra engine’s versatility. It was offered with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the engine, providing a balance of power and fuel efficiency.

Ford BA/BF/FG F-Series (2002-2011)

The BA, BF, and FG F-Series pickups, also known as the Ranger in other markets, were powered by various Barra engine configurations. These engines offered a combination of torque and durability, making them well-suited for both work and leisure.

Ford SX Territory (2003-2009)

The SX Territory, a performance-oriented variant of the Ford Territory, was equipped with a highly tuned Barra engine. This powerplant delivered exhilarating acceleration and handling, making the SX Territory a sought-after choice among enthusiasts.

Ford Performance Vehicles FPV GT (2003-2014)

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), a high-performance division of Ford Australia, utilized the Barra engine in its range of performance cars. The FPV GT, in particular, featured a modified Barra engine that produced over 450 horsepower, making it a formidable rival to other performance legends.

Ford Performance Vehicles FPV F6 (2004-2014)

The FPV F6, another performance car from Ford Australia, was also powered by a Barra engine. It offered a balance of performance and practicality, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts seeking a daily driver with a sporty edge.

Ford Performance Vehicles FPV Pursuit (2006-2014)

The Ford Pursuit, a V8-powered sedan, was also available with a Barra engine option. This configuration provided a more affordable alternative to the V8 models, while still delivering a respectable level of performance.

The Barra engine series encompassed multiple variations with different displacement and power output configurations. The following table provides an overview of the key specifications:

| Engine Code | Displacement (L) | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) |
|—|—|—|—|
| Barra 182i | 4.0 | 182 | 380 |
| Barra 220i | 4.0 | 220 | 400 |
| Barra 240i | 4.0 | 240 | 420 |
| Barra 270i | 4.0 | 270 | 500 |
| Barra 280i | 4.0 | 280 | 525 |
| Barra 290i | 4.0 | 290 | 550 |
| Barra 310i | 4.0 | 310 | 550 |

Cars equipped with the Barra engine have consistently delivered impressive performance figures. The following table showcases the acceleration and top speed capabilities of some notable models:

| Car | 0-100 km/h (s) | Top Speed (km/h) |
|—|—|—|
| Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo | 5.4 | 250 |
| Ford Falcon GT | 4.9 | 290 |
| Ford Territory Turbo | 7.5 | 210 |
| Ford F-Series F6 Typhoon | 5.3 | 250 |
| Ford Performance FPV F6 | 5.1 | 290 |
| Ford Performance FPV GT | 4.7 | 330 |

Key Features and Innovations

The Barra engine boasts several key features and innovations that contribute to its performance and reliability:

– **In-line Six Configuration:** The inline-six layout provides inherent balance and smoothness, reducing vibrations and improving overall refinement.
– **Cross-Bolted Main Bearings:** The forged crankshaft features cross-bolted main bearings, which enhance strength and durability under high loads.
– **Variable Valve Timing:** Variable valve timing optimizes engine performance across the rev range, improving power output and fuel efficiency.
– **Variable Camshaft Timing:** Advanced variable camshaft timing allows for precise control over valve opening and closing, further enhancing performance and efficiency.
– **Lightweight Construction:** The Barra engine utilizes lightweight aluminum components, reducing overall weight and improving agility.
– **Oil-Cooled Pistons:** Oil-cooled pistons effectively dissipate heat, reducing wear and tear and extending engine life.

Legacy and Impact

The Barra engine has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, becoming a symbol of Australian engineering excellence. Its exceptional performance, reliability, and tunability have made it a favorite among enthusiasts around the world. The Barra engine’s legacy continues to inspire future automotive innovations, proving that the inline-six configuration remains a potent force in the world of high-performance engines.

Ford Barra: Everything You Need to Know

While a lot of people are interested in the RB series, JZ series, N54/N55, and more recently the BMW B58, there is another awesome inline-six which has flown somewhat under the radar for a lot of enthusiasts, which is the Ford Barra engine.

It’s big, it’s strong, it has six-cylinder, and has the potential to make a massive amount of power when modified correctly.

Where The Barra Came From

Real quick I would like to clarify this video is talking about the inline-6 Barra engines, not the V8 Barra engines which are just a Ford mod motor.

Beginnings its life in 2002, the Barra was developed and built in Australia. Realistically its a development of a single overhead cam straight-six engine Ford used in the 1980s and 1990s, which can trace its roots back to the North American Ford Falcon Compact from 1959.

While the Barra doesn’t have a massive amount of similarities to those old inline sixes, they laid the foundation the Barra was built on.

Different Variations

The Barra, much like other legendary inline-six engines, was available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. The most popular application to receive the Barra engine is the Ford Falcon, where it was used in every body style the Falcon offered. It was also used in the Ford Territory, which is a small SUV thing.

Part of the reason a lot of enthusiasts don’t know about this engine is that it was only available in Australia and New Zealand. This is a lot different than something like the JZ series which was available all over the world in quite a few different application.

Basic Specs and Info

To give you a rundown on some basic information, the Barra is a 4.0L, inline-6 with dual over cams, variable valve timing, a cast-iron block, cast aluminum cylinder head, as stated earlier some variants are turbocharged, power output ranges from 209hp and 276lb-ft up to 436hp and 425lb-ft.

Throughout the years, there were a lot of additions and changes to the Barra, but for they’re all pretty similar to each other. One thing you might notice from the power figures I mentioned is the torque.

