[stlwagon]

Shout out to zray... Picked up one of his custom engine crossmembers for my 65. After the new motor and lower poly mounts I was having significant clearance issues with the OEM crossmember. Came across this gem completely by luck. Haven't installed in yet but have to say I'm very impressed by the overall quality of the piece, the welds and the powdercoating. Plus, it ties into the lower control arms for additional support. He even contacted me up front to make sure he was sending me the right one.

Can't wait to get it installed.

 

[zray]

thanks for the endorsement. The crossmember is based on a design Ford came up with in 1969 in their racing Boss 302 program to address a weakness in the LCA area. That area will flex under cornering forces, and the steering precision suffers as a result. Street driven cars have the same issue. This crossmember fixes all that at a reasonable cost.

If anyone wants more information just PM me or email zray289@gmail.com

Z.

 

[stlwagon]

Haven't had the opportunity to install just yet. Contracted a nasty case of poison ivy that's got me sidelined for a few days.

 

[67moneypit]

Any chance of picture of one installed?

 

[zray]

Any chance of picture of one installed?

I'll post some more photos later. Am in process of closing down photobucket account due to changes in their user policy.


4th (?) photo has spacer omitted for clarity


Z

 

[rhutt]

Z-
My '66 GT has power steering and I currently run the OE crossmember. The factory flattened a 3" section on the driver's side to provide clearance for PS. Does your crossmember clear on power steering equipped cars?

 

[zray]

Are you talking about the power steering hose clearance ? If so, I have sold numerous crossmember to customers running the stock power system without any clearance issues. In that area, with the stock motor mounts and stock oil pan, there is substantially more room between the crossmember and the oil pan. So I'm not sure whether my customers are running the hoses above or below the crossmember. Im thinking would depend on whether they lowered the engine and / or have an oversized oil pan. In any case, they are reporting that they are happy with the fit. I don't have any photos of that arrangement to share, as my test fit cars are manual steering. Sorry I can't provide a more complete answer for you .

I offer a complete refund for anyone not satisfied with the product and the fitment. So far over 300 sold and no refunds asked for.


Z

 

[biscuit eater]

Pardon if this is a stupid question. Does this replace a stock part or an add-on? Does it fit an otherwise fully stock car? Require any modification or drilling?

 

[stlwagon]

Pardon if this is a stupid question. Does this replace a stock part or an add-on? Does it fit an otherwise fully stock car? Require any modification or drilling?

It replaces the stock engine crossmember but adds a whole lot more rigidity to the front end since it also ties into the lower control arms (stock one does not)

 

[zray]

No drilling or welding . It will fit a completely stock car, also fits when the engine has been lowered with aftermarket 1/2" lowering engine mounts, and fits with most aftermarket oil pans

Here is an ad for the 65/66 crossmember, and some reviews

Standard model
Z's 65/66 street competition engine crossmembers - Vintage Mustang Forums

Low profile model, for cars that have been lowered, or have ground clearance issues.
Z's 1965-66 low profile street-competition engine crossmember - Vintage Mustang Forums

Reviews

Competition Engine Crossmember Review - Vintage Mustang Forums

Z

 

[Brokeit]

That jack pad set up helps a lot too. I find the pinch welds and torque boxes on these cars truly aren't good jack locations.

 

[zray]

That jack pad set up helps a lot too. I find the pinch welds and torque boxes on these cars truly aren't good jack locations.

^^^^^^^

yes, the integrated jack pad was the best idea I've had in quite a while. Topping that won't be easy.

It's a shame Ford didn't put a reinforced pad at the front of the frame rails for the purpose of a decent jacking location. As a result, it's hard to find a Mustang without numerous dented frame rails.

Aside from saving the appearance of the frame rails, using the crossmember jack pad to raise the front end is much safer, and it's quicker to be able to raise the entire front end in one operation. The material of jack pad is a 1/4" thick steel tread plate. It's waffle pattern keeps the jack from slipping as the car is being raised.


Z