[lugnutx2]

On a 68 400 HO firebird, does the DS exhaust manifold have to come off, before the starter can be changed or can you remove the DS motor and frame mounts and come straight out with it? The manifolds have never been off of the car before, so I can see some possible broken bolts happening if I do take the manifold off.

[north]

I've never had an issue with the starter on my 69 TA (which should be the same long branch deal). The issue is to have the cables ajusted just right so you can get them on off but not to have cables too close to the manifold.

[lugnutx2]

My starter has never been off the car and is still working fine, I also just installed a new, "correct" positive cable and a repro engine wiring harness, due to the originals being in rough shape. While I was under there installing the new stuff, I got to wondering, when the time came, how I'd ever change the starter with the LB manifold on.

[stellar]

When I was young and doing a lot of starter instalations I never had to remove an exhaust or mounts if it was stock. It is a bit tricky, but it can be done. If you want to know how I did it let me know.

[lugnutx2]

Yes, I want to know.

[stellar]

Remove wires. Remove any brace or shields. Unbolt starter. Pull starter out of trans hole and push starter nose upward so back of starter is facing down. You may need to rotate the starter some, but it will come down. It's tight but it will come out.

[lugnutx2]

Originally Posted by stellar

Remove wires. Remove any brace or shields. Unbolt starter. Pull starter out of trans hole and push starter nose upward so back of starter is facing down. You may need to rotate the starter some, but it will come down. It's tight but it will come out.

You did this on a car with long branch manifolds?

[stellar]

I can't remember, but probably not if they are bigger. I havent done one since probably the 1980's or 90's. I did lots of firebirds back then and never had to remove a manifold, so probably did not have the long branch. Headers were a problem, but other than that no problems. Hope all goes well for you. Let us know how its done.

[blue71ta]

I just replaced the starter on my '68 HO with long branch manifolds. As stated, it's a tight fit, but can be removed WITHOUT removing the exhaust manifold. As I was cussing, I thought "they wouldn't have engineered this to have to remove the manifold to change the starter." With some patience and twisting / turning, it will come out.

No need to do anything with the motor mounts either.

[stellar]

I'm happy to find another that did it without manifold removal. I guess it is possible that the right combination of cuss words are the key. Possibly blue 71ta can enlighten us. As I stated earlier it has been awhile for me so although I can remember the cuss words, I may not remember them in the right sequence. I had another thought. At this old age sometimes thoughts hurt. You may try taking the solenoid off while the starter is still stuck in the limited space. It may give enough space to remove the starter. Thank you blue71. Your post was refreshing.

[lugnutx2]

Well, now I know it can be done, that's a relief! Thanks to all who posted, I appreciate the help!