Forte Mechanical Throttle Linkage

[maclonchas]

Two quick questions on this installation as I prepare to install.

1. The threaded rod that attaches to the throttle, on a SBF with a Pro Flo 4, from the pivot link to the throttle linkage can be at a slight angle vice parallel. Is s that correct?

2. The return springs are not required for the Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 setup. Is this correct ? The throttle linkage has a large spring incorporated into the carb that snaps back.

Thanks

Bill

[Jeff_J.]

I installed the Forte Mechanical linkage earlier in my build hope these pictures help. There are posts from other builders on this installation – must reading for alternative installs. The bell crank in the footbox has been mentioned a few times, depending on how the linage is installed the top of the bell crank can hit the top of the footbox cover. In my installation I put the shaft anchors on the firewall close to the 2” frame tube, I flatspotted the washers on the inside of the firewall to move the anchors down another ¼” this gave me enough room for the crank to just clear the top of the cover.
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I can’t speak for you’re carb/EFI specifically regarding the spring – my sniper had a return spring on it as well, I installed the additional springs, easy to afterwards if you decide.
Jeff_J

[cc2Arider]

Thanks for the pictures Jeff :)

I noticed you routed your hydraulic clutch line out the inside panel. Did you consider other locations?

I'm in the middle of deciding where to route mine and I'm not coming up with anything much different...maybe closer to the firewall...but not by much...

Craig C

[Jeff_J.]

I considered alternate routes on the way to the HTB connection, but they all seemed to go further into the cockpit than I liked, this was a more direct route and gave me some solid brace points in the footbox and again on the angled 1” chassis tubes on the way. I purchased a premade braided line and 90 degree connector to the clutch servo from Summit. It’s not the only way it could be done but it worked for me. Note as well I’m using a Forte Hydroboost for PB and PS. The Braided line fits under the SS rod for the Mechanical Throttle linkage and does not interfere with the bell crank.
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Sorry for expanding your original question Bill...:)

[maclonchas]

Lots of good information here.

Thanks again.

Bill

[Fman]

Two quick questions on this installation as I prepare to install.

1. The threaded rod that attaches to the throttle, on a SBF with a Pro Flo 4, from the pivot link to the throttle linkage can be at a slight angle vice parallel. Is s that correct?

2. The return springs are not required for the Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 setup. Is this correct ? The throttle linkage has a large spring incorporated into the carb that snaps back.

Thanks

Bill

I am running the Pro Flo 4 with Fortes linkage. Yes the rod can be at a slight angle and I added an extra return spring just for a safety factor and without it the throttle is very sensitive at low speed. Attached are a few pics for reference. I just added a short piece of alum that bolts to manifold for the extra return spring.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=137374&d=1604967130
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145721&d=1617680574
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143322&d=1614143358

[mburger]

Bill, I am running Fortes linkage with a PF4 on a 347.
If you like, you can check mine out some weekend. I’m in Punta Gorda and more often than not, at Henry’s with my Cobra doing something to it.
I don’t mind driving up, or if you know you’ll be in the area, let me know. I’ve got about 17k miles on the 347 and PF4.

[CraigS]

I did mine prior to Forte offering his kit. What I found was that I needed to play w/ an extra return spring to make the pedal feel right. Initially it was too light an effort and even the slight bouncing in my neighborhood at 30 mph made throttle control near impossible. I did similar to Fman but initially stretched the spring to a zip tie. That allowed me to adjust length and tension easily until I liked it. Then a made a bracket to stretch the spring the same distance.

[Jim1855]

I have no direct knowledge of much other than carbs. But I wouldn't run without external springs (plural) whatever the system. Most track events require return springs and again often two.

Whatever spring pressure you put on the carb/throttle body will hardly be noticed at your foot and as Craig indicated might even feel better.

Jim

[maclonchas]

Mark,

I was just at Henry's today and wish I had seen your post. If you get a chance, could you take a few snaps of your install . I want to see where on the firewall you went with the mounting rods and where you put the whole on the drivers side footbox inner panel. I would like to know how far down from the top the rod penetrates that wall. Maybe another time for meeting up at Henry's.



Thanks

Bill

Bill

[mburger]

I won’t be home until Friday afternoon. However, I should have lots of pictures during the install.
I’ll dig them out and post here if you like.

[cv2065]

I placed the mounting brackets as low as possible on the 2" tube. This gives the linkage more stability and gets it low enough where the arm is not going to hit the top of the footbox when the cover is on. Once you mount the two brackets, you'll be able to slide the rod through and see where it makes contact on the side of the footbox for your hole. I then cut a 1/2" hole and used a 5/8" grommet for the rod to slide through. I think I later changed to a plastic grommet as the rubber can place friction on the rod over time. I cut the interior footbox rod to about 13" then tapped it 1/4-28.

[Jrmotorsports55]

I have an upward angle to the TB on mine, and I am using the return spring. Multiple videos on my Forte linkage install with my Pro Flo 4 setup if you look at my build thread or YouTube channel below.

Best of luck!

[maclonchas]

Please do

[maclonchas]

Thanks Jrmotorsports55. I am looking at your videos now.

[mburger]

I too am using a double return spring.

[CraigS]

One more thought on spring(s). If you can confirm that your carb or TB has bearings for the throttle plate shaft it probably doesn't matter but, if it has bushings, I like to run the spring forward. This way the spring is pulling forward while the linkage is pulling backward so force on the throttle plate shaft bushings is lessoned compared to linkage and spring both pulling rearward.