Can't seem to get full throttle

[Weaver]

For some odd reason I checked my full throttle on my '88 Carrera tonight and realize that I do not get full throttle.

I had my wife sit in the car and push the throttle all the way till it stopped, which is on the factory carpet. I found that the throttle still had about 0.125" left to go. Since this is the first time ever checking this, is that normal? I can't imagine so.

So the back of my stock throttle pedal has a plastic stand-off which makes contact with the carpet at presumable full throttle, but I still have 1/8th of an inch of travel on the engine before the stop.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Sorry, the photo is alittle blurry.

[ChrisBennet]

Yes it's "normal" - in the sense that it's pretty common that the throttle isn't adjusted correctly.
Before you adjust anything, I suggest that you ask your wife to look at that gap while you press on the throttle pedal. Her idea of floored may be different than yours. My wife's; bless her heart, idea of "floored" is to push the pedal almost though the firewall for example.
-Chris

[Rot 911]

Also do a search on here. We had a big discussion about this very topic and how to correct it about 6--7 months ago.

[Weaver]

Thanks! I did do a search and I think I found the tread you are talking about. I don't think my problem is as bad as Sonic db, but I guess I'm paranoid.

I just took it out again tonight with my G-tech pro (second time I've used it). Its about 45 degrees tonight and the oill temp was just below 200 degrees (really tried to safely raise the temp, but its too cold out). With 1/2 a tank of gas I managed a 0-60 in 6.56 secs with a 4000 rpm launch and a 6.64 sec with a bad 2000 to 2500 rpm launch.

Thoses numbers are not too embarassing, are they?

So what is the spec for how close the throttle arm should be from the throttle body housing? Is it really 1mm? And how do you get it there? With which part of the linkage down next to the gearbox?


Thanks for your time and patience.

[ChrisBennet]

I have my sweetie hold a business card in the gap, I press the pedal to the floor, then she attempts to pull the card out. If there is some drag on the card but she can pull it out I call it good.
-Chris

[KFC911]

I've got a question...Does it REALLY matter if you've got 1mm or 1/8 (or 1/4") clearance as long as the WOT (wide open throttle) switch engages (thus switching to the 'full throttle map' for the DME)? Still learning as I go...

[ischmitz]

The full throttle switch only takes the DME to open loop. If the throttle flap in the throttle body is not fully vertical it'll not flow as much air as it could and just robbs you of some (cheap to get) HP. So yes it does matter.

Ingo

[KFC911]

Thanks Ingo...I think I may have just a 'bit more' to get from mine then!