The Ford LAR is a 2,394 cc, inline — four petrol engine produced between 1984 and 1988. Part of the Ford Pinto engine family, it features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 — valve configuration, and carburettor fuel delivery. Designed for mid — to — large executive vehicles, it produces 96 kW (131 PS) and 205 Nm of torque, offering improved low — end pull over smaller variants.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Granada (Mk3) and Scorpio (early development models), the LAR was engi…
Production years 1984–1985 meet domestic emissions standards; 1986–1988 models comply with Euro 1 equivalent regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Ford LAR is a 2,394 cc inline-four SOHC petrol engine developed for executive and fleet applications (1984–1988). It features a cast-iron block, carburettor induction, and increased displacement for improved torque delivery. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, it balances performance with reliability in large sedan applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,394 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
Power output | 96 kW (131 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 205 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | Weber 34 DATR twin-barrel carburettor | |
Emissions standard | Euro 1 equivalent (1986–1988) | |
Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral (API SH) | |
Dry weight | 178 kg |
The Ford LAR was used across Ford's Mk3 Granada and early Scorpio development platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-fuel mixture tuning for automatic transmission variants and revised exhaust manifolds for estate models-and from 1987 the facelifted Granada adopted fuel injection (LAR-i), creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The LAR's primary reliability risk is premature camshaft wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Ford internal reports from 1987 indicated a significant number of pre-1986 engines required camshaft replacement before 140,000 km, while VCA field data shows emissions-related failures were a leading cause of vintage vehicle inspection failures. Extended oil intervals and incorrect viscosity amplify wear, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1984-1988) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The LAR is fundamentally robust but has known weaknesses, particularly camshaft wear in pre-1986 units. When maintained with regular oil changes using correct SAE 10W-40 API SH oil, it can exceed 180,000 km. Later camshafts (post-06/1986) are significantly improved. Avoid extended oil intervals to ensure longevity.
The primary issues are camshaft lobe wear (especially under high load), Weber carburettor tuning drift, timing chain wear, and oil leaks from aged gaskets. These are documented in Ford service bulletins, with camshaft wear being the most critical failure mode requiring vigilance.
The LAR was used in the Ford Granada Mk3 (1984–1987) and early Scorpio development mules. It was phased out in favour of fuel-injected variants by 1988. No non-Ford applications are documented.
Yes, within limits. The LAR responds well to performance carburettors (e.g., Weber 38 DGAS), performance camshafts, and exhaust upgrades. Stage 1 modifications can yield +25–30 PS. However, the camshaft's sensitivity to lubrication requires careful tuning to avoid exacerbating wear risks.
Moderate for its era. In a Granada 2.4 GL, expect ~12.5 L/100km (city) and ~9.0 L/100km (highway), or approximately 23 mpg UK combined. Real-world consumption depends heavily on driving style and vehicle condition, with well-tuned examples achieving up to 28 mpg UK on motorways.
No. The LAR is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain fails, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, immediate repair is still essential to avoid secondary issues from incorrect valve timing.
Ford specifies SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SH standards. Change intervals should not exceed 12,000 km or 12 months. Use of synthetic oils is not recommended for original-spec preservation, though modern API SN 10W-40 can be used if compatibility is confirmed.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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