equalizer bar -- difference between hi-po and standard

raceat8400

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May 24, 2004
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I just broke my equalizer bar in half on my 66 mustang 289 a few minutes ago...

Being that I have a heavy aftermarket clutch, should I replace it with a hi-po equalizer bar, or will that not fit?
 
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HistoricMustang said:
Are you speaking of the "Z" Bar? The hi-po used a little heavier version which can be purchased or you can modify the standard version (as I did) by adding some "gussets". This extra strength is needed with most clutch upgrades.

Yeah, the Z-Bar. I was thinking about buying 2 z-bars so I could have the curved section cut out and welded to the second one, but that would be pretty expensive.

Now that I think about it, I remember my dad talking about breaking his z-bar and that was on a K-Code, so I guess the hi-po version probably isnt worth the money...

Can you explain what gussets you used?


Thanks
 
raceat8400 said:
I just broke my equalizer bar in half on my 66 mustang 289 a few minutes ago...

Being that I have a heavy aftermarket clutch, should I replace it with a hi-po equalizer bar, or will that not fit?

The Hipo Z-bar is shaped differently for Hipo exhaust, it's curved, but IIRC the stock is the same. Whichever you have, have it gusseted so it will not bend. Most stuff is imported unless you have an original. If you do, get all of it welded up, hopefully at a Mustang shop since, in my experience, they are very aware of the problems with the imported crap. I had mine gusseted with triangles and it is still holding after four years. I put in an 11" truck flywheel with a diapham pressure plate. Good stuff, same balance weight and it holds. The 10.4" Centerforce II didn't hold.
 
VictorII said:
The Hipo Z-bar is shaped differently for Hipo exhaust, it's curved, but IIRC the stock is the same.

So will a hi-po bar bolt up to a regular 289 mustang?
The reason I ask is I have the hi-po exhaust manifolds, and I dont know if I have the hi-po z-bar or not...
 
raceat8400 said:
So will a hi-po bar bolt up to a regular 289 mustang?
The reason I ask is I have the hi-po exhaust manifolds, and I dont know if I have the hi-po z-bar or not...

I have Hipo manifolds on a '68 302 that is in a '65 convert. body and the Z-bar works fine on the stock engine and frame pivots and to both sides of the clutch linkage; at the top where it adjusts and down on the bell housing on the throwout bearing bracket. All the connections are the same as on a 289. The Z-bar is shaped differently, so if you don't already have pipes for the Hipos, you'll need 'em. If the Hipos are on the car and your exhaust is connected, the standard Z-bar won't work because the pipe that dumps from the manifold will get in the way.
 
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