View Full Version : Forte's Mechanical Throttle Linkage Install
cv2065
08-16-2018, 11:09 PM
I received Mike's mechanical throttle linkage in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Very nice piece. Also spoke to Mike on the phone and really nice, helpful guy!
I'm getting ready to install my firewall, but wanted to check to see if I needed to do any drilling for the linkage prior to installing the firewall, or does it all need to be done on the car after everything is hooked up? I looked around and didn't see a 'How To' anywhere, so if anyone has one, please point me in the right direction. Thanks!
BB767
08-17-2018, 12:11 AM
Yeah, there is not a lot of guidance but it goes pretty smooth. I installed the linkage and mounts after I had the firewall already installed. After the mounts are installed you can determine where the linkage shaft goes through driver foot box inner panel. Drilled the hole for the shaft to go through, disassembled the linkage shaft and put it through the hole. Put a rubber grommet on it (with a little WD-40) and it looks like a stock installation, very clean.91469
CraigS
08-17-2018, 06:22 AM
BB767 mounted his to the 2x2 frame tube. You can probably get away w/ mounting it to the aluminum just above the steel tube but keep it low as possible. Use a fender washer on either side but grind a flat on them so you can mount low. The problem w/ being too high is the top of the inner bell crank could interfere w/ the aluminum on top of the foot box.
jlfernan
08-17-2018, 06:34 AM
I also attached some 2 inch aluminum angle to the 2x2 frame tube to reinforce the the firewall. The aluminum for the firewall is thin and you will have a bit flex in it when accelerating.
I also mounted THROUGH the 2”x2” frame with a longer bolt. Turned out well, pretty much under dash and the carpet covers it, obviously makes it super solid. I tried doing the rubber grommet. Couldn’t make it work, mine is early 2017 vintage mk4 and I think it has different aluminum in the foot box area the shaft goes through. My shaft is at about a 45 deg angle to the aluminum panel. Just left a open hole, never thought of it once while driving.
Also I’d wait until you have the engine installed, pedals all in andbrakes bled. Reason being so you can set up the throttle pedal position and height to work with your brake pedal height. For me this was one of the most important parts of the build, if you want to be able to heel-toe for downshifts. I also moved the mounting points for the throttle pedal and made a stop for the pedal where the carb was at full throttle.
cv2065
08-17-2018, 09:11 AM
I like the mounting through the 2x2 frame. I have the thicker firewall from ffmetals, so hopefully it will cure any flex when accelerating. Anyone have a diagram of the whole setup as installed?
DadofThree
08-17-2018, 09:23 AM
I like the mounting through the 2x2 frame. I have the thicker firewall from ffmetals, so hopefully it will cure any flex when accelerating. Anyone have a diagram of the whole setup as installed?
Here's how I did mine. I too would suggest to wait until the motor is installed so that you can get the correct dimensions. Mine's a little different as I made my own firewall and linkage. The firewall hangs lower than the 2x2 and it's .125" thick. So I mounted my linkage to the firewall itself. HTH a little. It's a great addition to the build!
Mechanical Linkage Album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabellerose/albums/72157688630488556)
cv2065
08-17-2018, 09:57 AM
Here's how I did mine. I too would suggest to wait until the motor is installed so that you can get the correct dimensions. Mine's a little different as I made my own firewall and linkage. The firewall hangs lower than the 2x2 and it's .125" thick. So I mounted my linkage to the firewall itself. HTH a little. It's a great addition to the build!
Mechanical Linkage Album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabellerose/albums/72157688630488556)
Great pictures and parts list. Thanks DOT!!
BB767
08-17-2018, 10:23 AM
DadX3, I am wondering where you put your return spring(s)? Could not see them in the photos. I am sure you know that you should NEVER rely on the carb/metering springs alone.
DadofThree
08-17-2018, 10:40 AM
DadX3, I am wondering where you put your return spring(s)? Could not see them in the photos. I am sure you know that you should NEVER rely on the carb/metering springs alone.
Yes, I know. Those photos have now been added to the Album.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4783/39929332415_a9d96a1300_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23QqgpM)20180314_231707 (https://flic.kr/p/23QqgpM) by D. R. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabellerose/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/26954425278_2768244bd5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H4Styj)20180314_231508 (https://flic.kr/p/H4Styj) by D. R. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabellerose/), on Flickr
BB767
08-17-2018, 11:10 AM
Nice, I figured they were just out of the picture.
jrcuz
08-17-2018, 02:23 PM
I made my own mech linkage from edwardb's build and parts list. I also have the ffmetal firewall forward and it is plenty strong enough for the linkage mount. I also used Russ Thompsons accellerator pedal.
JR
Just installed mine today. Don't think you"ll get much flex if you mount it to the firewall since the rod ends are mounted so close to the 2" tube. Mine feels pretty robust even with the regular firewall.
91498
cv2065
08-17-2018, 07:56 PM
Just installed mine today. Don't think you"ll get much flex if you mount it to the firewall since the rod ends are mounted so close to the 2" tube. Mine feels pretty robust even with the regular firewall.
91498
Looks great RJD. Do you have a picture of the assembly attaching to the pedal?
Here's a pic showing the rod going down to the pedal, and another pic showing it connecting to the Russ Thompson gas pedal. I have to go back and put lock nuts on all the rod ends and install the linkage return springs. I made my own linkage following edward B's parts list.
9150491505
jrcuz
08-18-2018, 06:34 AM
I did use blue thread locker on all of the set screws and lock nuts.
JR
phileas_fogg
08-18-2018, 01:32 PM
If you’re using the Russ Thompson gas pedal you can set pedal height after you’ve got the rest of the linkage installed.
Also you may find you need some roll pins through the lever arms to keep them from slipping. And you may want to add some collars to keep the pivot rod from sliding side to side. See post #291 of my build thread for more (www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/508121-phileas_fogg-s-mk-4-roadster-build-5.html).
John