Compared to something like the JZ or RB series, the Barra makes a massive amount of power, which can be partially attributed to its large 4.0L displacement and long 99mm stroke.

Physically Large Size

Looking more closely at the cylinder head can reveal just how massive this engine is. The Barra head is almost six inches longer than a 2JZ head, which demonstrates how the larger displacement affects the physical size of the engine.

As we mentioned earlier, this engine features dual-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, all of which is driven by a timing chain rather than a timing belt.

Weak Points in The Head

Unfortunately, two of the weakest points of the Barra engines live in the cylinder head and that’s the head bolts and valve springs. The head bolts are insanely strong and they’re prone to stretching from extreme cylinder pressure once you start to turn the boost up.

The valve springs are also too weak to hold up to increased boost pressure and have to be replaced if you want to make big power.

Dual Cam Timing

One nice feature you’ll find many, but not all Barra engines is a variable cam timing on both camshafts. The dual-cam timing system massively improves efficiency, low-end power, and top-end power.

For turbocharged Barras, the dual cam timing also greatly improve turbo-spool up, ultimately helping the Barra make more low-end power and have great throttle response.

Bottom End

Looking at the bottom end of the engine makes it pretty obvious why this engine has become so popular. The block is constructed from cast-iron and features a lot of material in all the right places. The pistons, rods, and crank are all very strong and massive overkill for the stock power output.

Other notable features on the bottom are the oil pump bolts with screw in horizontally to the crank caps with effectively makes the oil sump a stressed member of the bottom end. The windage tray helps tie all the main caps together and improves bottom-end rigidity.

On a stock bottom end, the Barra capable of producing 600whp or more. I know some people have pushed well past this number on a stock bottom end, but if you want something which can reliably make power, 600 to 700 horsepower is pretty much the limitation of the bottom end.

The block itself is capable of withstanding over 1500 horsepower without much fuss with some examples making over 2,000 horsepower on the stock built. With a built bottom end, making 1000 horsepower can be done fairly reliably.

Oil Pump Gears

One of the other weak points of the Barra is found in the bottom end, which is the oil pump gears. The gears are known for failing and need to be replaced if you want to make big power.

Availability in the USA

Unfortunately the Barra will probably never reach the level of popularity of other inline-six engines like the RB or JZ, mostly for the fact that it was only available in Australia. While this makes it readily available and cheap to buy in Australia, you’re unlikely to find one in the states unless you specifically import one yourself.

Because of its lack of use in the states, there isn’t nearly as much aftermarket support for the Barra compared to engines that are readily available in the states. On top of that, it’s a very large engine and can’t easily fit into as many applications as other inline-six engines or even V8s like the LS.

It’s a pretty tall and long engine and it’s particularly lightweight either.

That being said, if you live in Australia or New Zealand, the Barra is a pretty awesome engine because there are a lot of them out there and they can be had for pretty cheap.

While the aftermarket might not be as big as other engines, it’s still large enough that you can find the parts you need relatively easily. It’s pretty easy to replace the head bolts, valve springs, oil pump gears, and stick on a big turbo and make 600 horsepower pretty easily.

RIP Barra

Unfortunately, Ford Australia killed the Barra in 2016. It died alongside the Falcon and Territory because of high labor costs and unprofitability with the engine and cars being constructed in Australia.

Out of all the ways to go out, that has to be the most depressing way for an engine to die, but all good things eventually have to come to an end.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this website.

3 thoughts on “Ford Barra: Everything You Need to Know”

George Dowdell

I live in Homestead Fla. USA and would like to get my hands on one or two Falcon dual cam timing motors . I’m looking to build a couple of older cars . I also have a 1995 F-150 I bout new . Its a 4.9 I6 and I saw a web site over there ( .au ) showing a 4.9 alu. cross flow head and all the candy that go’s with it but I never saw the end of the story . How or who can I go to and get the info I well need to start these projects . Would you know what kind of HP you can get out of the 4.9 . Big I hope . Reply

Lachlan harvey

Barra motors are well known for making around 6-700 horsepower on a stock bottom end. with some bolt-ons and a reinforced bottom end, they can comfortably make about 1000 HP. Reply

https://nodsauto.com/what-cars-have-a-barra-engine/

Ford Barra: Everything You Need to Know

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  • Ethan Cole – Automotive Journalist & Car Enthusiast Ethan Cole is a passionate automotive journalist with over 10 years of experience covering the latest developments in the car industry. From high-performance sports cars and rugged SUVs to electric vehicles and autonomous driving tech — Ethan dives deep into every segment to bring readers honest, insightful reviews and comparisons. He has tested hundreds of vehicles across Europe, the US, and Asia, always focusing on real-world performance, driver experience, and value for money. His work has been featured in Car and Driver , Top Gear Magazine , and Motor Trend , where he’s known for his no-nonsense approach and technical depth. Ethan believes that whether you're buying your first hatchback or your dream supercar, knowledge is power — and his mission is to help drivers make smarter choices through detailed breakdowns, video reviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at how cars are made. When he's not behind the wheel, Ethan runs a vintage car restoration channel on YouTube and enjoys track days at local racing circuits. Follow Ethan: Instagram: @EthanColeAuto YouTube: youtube.com/@EthanColeAuto Twitter: @EthanColeAuto

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