The 5.4 litre DOHC 32‑valve V8 — known in Australia as the “Boss 260” — found a home under the bonnets of several of the last generation Ford Falcon and Ford Fairlane / Ford Fairmont sedans and utes built by Ford Australia.
Falcon BA / BF Series
When the BA‑series Falcon launched in 2002, Ford Australia offered the 5.4 L V8 as the top‑end V8 option. That included the performance‑oriented Ford Falcon XR8 in sedan and ute form.
As the series evolved into BF, the 5.4 DOHC V8 carried on powering XR8 variants (sedan and ute) up until around 2008, when emissions regulations and changing market demand forced Ford to phase the 5.4 L V8 out.
Fairlane & Fairmont
The 5.4 L V8 also powered luxury‑oriented full‑size sedans — the BA and BF Fairlane and Fairmont. For example, a 2005 Fairlane Ghia sold in Australia used the 5.4 L DOHC V8, giving buyers big‑car comfort with serious V8 performance.
What This Means for Restomods and Conversions
Fitting a 5.4 L DOHC 32‑valve V8 into a custom build gives you more than just displacement — you get an engine with roots in real Australian road cars. Whether it’s a Falcon XR8 that once sprinted Australian streets, or a Fairlane that offered luxury with a thumping V8, this motor brings provenance as much as performance. Because these engines were originally designed to fit into production‑car chassis and engine bays, they offer a strong base for a variety of custom applications: restomods, hot rods, utes, or custom SUVs.
Legacy & Rarity
When the DOHC 5.4 L V8 was phased out around 2010, it marked the end of an era for Ford’s Australian‑built V8 sedans and utes.
This gives used 5.4‑litre engines — especially those maintained well — an added appeal for builders and collectors who want a piece of late‑generation Aussie Ford history.
At a price of R32,999 including VAT, a used 5.4L DOHC offers exceptional value for anyone wanting modern Ford power without paying new-engine prices. It is a strong, efficient and proven engine that continues to earn respect in the performance and custom-building communities.
For anyone planning their next big build, the Ford 5.4L DOHC 32-valve V8 stands out as one of the most dependable and rewarding engines available today. It’s powerful, refined, upgrade-friendly and ready to transform whatever project you drop it into.
