I have been offered a set of (I'm told) original long branch cast exhaust manifolds for first gen. birds. Cast numbers are - L/H 9779495 R/H 9779494 Does anyone know if these will fit for sure, are they rare and what would you expect to pay. I don't want to buy on a gamble, but if they are something special and I can get them at the right price I could always sell them on if they don't fit my '69. Jerry..
They will fit with D-port heads on any Pontiac V-8 in a Firebird, but you will need an oil filter adapter that angles / rotates the filter back away from the block.
They will fit with D-port heads on any Pontiac V-8 in a Firebird, but you will need an oil filter adapter that angles / rotates the filter back away from the block.
Forgot to add, the guy said he had the oil filter adapter too and would throw that in on the deal. I have 7M5 D port heads so they fit the heads ok then! Are these a worthwhile investment?
They are, if they are less expensive than the reproductions made by R.A R.E.
The factory version had relatively small outlets, like about 2.100 inches. R.A.R.E. (Ram Air Restoration Enterprises) makes them in sizes up to 3.00" I believe.
Your car is not a numbers matching restoration, so don't pay too much more than the cost of headers plus shipping.
They are, if they are less expensive than the reproductions made by R.A R.E.
The factory version had relatively small outlets, like about 2.100 inches. R.A.R.E. (Ram Air Restoration Enterprises) makes them in sizes up to 3.00" I believe.
Your car is not a numbers matching restoration, so don't pay too much more than the cost of headers plus shipping.
Q, thats where I was going when I asked what the offer was. Some people swear by the LB manifolds...fit is perfect, usually no problems...But, I can't see them performing as well as a good set of headers on a stout engine.
I'm a hobbyist. Not a professional. Don't be hatin'!
I agree. They definitely rate a 9++ on cool factor. The advantage they would have over headers is holding heat better than thin tubing for short runs, but at equilibrium that would be a wash.
Guys to clarify, I've been 'offered' these to buy, I have first offer to buy them if me and seller can agree a price. I have no idea what to offer, obviously want to get them as cheap as I can but also the guy knows what he has but is keen to sell and get some cash. I too prefer the look and sound of a cast manifold over headers, less hassle too. Other than looks I guess I'm not getting much for my money, I have some stock ones anyway.
You can get these brand new from R.A.R.E. with 2-1/2" collectors for around $500. I bought mine from RARE and I swear by them. I had an expensive set of headers on my car for the first seven years, then went to the LBMs and I can tell you first hand, LBMs sound better, do not leak or tick like headers do, DO NOT create the heat headers do, MUCH MUCH queiter under the hood but man do they bark out the tail pipes!
After owning both I can say without a doubt there are NO benefits of headers over LBMs other than costs. Obviously headers are much cheaper than the LBMs I guess that would be one advantage...
You can get these brand new from R.A.R.E. with 2-1/2" collectors for around $500. I bought mine from RARE and I swear by them. I had an expensive set of headers on my car for the first seven years, then went to the LBMs and I can tell you first hand, LBMs sound better, do not leak or tick like headers do, DO NOT create the heat headers do, MUCH MUCH queiter under the hood but man do they bark out the tail pipes!
After owning both I can say without a doubt there are NO benefits of headers over LBMs other than costs. Obviously headers are much cheaper than the LBMs I guess that would be one advantage...
Thankyou for the answer I've been waiting for! Will search for R.A.R.E and see what they have.
Thanks guys,Appreciate the advice and wishes with my bird. It was such a shame what happened but I'm well into it now and it wil be the pheonix from the ashes if not a matching no's show boat which is not me anyway. Gotta have some of these manifolds now.
