Throttle Linkage

[BB767]

Installed the throttle cable yesterday on my Roadster. Less than impressed with the response with the cable. Looking at the mechanical linkage option. Would you please tell me your experience with this mod? Do you like it, was it worth the bother, was there much improvement in throttle response and sensitivity, how hard was the install, etc?

[Erik W. Treves]

Russ Thompson throttle pedal!

[Boydster]

I'm using a Forte mechanical throttle with a Russ Thompson pedal controlling an FiTech. I've run my engine about 3 times, but the throttle response is amazing. And very controllable in very small amounts.

[slpro1207]

X2 on Forte mechanical throttle. Just installed it last week. What a difference it makes. Smooth and instant response.

[carlewms]

Mechanical ... buy Forte’s unit.

[MVRight]

Never installed a cable, but also have stacked injection. Once squared away, excellent throttle control. Used plans from on this forum and the other, not Forte's unit, but seeing Forte's, should work great. Measure 50 times, make holes once! If you are building the rest of the car, really not that hard to install. Assuming the body's off!

[BB767]

That's what I thought. Glad you all agree, looks like mechanical is the way to go. Thanks again for the advice.

[MPTech]

Little confused, are you sure it's the cable?
MANY have installed it without issue.
If you want the mechanical, I understand completely and think it's a great piece, but the cable can be made to work well too.

[CraigS]

Maybe 4-5 yrs ago before Mike had his for sale I did one using a parts list from a forum. My first drive the car was almost uncontrollable. I had the same return springs as w/ the cable but the effort was so low I went around ONE block in my neighborhood and came back to install another spring. Mech linkage is so much better it is almost unbelievable.

[BB767]

MP, just to clarify, I have not ran the engine yet, I will give the cable a chance before I change it out. I would rather not spend the extra time and money if I don't have to. I have adjusted the cable as tight as I can get it, taking up all the slack, without moving the throttle. There are no kinks in the cable and it is not binding. The throttle is closing just fine. But when I sit in the seat and simulate using the gas pedal while watching the response of the throttle, it does not look to be very smooth or precise. I can see a lag between what my foot does and what the throttle does, and when trying to adjust it very smoothly, the throttle does not appear to be moving as smoothly as I am working the pedal. Although I have ran the cable as straight as possible it still has to make a big S turn from the firewall to the linkage, that cannot be a very efficient path but there is no other way to get from point to point. All in all I am not very happy with what I am seeing but I will try it on a live car here soon and have a final answer then. Thank you for the comment and vote of confidence for the cable. I am glad some are happy with it and I do hope that it works out for me.

[jrcuz]

A few years ago edwardb posted the parts he used for his mech throttle in his build thread for his second build. Thanks to him I have all of the parts for installation when the time comes.
JR

[Boydster]

If you do a mechanical throttle, drop the firewall mounts as low as you can against the 2x2. Even cut the washers used on the dash side of the firewall to get them as low as possible. The arms inside the footwell needs the height to rotate properly. Ask me how I know, as I figure out how to plug firewall holes...

[edwardb]

A few years ago edwardb posted the parts he used for his mech throttle in his build thread for his second build. Thanks to him I have all of the parts for installation when the time comes. JR

Thanks for the shout out. Here's the post in my build thread where I listed the parts and showed the installation. This was before Mike Forte's was available. His looks OK but this works too. There are multiple ways to install these. Some used different angles and/or directions on the arms than I did. But I can say what's pictured now has thousands of miles (by me plus the new #7750 owner) and works smoothly and perfectly. Whatever way you go, I recommend a linkage over the cable. Also highly recommend to decide while building. Wouldn't be fun to install in a completed build. Plus FWIW it's more authentic to the originals.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update&p=137426&viewfull=1#post137426

[MPTech]

Although I have ran the cable as straight as possible it still has to make a big S turn from the firewall to the linkage, that cannot be a very efficient path.............
If it helps, I'm running mine on a GT40-style EFI intake, with the linkage on the PS. I fabricated a bracket to run the cable out the front, so my tight "S" curve turned into a easy "C" curve. I've seen others turn the carb around in a similar fashion. (for the record, I prefer the mechanical too, and if I was building mine now, I'd also go with the linkage.)
Didn't catch it, did you say you have a Russ Thompson pedal already? Better adjustment and response. They are great, regardless which throttle mechanism you use.

