You know, there’s really only one reason to get a rollbar—safety. Why else would it be called a rollbar? It protects a car’s inhabitants in the event of a rollover. Though not always a foolproof way of securing your life while traversing the quarter-mile upside down, a rollbar is prudent insurance if the unexpected happens. Furthermore, it also helps stiffen up the car during hard launches, especially if the rollbar is tied to the subframe connectors. Excessive body flex can result in one tire not getting the proper traction needed for maximum grip at the starting line, not to mention a pretzeled Mustang.
Which is the best rollbar for your Mustang? That depends on what you have planned. If your Mustang is destined for open-track or road-racing duties, then a Street Cage—like that from Kenny Brown—is probably what you need. If drag racing is your bag, you need a rollbar like the one we’re installing from Maximum Motorsports. A street-style cage doesn’t have the door bars that make getting in and out a royal nightmare, but for that reason they’re not NHRA-legal. According to NHRA rules, a rollbar is mandatory in all cars running 11.00 to 11.99 and in all convertibles running 11.00 to 13.99. A rollcage is mandatory in all convertibles running 10.99 and quicker, or any car exceeding 135 mph. All cars running 9.99 and quicker must have a full cage and NHRA chassis certification.
Maximum Motorsports’ new six- point Drag Race Roll Bar is designed to meet NHRA rules with proper installation. It’s made from 1.75x0.134-inch wall tubing, and the harness brace is 1.5x0.134 inches, both meeting or exceeding NHRA requirements. Mounting pads and reinforcing plates are all 6x6x1/8-inch, and the door bars are removable for daily driven cars. The car we’re installing the rollbar in is a four-cylinder coupe destined to have major surgery, including a complete V-8 conversion. Follow along as we get the coupe NHRA-ready.
Horse Sense: Maximum Motorsports’ Drag Race Roll Bar includes a horizontal crossbar for shoulder harness attachment and seatback reinforcement.