Forte Throttle Linkage Firewall Measurements

[cv2065]

I don't think I ever noted the measurements on the Forte mechanical throttle linkage mounting points on the firewall from the inside of the driver's side foot box panel where the bar goes through. I like to install before the engine is in. Anyone have their approximate measurements handy to the first outside mounting post on the firewall? Thanks.

[rich grsc]

Something you can't figure out?

[cv2065]

Of course. Doesn’t hurt to verify with others before drilling Rich. Besides, not a lot of info on the mounting dimensions in the forum threads Might help some builders in the future.

[rich grsc]

It's a drill where you want thing. Discover your own answers, it'll help with all problem solving issues. Solving problems yourself is a great way to build skills and improve confidence. Sorry to be 'offensive', but constantly asking someone else to supply you with answers just comes across as being unwilling to do the work to make your own decisions. It appears that your building by committee, not you yourself doing the work.
I've already been flamed, so carry on. Oh, and when you are truly stuck and have tried, I will help. I'm in my 70's, independent and very self reliant, but after I have tried, searched and can't solve the issues, then I ask for help too.

[David Hodgkins]

Rich, if someone asks a question, it gets answered. "Figure it out yourself" Is not an answer.

[BrewCityCobra]

I don't think I ever noted the measurements on the Forte mechanical throttle linkage mounting points on the firewall from the inside of the driver's side foot box panel where the bar goes through. I like to install before the engine is in. Anyone have their approximate measurements handy to the first outside mounting post on the firewall? Thanks.

Mine are still readily accessible (no shell). I'll measure where mine are located when I get home if somebody else doesn't do so first. I did place mine through the square tubing instead of through the firewall for additional stability.

[cv2065]

It's a drill where you want thing.

Sorry Rich, but I disagree, especially when you are talking about different engines, mounts, etc. Incorrect holes in the firewall is also not attractive, hence why we use other experiences to avoid the mistake. It would be nice to have one thread that notes many popular engine variables so everyone can install with confidence and without an engine installed as Mike’s linkage is popular with many builders. I believe I measured 10-12 inches from the inside wall to center bracket through the 2” tube the last time I installed one, but wouldn’t offer that up to help someone else as I didn't note it in my last build thread and not 100%, but I will this one. Again, to help others down the road. Thats what makes the FFR brand heads and shoulders above all others don’t you think Rich?

[cv2065]

Mine are still readily accessible (no shell). I'll measure where mine are located when I get home if somebody else doesn't do so first. I did place mine through the square tubing instead of through the firewall for additional stability.

Perfect thanks. We have relatively the same setup. I went through the 2” tube before as well with a 3” bolt and gives nice support. The throttle linkage was at a slight angle but worked perfectly.

[F500guy]

I got something here. Pictures are always better.
195598195599195600

[cv2065]

I got something here. Pictures are always better.
195598195599195600

Thanks for those! If I’m reading it right, you are roughly 10.25” from the inside wall of the footbox to the furthest bracket.

[MPTech]

Does Forte's instructions give a measurement?
I built my own (not Forte's kit) so I put it where I wanted it, turns out to be about 10", but I don't think it matters to be specific (I kinda centered it from the back of my engine). I'm running a SBF in an early MK4 (prior to the FB panels changing).
For the record, I know others chose to run it thru 2" tube, but I felt this was overkill and preferred to have the mount higher on the firewall (above the 2" tube) so it is more level with the EFI/Carb linkage and higher in the FB so the throttle pedal linka,ge is less severe of an angle. (I installed it thru an aluminum L bracket on the backside of the firewall with a washer, for more support, but it doesn't deflect at all). To Rich's point: gather information, but build it the way you want.

[Sarcasticshrub]

Did the same as many others by scouring the forums for those nuggets of knowledge (love learning from other's successes... and mistakes). I'm a visual learner so picts help a bunch to guesstimate mocking up things like this. Here are a few more picts to help those other visual learners out there:

195609
195608

This is for a 408 stroker with EFI setup. There should be enough adjustability to align the remaining parts for smooth operation after the engine is installed. I went just above the 2" tube to get the strength of the firewall right at the 2" without having to drill & tap the 2". Works for me.

The one area to look for clearance issues will be inside the foot box. Go too high with the rod coming out of the foot box and the top of the pivot arm inside of the FB will hit the top of your yet-to-be-installed foot box cover (sheesh, how many times can I say foot box in one sentence?).

[cv2065]

Does Forte's instructions give a measurement?
I built my own (not Forte's kit) so I put it where I wanted it, turns out to be about 10", but I don't think it matters to be specific (I kinda centered it from the back of my engine). I'm running a SBF in an early MK4 (prior to the FB panels changing).
For the record, I know others chose to run it thru 2" tube, but I felt this was overkill and preferred to have the mount higher on the firewall (above the 2" tube) so it is more level with the EFI/Carb linkage and higher in the FB so the throttle pedal linka,ge is less severe of an angle. (I installed it thru an aluminum L bracket on the backside of the firewall with a washer, for more support, but it doesn't deflect at all). To Rich's point: gather information, but build it the way you want.

