Newest free mod - Improved throttle response!!!

Chiketkd · #1 06-28-2004, 08:32 AM

I was tooling around on my car this weekend and happened to remove my engine cover to clean the outside of the throttle bodies.

While doing so, I was looking at the throttle-by-wire mechanism in our cars, which is attached to a 90* arc mechanism that opens the throttle bodies. There are two wires running in parallel to each other and they are held in place by a metal plate and four screws (two per wire).

I pushed down on each wire and noticed a little slack was in there and decided to adjust the screws so that I could take the 'slack' out of the wires to improve throttle response (did this on my Lightning - popular free mod). Well, I tightened the wire a little too much and when I started my car, the idle was raised to 1000 rpms (with the engine fully warmed).

I then redjusted the screws, and have now set my idle at 700 rpms (100rpms above stock) so that as soon as I step on the gas, there is no delayed response before the throttle bodies open.

I don't have pics as I wasn't planning to do this ahead of time. I'll take some later this week when I get the opportunity and post them.

This is a very easy mod to do and all you'll need is a 12mm wrench (I think - used a standard wrench that was kinda close in size).

-Chike

P.S. On a side note, prior to doing this mod, my 4EAT shifted at 6250 rpms in first, and 6000 rpms in 2nd and 3rd. Now, it shifts at ~6350 rpms in first and 6100 rpms in 2nd and 3rd!

IggDawg · #2 06-28-2004, 08:43 AM

This is definitely a good thing to do. Tightening up the throttle cable is one of the first things I do on a new (used) car. if it's too loose, you may never actually hit WOT

.

make sure to adjust it when the car is on so you don't make it too tight. one time I did it to the point where it "felt right" with the engine off in my CRX, and my idle ended up at like 1200

Chiketkd · #3 06-28-2004, 08:53 AM

This is also a good way for the 5MT guys to raise the idle so that their cars don't cut out when idling...

-Chike

Chiketkd · #4 06-28-2004, 11:33 AM

Often manufacturers leave a little slack in the throttle line as most drivers don't desire an immediate response when pressing the throttle - can lead to a 'jerkiness' if you like to leave your foot on the skinny pedal when driving!

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by IggDawg
This is definitely a good thing to do. Tightening up the throttle cable is one of the first things I do on a new (used) car. if it's too loose, you may never actually hit WOT .

AppStateSVX · #5 06-28-2004, 12:03 PM

AWESOME!!, way to go Chike......I'm gonna go do that right NOW!!!.........

Earthworm · #6 06-28-2004, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
Often manufacturers leave a little slack in the throttle line as most drivers don't desire an immediate response when pressing the throttle - can lead to a 'jerkiness' if you like to leave your foot on the skinny pedal when driving!

-Chike

With the 5 speed I wouldn't want the throttle to be any more sensitive than it already is!

I drove a 5 speed Jetta TDI and it's the complete opposite to the SVX. You normally give 1/2 throttle to get moving and let out the clutch at whatever speed you want because it's SOOOOO soft!

With the SVX you press the gas ever-so-slightly and the RPM's make a run for the redline!

Chiketkd · #7 06-28-2004, 02:57 PM

You 5MT guys make me mad!

This cable adjustment though can help get rid of the stalling that some 5spders get when idling after doing the swap. Mychailo posted a thread about it recently...

-Chike

P.S. After I get a 4.44 tranny and diff put in, you guys will have nothing on my SVX!

Quote:

Originally posted by Earthworm
With the 5 speed I wouldn't want the throttle to be any more sensitive than it already is!

I drove a 5 speed Jetta TDI and it's the complete opposite to the SVX. You normally give 1/2 throttle to get moving and let out the clutch at whatever speed you want because it's SOOOOO soft!

With the SVX you press the gas ever-so-slightly and the RPM's make a run for the redline!

Subafreak · #8 06-28-2004, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
You 5MT guys make me mad! This cable adjustment though can help get rid of the stalling that some 5spders get when idling after doing the swap. Mychailo posted a thread about it recently...

-Chike

P.S. After I get a 4.44 tranny and diff put in, you guys will have nothing on my SVX!

I'll be looking for that time slip.

Chiketkd · #9 06-28-2004, 08:32 PM

And you shall get it!

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by Subafreak
I'll be looking for that time slip.

AppStateSVX · #10 06-28-2004, 08:34 PM

I see a Race brewing........take it to the Pigeon Forge Meeting..........

#11 06-29-2004, 12:12 AM

...the tension thickens

When will you have your 4.444 Chike???

Chiketkd · #12 06-29-2004, 07:04 AM

Once removing the plastic H-6 engine cover, this is what you'll see on the left hand side of your throtle bodies when facing the engine:

This other pic shows a close up of the two wires and the four screws that need to be adjusted:

-Chike

Chiketkd · #13 06-29-2004, 08:14 AM

When the 4EAT in my sig is sold, the '96 Outback trans is going right in!

It could be in my my car as soon as 1-2 weeks from now...

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by MisanthropyV
...the tension thickens

When will you have your 4.444 Chike???

HighwayUFO · #14 06-29-2004, 09:24 PM

Kudos Ol' Chap on the throttle line tightening. I love the way my car responds to the new adjustment. Thanks for the idea.

Keith

Earthworm · #15 07-01-2004, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
P.S. After I get a 4.44 tranny and diff put in, you guys will have nothing on my SVX!

...except for top speed, better cruising RPM and MPG.