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