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Topic: Confused...do I need a new throttle cable? (Read 2135 times) previous topic - next topic

Confused...do I need a new throttle cable?

Okay, so my 88 Cougar (converted to a T-56) is still in pieces (dash out) and I noticed two things: the gas pedal is way lower than the brake/clutch and the throttle cable has about an inch of slack before it does anything. If that inch of slack was gone, the pedal would line up nicely so I can heel-and-toe. The cable is stock, but the car got converted with 91 Mustang pedals.

The cable on my 87 Mustang T5 is TIGHT, so I gotta fix the Cougar before the dash goes back in. I also suspect that slack is why my car feels slower than I last remember...so here's my questions.

1. Can you adjust the cable at the throttle body to remove 1" of slack?

2. Would a throttle cable from a 1988 Turbo Coupe 5-speed interchange?

3. Does anyone sell a new cable?  I saw 5.0 Resto had it, but its $100.

Thanks in advance.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Confused...do I need a new throttle cable?

Reply #1
I think that's normal. Mine was like that. I put in a throttle cable from an 88 Mustang GT and it was the same as it was with the factory cable (about 1" of free play). To fix it and raise the pedal I just used a 1" nylon spacer between the pedal and the end of the cable. It took out the slack and raised the pedal. Get a spacer that is the same diameter as the green plastic thing on the end of the cable and who's inside diameter is a bit bigger than the cable. Cut a slit in it, slip it over the cable, and use a hose clamp to keep it from opening up an poping off the cable. Put it between the green plastic thing that holds the cable to the pedal and the end of the cable.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Confused...do I need a new throttle cable?

Reply #2
I was thinking about that too...except my 87 Mustang has no slack!

Anyway, how long have you had the space on there?  It seems like a good idea that might not last very long.  That's my only concern.
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

Confused...do I need a new throttle cable?

Reply #3
Quote from: pro-five-oh;292189
I was thinking about that too...except my 87 Mustang has no slack!
 
Anyway, how long have you had the space on there? It seems like a good idea that might not last very long. That's my only concern.
It's nylon.  It'll probably last longer than the cable.
:birdsmily:
(X2) '86 Thunderbird, 3.8L CFI, C5 Tranny
 
'92 F-150, 5.0L EFI (SD), M5OD Tranny, 3.08 Dif
 
'70 VW Beetle, 1780cc, twin Solex 43's.

Confused...do I need a new throttle cable?

Reply #4
UPDATE: I got a barbed fitting (brass, 1/4" inner diameter) from Home Depot, cut it down the middle so the cable can slide through...and then cut it to 1" to take up the slack.  Then I clamped the brass back shut, its not going anywhere. Perfect fix for $5. 

Mission Accomplished.  Now to get the dashboard back together so I can actually drive the thing. :hick:
pro-five-oh

88 Cougar XR-7...5.0HO, T-56, and much more                             
85 Thunderbird 30th...#2471, 29k, all original and might actually stay that way

 

Confused...do I need a new throttle cable?

Reply #5
Pics please?

Confused...do I need a new throttle cable?

Reply #6
Quote from: pro-five-oh;293879
UPDATE: I got a barbed fitting (brass, 1/4" inner diameter) from Home Depot, cut it down the middle so the cable can slide through...and then cut it to 1" to take up the slack.  Then I clamped the brass back shut, its not going anywhere. Perfect fix for $5. 

Mission Accomplished.  Now to get the dashboard back together so I can actually drive the thing. :hick:


The nylon spacer and hose clamp cost me $1 ;)
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.