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

The engineers designed them with a factory starter.I have always used a mini starter with them.Tom

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..

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.

Good info. I'm thinking of getting them for my 68 too


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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.

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.

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

I painted mine with Hitemp castiron paint.Tom

Paint
 

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

Gerry

Will look to see if I have any left.Kind of think it was autozone.Tom

I would do the ceramic coating, wish I had when I got mine.

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.

No coating on mine. Still look good to me after two years.
No problem at all removing or installing the factory starter.

info
 

thanks guys great info.

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

Gerry

I never have.

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?

I've had to loosen up the manifold on my 69 T/A to get the starter out. All stock components.

I got mine from RAM AIR restorations and they did the ceramic coating. I love mine and no problems with them.

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

I have not had a heat saturation issues. My engine is built to a stock 400 HO engine except my compression was lowered to handle 93 oct fuel. The timing is set to specs.

No issues at all with starter even driving about high 80's heat. My compression was lowered to handle 93 oct fuel.

I have stock starter, stock heat shield and Long branch. I hear of people having issues. I thought it my be to a bigger cam and higher timing causing the hot start issue.

Guys thanks for all the tips and info.
Though my car is just a cruiser this is
Something that has been on my to do list
Since I bought her 15 years ago.
Glad to see no starter issues with a factory
Starter and proper heat shields. I have not
Had the starter issue since I had mine rebuilt
With high temp solenoid spring and double layered heat shield.
Timing is on point and well matched to fuel curve from
My Q-jet.
Hoping to place my order beginning of the week and have
A fun fall project.
Now just have to decide on ceramic or paint for the finish.
Thanks again

Gerry

I had some battery cables made with larger gauge wire. It eliminated the hot start issues.

Silverbullet your comment about the hot 80 degree weather gave me a good chuckle, as today was the first day we've had under 100. I haven't had any heatsoak issues with any of my cars and I drove my 68 and 69 to work last week at around 114.

Ya, once it gets in the 90's here, it is miserable. We have so much humidity you step outside your soaked. terrible,. I hear AZ heat is dry and nice. If you are in a coupe with no air I praise you. I don't think I could do it. I ride with my top down and 90's is just to much.

John H.. (North) of these forums tells me that he has great success rubbing motor oil into the LBM for a couple of days before install. Once up start up they will smoke like mad for a bit as the excess burns off but the oil keeps the LBMs from rusting for quite some time (years)

Good input from silverbullet07. I am running 77 heads and a Ram Air 4 Cam on my 65 421. I recently installed the ceramic coated RARE D Port LB manifolds with their oil filter offset block, flanges and stainless hardware, a 2.5" crossover exhaust system w/ quality copper gaskets and a set of 3 chamber Flowmasters. I did install the solenoid heat shield on the stock starter and, after replacing a five year old battery, I have no hot starting problems. Compression was lowered a bit during a recent engine overhaul in order to run on 93 octane pump gas. My 2+2 is a points car and I eliminated minor pinging issues by adding an adjustable vacuum advance and heaver duty distributor springs. My Initial timing is now set around 10.5 and total timing is 32. I have considered beefing up the wire gauge on the starter cables but all seems well, so I am done for now.

I am extremely pleased with the quality of RARE's products and impressed with their service and communication. Here is a link to a thread I started a while back when I first considered biting the bullet on a set of Long Branch manifolds. http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=737036

It usually is a dry heat but the Monsoon season is here. 110 with 26% today. No A/C in the cars, but I feel cool driving them.;-) Back to topic, I have used several sets, and they work great.

Manifolds
 

Well I spoke with Paul this morning and kit was ordered.
He is out stock on one casting all else was in stock ready to go.
That is fine for me as this will be a Fall project.
Thanks for all the feed back.

Now what was the part number for the POR15 coating you guys used??

Gerry

I've had mine on for four years and ordered from Ram Air Restorations. Great company to deal with. As far as starter problems, I installed a heat shield to provide some protection from the exhaust manifold temps. That being said, I was out a few weeks ago to a cruise night and my Bird wouldn't start when I went to leave. Last year it happened once before. Heat soak? Maybe. It was in the 90s that day. Anyway I am thinking of changing out the starter to a high torque mini one if it happens again.

I had heat soak bad. Some put big cable on the battery some just go with mini starters and some do both. The more power you make and more cubes you run the more heat you make.

I was able to keep the stock small battery cable and just go with a RobbMc ministarter.

Unlike the Abody HO manifolds the long branch don't shroud the solenoid so it isn't better or worse than the stock log manifolds in terms of heat soak. Starter change requires fully loosening the manifold to head bolts.

I've had good luck with simply rubbing motor oil on the manifolds with a rag a few times before installation, smokes for a few minutes but after you are left with a nice natural dark cast iron color that will never rust the way we use these cars today, being free is nice too!

What temp thermostat
 

I am running a NOS Delco thermostat and my car runs right at 180.
What temp stat are you guys running, I only ask cause I am concerned
About hot starts once I get LBM's installed over winter.

current starter has been in for 15 years. It has the High torque motor and high temp solenoid with hi temp spring. I also installed the double layer heat shield and have had no
Issues with heat. Just thinking ahead.

Gerry

Would like to talk with you about setting timing - I have had a problem.

Jim 209-601-4408

Long branch
 

My fall/winter project has arrived.

Engine art! Almost a shame to tuck them under the engine:beerchug:

I have the RARE Repro LB's as well. I purchased them with the gray ceramic coating and within a couple of years they were covered in rust. I then had them blasted and painted them with the POR-15 Heat Resistant Paint - Manifold Gray. They turned out great and look the same after 2 plus years. That being said, my engine has had numerous issues so I only have about 15 miles on the manifolds, fwiw.

Long branch manifolds
 

Installed and they sound as good as they look.