Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome to my Blog devoted to the restoration of my 1972 Datsun 240z. I purchased it in 2013 and have been actively working on my driving-restoration, so I can enjoy the car rather than having it in pieces for years. Please enjoy the write-ups below, as well as the how-to's. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any comments or questions. Thanks. - Dave

29 May 2014

Throttle Jerk Fix


So my 42 year old car has always had a very jerky accelerator pedal, which is a common issue for early Datsun Z-Cars with the mechanical linkage.  After looking at my options, I decided to change over to a throttle cable (similar to modern cars) which should deliver a silky smooth pedal and acceleration.

First, I decided on a Mr. Gasket steel braided throttle cable kit from Amazon for  (#5657)  and an aluminum throttle arm from Speedway Motors for (#91018400)


In addition, I needed to figure out a way to hold the cable housing at the carburetor.  For this I chose a hardened L bracket that I had laying around & mounted it to the exhaust manifold heat shield.  As there's not much pressure being put on this, it should hold up well.
 

I next had to modify the accelerator pedal, including bending it & then determining the best way to mount the cable end.  I chose to not drill it, rather use an "S" connector.  Longer term I may drill it out, but for now this works.

 

I think needed to hook everything up and adjust for the proper amount of slack.  I also greased the cable very well, although it probably could use some more.  Please note that I did change the L bracket that was used as I needed it to be in a better position over the carburetor linkage.  


 




Overall, I'm very satisfied with the outcome.  I'm now able to accelerate from a stop very smoothly!  The only downside that I've identified thus far is that I needed to replumb the breather from the valve cover as the throttle arm blocks the path of the original hose.  I also need to change the color of the linkage arm as they sent me a purple one...probably some sandpaper and it'll brush right off.






Here's some additional info that I've run across throughout my travels: