67-69 Firebird TECH Includes 69 TA.

          
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  #1  
Old 07-31-2016, 04:26 PM
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Default Long branch manifold questions

As it stands I am happy with the way my Firebird is running nowadays.
I am interested in swapping from logs to LBM's. My questions are does
Anyone have an issue with solenoid on starter since manifolds would be closer.
And does exhaust note change or get louder. Currently I have manifolds and pypes
Mandrel bent down pipes, X pipe and street pro mufflers.


Gerry

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  #2  
Old 07-31-2016, 05:04 PM
tom s tom s is offline
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The engineers designed them with a factory starter.I have always used a mini starter with them.Tom

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Old 07-31-2016, 07:25 PM
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I haven't had a problem with my starter yet, I have had the LB's in my bird for about 10 years now. I didn't remove logs but I did remove bad 3 tube headers for the LB and it felt much better to drive. I have a Pypes exhaust with the pro-v mufflers and it does drone a bit on the highway, but not too bothersome. If I ever have to replace the started it will be a pain with the LB's so I would switch to a mini. Another positive is not tightening bolts on the headers..

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Old 07-31-2016, 08:47 PM
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When converting, don't forget that you need to also install an oil filter relocation kit. The relocation kit tilts the filter base rearward providing clearance for the long branch manifolds.

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Old 08-01-2016, 12:20 AM
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Good info. I'm thinking of getting them for my 68 too


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Old 08-01-2016, 01:07 PM
TedRamAirII TedRamAirII is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 68 Firebird View Post
As it stands I am happy with the way my Firebird is running nowadays.
I am interested in swapping from logs to LBM's. My questions are does
Anyone have an issue with solenoid on starter since manifolds would be closer.
And does exhaust note change or get louder. Currently I have manifolds and pypes
Mandrel bent down pipes, X pipe and street pro mufflers.


Gerry
I have RP Long Branches. The starter fits fine, that's what its made for. Exhaust note? who knows, it should be the same. Be sure you have the oil filter adapter. I think maybe the battery wire to the starter is routed differently.

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  #7  
Old 08-01-2016, 05:57 PM
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I put LBM's on my 69 FB. The fit is tight, but no issues with the starter or solenoid. However, as a minimum you have to back the exhaust bolts almost all the way out to replace the starter. I replaced my exhaust at the same time I installed the LBM's so can't comment on the exhaust note.

  #8  
Old 08-04-2016, 07:47 PM
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Default Long branch

Guys thanks for the feedback.
Gonna pull the trigger in the next few weeks.
I have one final question for you guys. Did you get yours
Ceramic coated it go the POR15 route ????
And how is the finish holding up.

Thanks Again

Gerry

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  #9  
Old 08-04-2016, 07:55 PM
tom s tom s is offline
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I painted mine with Hitemp castiron paint.Tom

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Old 08-04-2016, 09:10 PM
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Default Paint

Tom where did you get this paint from.
Any part numbers.
Thanks

Gerry

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  #11  
Old 08-04-2016, 09:11 PM
tom s tom s is offline
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Will look to see if I have any left.Kind of think it was autozone.Tom

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Old 08-04-2016, 10:38 PM
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I would do the ceramic coating, wish I had when I got mine.

  #13  
Old 08-04-2016, 11:39 PM
rohrt rohrt is offline
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My ceramic coating a complete waste of money for me. It complete turned to rust by year 3 as did the hi temp paint by KBS.

One note on LBM and starters is that you will have to remove the manifold to remove a GM starter.

  #14  
Old 08-05-2016, 07:26 AM
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No coating on mine. Still look good to me after two years.
No problem at all removing or installing the factory starter.

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Old 08-05-2016, 08:52 AM
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Default info

thanks guys great info.

actually called to order and they are out in Norwalk and not open till Monday!!!

Gerry

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Old 08-05-2016, 12:01 PM
TedRamAirII TedRamAirII is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrt View Post
My ceramic coating a complete waste of money for me. It complete turned to rust by year 3 as did the hi temp paint by KBS.

One note on LBM and starters is that you will have to remove the manifold to remove a GM starter.
I never have.

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  #17  
Old 08-05-2016, 12:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flynbye View Post
No problem at all removing or installing the factory starter.
I wonder if they are making different versions of the long branch manifolds. I have to take the manifold bolts almost completely out to get my starter out. Now that I tnink about it, I have a super torque starter. Maybe it is larger than factory?

  #18  
Old 08-05-2016, 12:48 PM
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I've had to loosen up the manifold on my 69 T/A to get the starter out. All stock components.

  #19  
Old 08-05-2016, 01:21 PM
silverbullet07 silverbullet07 is offline
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I got mine from RAM AIR restorations and they did the ceramic coating. I love mine and no problems with them.

  #20  
Old 08-05-2016, 02:59 PM
Sport69 Sport69 is offline
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I'll second the Ram-Air Restorations, they're great to work with, and they have the oil filter adapter kits too. I did have an issue with heat saturation with my stock starter. If I drove it for a length of time, and then shut it off, the starter would drag if I tried to start it right away. Yes, the starter was rebuilt, had a new solenoid and the stock heat-shield. I heard that this was a Pontiac issue back in the day because of the proximity of the exhaust to the starter. I bought a RobbMc starter and don't have any issues. My $.02

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