[Metric]

Not sure what the "best" aftermarket engine crossmember is and looking for help to decide. From what I read it looks like the 2 best options are the Z style ones like the ones sold at OpenTracker and the one by Street Bandit sold at NPD.

At the moment they're both $275. Any thoughts?

Z (left) Street Bandit (right)

 

[rusty1161]

@zray all the way. Another purchase option is directly from him Z's 1965-66 low profile street-competition engine...

 

[Redneckgearhead]

Definitely zray!

 

[ginpunk]

Get the Z-Bar. I did. Zero complaints.

 

[geicoman58]

i ordered mine directly from Z-Ray with the center jack pad..2 mustangs, 2 crossmembers, .they fit great, really strengthen the car and I love just sliding the floor jack into position and having at it with confidence!

 

[66Ccode]

There’s only one that you should purchase and that’s Z’s

 

[sanch052]

Another vote for Z-Ray. Great product and customer service.

 

[Russstang]

Z

 

[Maxum96]

Z

Here's why you should buy from Zray,

Forum member
Great customer service
Well priced
Quality manufacturing
Quality hardware
Works well with lowered motor mounts and aftermarket oil pans

And Zray is a great guy to deal with

 

[Stevert66]

I bought a crossmember from Zray for my '66 back in November when he had his Black Friday sale. My car is still in winter storage so it hasn't been installed yet, so no first-hand experience with fit or performance at this point.

But I can tell you that the crossmember looks to be very well made and finished, it came well-packed for shipping, and Zray included a comprehensive set of installation instructions along with the required hardware. There was a delay due to the holidays, but Zray kept me informed of the status via email and the crossmember arrived when he said it would.

I'm getting impatient with the weather because I can't wait to get it installed!

 

[Flade]

Been very happy with the Z bars I have purchased directly from Z Ray. Very well built and perfect fit. No experience with the Street Bandit Bars,

 

[66_72stanger]

Not sure what the "best" aftermarket engine crossmember is and looking for help to decide. From what I read it looks like the 2 best options are the Z style ones like the ones sold at OpenTracker and the one by Street Bandit sold at NPD.

At the moment they're both $275. Any thoughts?

Z (left) Street Bandit (right)
View attachment 886761 View attachment 886760

Metric,

No experience with the Street Bandit crossmember.
Picked up one for our 66 vert from Cobra America 10 years back.
Bought one from Z for the 65 fb couple of years ago.
Both well made and no install issues.
Z’s with the Jack pad add is now my go to.
And Z is a member and a great guy to deal with.

My .02.

 

[blueovalfan68]

Another zray crossmember user. Get the one with the jackpad.

Cant go wrong.

Sent from the interwebs... where else?

 

[Metric]

Thanks everybody I think the choice is pretty clear!
I'm going to order one from Zray

 

[supershifter2]

Thanks everybody I think the choice is pretty clear!
I'm going to order one from Zray

Make sure you get the "Metric" version.

 

[BlackStick]

I doubt there is any difference between performance of the two. And of course NPD is also a "member" of the forum. I put a zray bar on my car but had to cut away the front of the jack pad to clear the Milodon oil pan.

 

[supershifter2]

Both those bars look great to me but I like a straight bar. About 12 years ago I made my own from 11 gauge(overkill could have used 14 gauge) 1.5" x 2.5" rectangular tubing. The side spacers are 1.5" x 3". Its welded to the frame right over the factory bolt holes I plugged with a bolt thread and welded shut to keep water out of the spacers. I drilled an 1/8" drain hole in the spacers just in case. I drilled holes through the crossmember and welded crush sleeves where the LCA bolts go so they are anchored to the crossmember. I use shims on the UCA to adjust C & C.

Note: I put the factory bar on a flat steel table and carefully measured the distance from the table to the what is the top of the factory bar when its on the car. Added 1/32" to that measurement and made my spacers. My Aviad RR oil pan is lower than the crossmember.

 

[68'Stang]

Does ZRay have a website?

 

[zray]

Does ZRay have a website?

no website. Sales thru the VFM ads, Opentracker, and eBay. You can PM me for complete information.

Z

 

[PaulyWally]

Thanks everybody I think the choice is pretty clear!
I'm going to order one from Zray

Unless you have a very specific reason not to, make sure you get the jackpad. It's a little more $$, but I can't think of anything that has paid for itself 100x over.