Glad I'm clocking this resto by the thousands, cuz those longbrach sure are pricy.

Talked to the engine builder, they can drill/tap the missing (outside) holes on my 46 heads to make the longbrach fit correctly.

Now just a call to RA resto to confirm they'll fit, "69 YD Block in a 67 Firebird right".

Johnny Mac

I think it should be noted that starter problems caused by header heat can also be linked to the quality of the starter and solinoid.

Using one of those high torque starters on the market could be a solution.

Then there's the problem with the header bolts always loosing up ............!

Going back to the original post, yes the Hedman 35270 fit quite well.

Also using one of those high torque mini starters completely eliminates the hot start problem.

If you are putting together a performance engine I would use the Heddman headers that everyone is talking about. I've used them before in the past & I would recommend them to anyone. Fit is good, relatively easy installation, ground clearance was good, for headers. Just don't speed through the parking lots & you'll be OK. Besides, parking lots are a common place for fender-benders, lol!!

Steve

I've heard that 9 out of 10 traffic fatalities occur in parking lots while speeding and running open headers!

You'll have to speak up!

I also purchased RA's long branch headers. Certainly will be better in the heat department and they look great as far as I'm concerned.

You will need the oil filter offset adapter as well.

I'd rather trade a few pony's for a decent heat dissipating setup.

The guy at RA is great, and I purchased the delta flow mufflers and 2.5 inch exhaust setup....can hardly wait to torch er up.

Anyone know why some Pontiac heads do not have the bolt holes for the exhaust manifold at each end of the head?

Strictly cost savings. Drilled and tapped holes that were omitted saved money - until the warranty claims for leaking exhaust manifolds started coming in.

There's a set of original Long Branch Headers on ebay right now. Sorry, don't know how to attach the link. Check it out.

If you mean these:
421 Long Branch on epay
they are likely to go for over $1k. The 421 long branch are much more valuable than the 400HO/RA long branch.