How to Install a Throttle & Kickdown Cable | Cutaway View Step by Step

If you’ve ever wondered how to shorten throttle cables, how to adjust throttle cables, or what a kickdown cable is, we’ve got you covered.

Contributing expert Jefferson Bryant is going to answer all these questions as we install a throttle pedal cable, a kickdown cable, and a universal throttle and kickdown cable bracket. We’re installing these components on a 59 Corvette demo chassis.

Throttle cables connect from the gas pedal to the throttle blade. Both mechanical hard linkages and cables can accomplish this, but a cable allows you to change the routing.

As far as adjustments go, most throttle cables can’t easily be shortened. Some factory cables can be modified, but the housing can’t be shortened because the ends are molded to the housing, and when cut, won’t seal again. Aftermarket cables, like the ones in this video, are designed to be cut to length.

Kickdown cables are used to control non-electric automatic transmissions. When the throttle reaches Wide Open Throttle (WOT), the kickdown cable is pulled tight, which triggers the transmission to downshift to a lower gear.

Most factory kickdown cables are not adjustable, but aftermarket cables can be easily adjusted. Hold the throttle in the WOT position, pull the kickdown cable tight and adjust the cable stop to hold the cable at that point. Release the throttle and check that the throttle fully closes and opens without resistance.

Products from this episode:
Intercomp 102144 Digital Angle Gauge https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Interc...
Universal Polished Aluminum Gas/Throttle Pedal Assembly, Large Pad https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Univer...
Speedway Throttle and Kickdown Cable Bracket Kit https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedw...
Lokar SRK-4001 Stainless Steel Throttle Cable Carburetor Bracket https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedw...
Shop Lokar Throttle Cables https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/l...

0:00 - Introduction
0:37 – How a Throttle Cable Works
1:09 - Kickdown Cable Overview – What It Does & How It Works
2:09 - Throttle Pedal Installation – Setting Up for Your Throttle Cable
3:13 - How to Install a Throttle Cable – Step-by-Step Guide
4:48 - Throttle Cable Alignment & Drilling the Firewall
6:34 - Routing & Securing the Throttle Cable for Best Fit
6:46 - Installing & Adjusting the Throttle Cable Bracket
7:38 - How to Adjust Throttle Cable
7:48 - How to Cut & Shorten a Throttle Cable (Steel Braided Too!)
10:54 – How to Install a Kickdown Cable | Full Step-by-Step
12:16 – Transmission Kickdown Fitting – Connecting to the Trans
12:47 - Kickdown Cable Adjustment & Proper Routing
13:50 - Kickdown Cable Setup at the Carburetor – Fine-Tuning for Performance
15:43 - WOT (Wide Open Throttle) Linkage Adjustments – Maximize Throttle Response
16:28 - Lokar Throttle Cable Bracket Install & Final Adjustments

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