[AZ64GP]

Hello,

I purchased a set of the Long Branch D-port factory headers from Ram Air Restoration (RAR) awhile ago for my '64 Grand Prix and I have a question about the oil filter housing. On the RAR website, it said I need to purchase an oil filter adapter that appears to move the oil filter housing away from the engine. I was wondering if anyone had installed these headers (or similar ones from Ames or PY) and if they had to purchase the oil filter adapter and how easily the headers fit in their B-body? Rather than the RAR adapter, would the oil filter housing, like used on a GTO, that moves the oil filter at an angle work instead? Or is there another method that works? I don't mind buying the oil filter adapter if I have to, but I think the expense and how it moves the oil filter housing so far away from engine are two things I would like to avoid if I can. Thank you!

[b-man]

You have no choice, the filter must be relocated using the angled spacer. You can't use the factory filter adapter for the A-body that angles inward, you must use the 90-degree filter adapter used on B-body and first-gen F-body cars along with the angled spacer.

The Pontiac engineers had it all figured out already, all you have to do is purchase the pieces and install them.

The only other alternative is mounting the filter remotely using aftermarket parts, definitely not a cheap or easy way to solve the oil filter clearance issue.

[AZ64GP]

Thank you, B-Man. That's the confirmation I was looking for.

[tom s]

I think the b body adapter is also thicker than the first gen.Tom

[CaptainSluggo]

Hello,
I have a 1963 B-Body . If yours has a 389 also, you would only be moving about 6-7 inches away onto the firewall or the wheel well sheet metal. I do not think you would loose any oil pressure at all.

[Marv]

I bought the long branch headers and the adapter for my 64 Bonneville. It fits like a charm and it is all excellent quality. I have plenty of machinist friends and couldn't have made the piece any cheaper for the quality it is.

[Young Pontiac Guy]

Bought the adapter as well. Fits well, beautifully machined piece. Makes oil changes a breeze as well since it puts the oil filter out almost beyond the down pipes and clears everything.
Joel

[Dick Boneske]

Yes, you need the adaptor on the '61-'64 big Pontiacs with long branch manifolds.

I believe the adaptor is not needed on the 70-'81 Firebird and '71-'76 big Pontiacs. This is stated in the Ames Firebird Catalog. I'm told the big '71-'76 Pontiacs use the same Ram Air exhaust manifolds. Would be good if someone can confirm or deny that.

[tom s]

Dick,the first gens use the same a the 61-64 big cars.2nd gens take the A bodies and dont use the adapter.Tom

[Willshire]

I put the adapter on. it spaces the filter housing away from the block and turns the filter from straight up and down to like a 30 or 45 degree angle towards the back. Pretty slick.

[X--GASSER]

I just disassembled the original one off the 389 and installed on the 455 . Worked out like a champ..

[hgerhardt]

FYI, you can also use the F-body long-branch adapters (not the B-body ones; they're too thick) along with the 90deg filter adapters on an A-body to install an 80's Corvette oil cooler as well as a tall Chevy filter. This is on my '66 GTO:



You'll need to make an adapter plate to allow the Corvette cooler to mate with the Pontiac adapter as shown, That's the silver plate. Another benefit of the "cooler" is faster warmup of the oil, since coolant warms faster than oil.