Good Luck

[jwebb]

What is a good choice for a throttle cable bracket?

[scottiec]

Another vote for Forte's throttle linkage and russ thompson pedal.

[johnnybgoode]

What is a good choice for a throttle cable bracket?

I used AED works great. Scott

76814

[boat737]

Thanks for the shout out. Here's the post in my build thread where I listed the parts and showed the installation. This was before Mike Forte's was available. His looks OK but this works too. There are multiple ways to install these. Some used different angles and/or directions on the arms than I did. But I can say what's pictured now has thousands of miles (by me plus the new #7750 owner) and works smoothly and perfectly. Whatever way you go, I recommend a linkage over the cable. Also highly recommend to decide while building. Wouldn't be fun to install in a completed build. Plus FWIW it's more authentic to the originals.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update&p=137426&viewfull=1#post137426

I followed Edwarb's parts list verbatim, and with a couple of small changes, his installation too. (Thanks Paul) Only have a few miles on it, but works flawlessly, and looks very clean and efficient too.

[chmhasy]

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Aluminum-Throttle-Linkage-Arms,1911.html?sku=91018400-3/8

[GFX2043mtu]

I used the Fortes kit with the Russ Thompson gas pedal and it works great. I polished and clear coated all the parts and love the look and instant response of the solid linkage.

[AC Bill]

If you choose to go with a cable, use the Russ Thompson pedal. Many builders found a significant difference, after switching to it.
I wasn't the cable that was the real issue, it was the pedal set up. It was not known for being smooth.
You have to use some care in routing the cable, mainly keeping it away from any major heat. I wrapped mine in DEI heat tape, for extra protection.

[jrcuz]

When I attended the build school they showed how the ffr pedal can bind at full throttle so needless to say I have the Russ Thompson pedal to install.
JR

[Avalanche325]

I used AED works great. Scott

76814

I have the same one. Works good, looks good. Well, my springs are going rusty....

[rponfick]

Don't know how the efi hooks up, but for my Holley, I just turned the carb around backwards on the manifold, and ran the stock cable around the front of the carb. Works great, is cheap, and takes the extreme "S" curve out of the cable.

Sometime simple if the best route to take.

Ralph

[jwebb]

What "style" cable is the FFR supplied, Ford, Universal, etc.? And does anyone know if a Quick Fuel carb is comparable to a Holley 4150/4160 style?

[JRL16]

Forte mechanical throttle linkage all the way. I originally tried the FFR pedal but somehow it kept binding the throttle wide open. Not good. The Russ Thompson pedal solved all that. I did gave to purchase 2 shaft collars that didn't come with the linkage from Forte's. Made install a breeze. Very good response.

[DadofThree]

I made mine from McMaster parts list that I found on the other forum. It was easy to do and install. I have a sturdy firewall forward, so that helped with the rigid mounting needed. I've had to move wire looms away from the linkage, but otherwise, no problems yet.

Happy with the look and it works great. I didn't try the cable before doing this. I've always liked the look of the linkage

Mechanical Linkage photos (https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabellerose/albums/72157688630488556/with/36940498080/)


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4381/37042476850_26cbc29cf4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YrjnPY)20170923_220513 (https://flic.kr/p/YrjnPY) by D. R. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabellerose/), on Flickr

[Itchief]

I used Fortes mechanical throttle and the FFR pedal and with 5k miles I am very happy with the results

I did add a bracket to limit the throttle travel and make sure when you push the pedal to the floor the throttle body is not what limits the travel

Rick

[boat737]

I did add a bracket to limit the throttle travel and make sure when you push the pedal to the floor the throttle body is not what limits the travel

Rick

I did too. Mine is under the throttle pedal.