[70FormulaCA]

Anyone using the "long branch" style exhaust manifolds on their 2nd Gen? Apparently, they flow better than Ram Air manifolds and I've been told only the A-body types would fit.

[muscle_collector]

they didnt put " long branch " manifolds on A- body cars.

[b-man]

The long branch manifolds can be made to fit with front crossmember modifications on both the A-body and 2nd-gens.

If you don't mind some cutting and welding, or possibly heating up some areas until they're cherry red and banging in some clearance notches with a big hammer then they can be made to fit.

[70FormulaCA]

Okay, good to know. Maybe I'll just stick with the ram air manifolds.

[FunctionalShaker]

Like b-man said: It comes down to a matter of clearance. Even with the ram air manifolds, there's not a lot of room.

[T A 70]

Originally Posted by 70FormulaCA

Anyone using the "long branch" style exhaust manifolds on their 2nd Gen? Apparently, they flow better than Ram Air manifolds and I've been told only the A-body types would fit.

Not interested in headers? You wouldn't believe how easy a set of super comps bolt in...of course then you'll need a mini starter....but I consider that an upgrade..they're nice.

[70FormulaCA]

Originally Posted by T A 70

Not interested in headers? You wouldn't believe how easy a set of super comps bolt in...of course then you'll need a mini starter....but I consider that an upgrade..they're nice.

But do headers really flow that much better than Ram Air/Long Branch manifolds?

[T A 70]

Yes.

[bird72]

Originally Posted by T A 70

Not interested in headers? You wouldn't believe how easy a set of super comps bolt in...of course then you'll need a mini starter....but I consider that an upgrade..they're nice.

my super comps clear a regular starter...


and for other question, YES headers flow far better than any long branch.

a built 455 should see +50hp minimum with headers (and no crossflow muffler, although there are supposed to be good ones)

[T A 70]

[quote=bird72;4331759]my super comps clear a regular starter...quote]

Yes, indeed it will....mine kept soaking up....older starter...replaced with a mini....love the dang thing.

[muscle_collector]

if my memory serves me correctly, many years ago they did a dyno test on a sd t/a and i think it was right around 50 hp gain with hookers over the factory manifolds.

[bird72]

yes a healthy 455 responds in a huge way to opening up the exhaust. "Good" headers are the key.... and headers suck, speed bumps suck, changing oil filters is a mess you have to dump the oil on the headers basically, but they work extremely well on a 455. I regret not coating mine, they look, err, patina'd now.... If I ever build my HO ultimate motor, I see round port headers in the future. (have 96 heads now). And I would not want to try to put headers in an F body with an engine in it already, but it can be done maybe.

[PONTIAC-ONE]

Originally Posted by bird72

yes a healthy 455 responds in a huge way to opening up the exhaust. "Good" headers are the key.... and headers suck, speed bumps suck, changing oil filters is a mess you have to dump the oil on the headers basically, but they work extremely well on a 455. I regret not coating mine, they look, err, patina'd now.... If I ever build my HO ultimate motor, I see round port headers in the future. (have 96 heads now). And I would not want to try to put headers in an F body with an engine in it already, but it can be done maybe.

I put headers on my '73 Bird with the engine in without much fuss, the trans was out at the time and I don't recall if that made things easier or not, I think I had to remove the oil filter & it's mount temporarily and the car had to be high off the ground.
Tightening the flange bolts was the hardest part of the whole deal.

[70FormulaCA]

Do they make shorty headers for Pontiacs?

Anyone have problems with keeping headers sealed against the heads?

[x-bird2]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

if my memory serves me correctly, many years ago they did a dyno test on a sd t/a and i think it was right around 50 hp gain with hookers over the factory manifolds.

that'd be mine, (formy though ;~)) and yes, right around 50. biggest issue beside the actual manifolds are the headpipe's compression bends. sticking them in is no big deal, i haven't had any sealing issues at all with them. (only 2 sets of gaskets in 11 years with the engine in and out 1/2 dozen times and the headers on and off about a dozen times) cutting the flanges makes installation and tightening a lot easier. (Header Headaches , hpp around 98-99)

[murphc4]

I guess the next logical question is which brand has the least problems fitting in an early bird. I'm rebuilding a 73 formula with a 455, and have been between regular manifolds and headers. I've read many stories on the forums here about problems getting the headers to fit. I'd like to run headers, but I don't want to do a lot of modifications to make them fit.

[muscle_collector]

back in the 70's and 80's, i installed many sets for myself and friends. the hookers were always the easiest to bolt up. some of the cheap 3 tube brands were very and almost impossible to bolt up the center exhaust port bolts. i always did them with the engine in the car. on a few occasions i would take out the motor mount bolts and lift the engine just slightly.

[T A 70]

As I said, for me, Hooker SComps were easy to install with the engine/trans(4-speed) in the car. Pontiac Greg Merrick sold me a small header wrench that made the tightening up easy as well. Once installed, I re-tightened them one time after getting them hot...no leaks ever. Also, before I had them jet coated I installed them, torqued them down, removed them, then coated to prevent any potential cracks in the jet coating from the initial tightening process.

[speedshopmike]

if it's a D-port motor i prefer the Hedmans; they have notably more ground clearance then hookers give.
my last set of super comps had both bottom primaries on both sides smashed flat (car was lowered with rancho springs).
also, hooker's ceramic coating quality went downhill the last few years imo and they also reduced their coating warranty coverage.
that may have changed in the almost a year since i closed the speedshop, esp given holley's outta bankruptcy now, but i won't use their coated stuff again.

[LeighP]

Originally Posted by 70FormulaCA

Do they make shorty headers for Pontiacs?

Anyone have problems with keeping headers sealed against the heads?

Yes, Hedmans make a shorty header for D ports. From tests I've read they are roughly equivalent to the cast iron 2nd gen RA manifolds.