Forte does give basic instructions but there are no measurements. Thanks for the feedback. I know some go through the 2” tube (like myself) and others don’t. What’s the engine height difference between a 302 and 427 with FFR provided mounts?

[F500guy]

If you put it in the square tube, would not need to trim the top of the pedal fitting. I could easily have dropped it another 1.5 inches and been ok with the lay out, I did add the extra bracinging after sitting in the car and pushing the pedal with my foot, there was a bit of flex in the firewall that I wanted to stop. Adding the top to the foot box probably would have cured it but nothing like a little "Over Kill":cool:

[CraigS]

Admittedly I made my own before Forte offered his but I made the shaft a little longer than absolutely needed so I would have plenty of options. I wanted to be able to move the bellcrank for the carb sideways if needed. W/ the Forte kit, I'd figure out the position of the shaft/bellcrank in the footbox and then put the mount for the other end of the shaft as close to the car's center as I could.

[Fman]

I waited until the engine was installed. It really helps to see where your throttle body is going to land and have your engine panels installed which will give you perspective on where to mount everything. I also used an alum L bracket behind the firewall panel to help give more support to the mounting washers.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136085&d=1602212057
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136087&d=1602212093

[phileas_fogg]

F500guy's and Fman's locations are a good starting point & will probably work, but if you have wipers, a heater, AND choose to mount your fuel pressure regulator (or some other component) on your firewall, you may have to adjust the linkage mounting points to accommodate them. Your options may be further limited by a firewall forward. How crowded is your firewall?


John

[BrewCityCobra]

So I had a chance to do a few measurements (using the inside edge of the driver food box as the datum) and the first support is about 1.75" out and the second support is about 9.25" out. Like I said in my earlier post, both go through the square tube for additional rigidity and support. The actuator leading to the carb is about 7 inches out. For context, the engine is a 427W with QuickFuel carb.

195619

[Bill Elliott]

Truly best to wait till engine is in. Every setup is different . I put mine in after engine was in , nothing prevented me from doing it at that point. You will have much more accurate install with the actual connection points already installed.

[cv2065]

F500guy's and Fman's locations are a good starting point & will probably work, but if you have wipers, a heater, AND choose to mount your fuel pressure regulator (or some other component) on your firewall, you may have to adjust the linkage mounting points to accommodate them. Your options may be further limited by a firewall forward. How crowded is your firewall?


John

Hey John. Firewall won't be crowded at all. No AC/Heater and no wipers. I've got the thicker FW from FFMetals which worked great on the last build, but not the FW forward By the way, your build thread continues to be a big help. Thanks.

[cv2065]

So I had a chance to do a few measurements (using the inside edge of the driver food box as the datum) and the first support is about 1.75" out and the second support is about 9.25" out. Like I said in my earlier post, both go through the square tube for additional rigidity and support. The actuator leading to the carb is about 7 inches out. For context, the engine is a 427W with QuickFuel carb.

195619

Thanks BCC. Again, you and I have a very similar setup, down to the carb and regulator. From the pics, looks like the rod runs out of runway around 9.5" with the clamps at the end, which I like to use as well. Not sure how much you still have left in the box but great visuals and still lots of adjustment. Thanks!

[dherrenbruck]

I felt I needed to wait until engine was installed. Unless you find someone with the exact engine build as yours, I’d be afraid it wouldn’t look or fit just the way you want it. And I would leave the side sheet metal of the foot box off until the very end which allows you a much easier access to making adjustments. If you are installing a SBF with Weiand stealth intake and Sniper 2 EFI I can send you a photo and measurements. Just let me know. Good luck with your build. David

[Rdone585]

I chose a different route. I could not place the shaft mounts where they needed to be because of the placement of components and wiring under the dash. So I mounted a 3/6" plate of aluminum to the 2" square tube and then located the mounts where they needed to be. This way I can also relocate them in the future if needed without having to patch holes in the firewall. Future changes like intake, carb, filter setup, engine mounts, could cause a need to tweek the location.
195656

[Bill_VA]

I've got the thicker FW from FFMetals which worked great on the last build, but not the FW forward.

Thanks for the name drop! Yeah, if you're going to use the firewall to mount your mechanical throttle linkage, it just makes sense to use a much stouter/thicker firewall to prevent flexing. At FFmetal.com, I have both a stock replacement and the Firewall Forward kit which gives you another 1.5" behind the dash without any interference in the engine bay. Both are made of .090 aluminum vs the stock .040 thickness. BTW, you really want to use a mechanical linkage - I went 10-12 years with multiple cables before upgrading to a mechanical linkage - night and day difference in throttle feel and response.