One of those days ...

[Jack Valiant]

Well the replacement of my throttle cable for the Gredge was to be a relatively straight forward job but no it was one of those days!

So after weeks of research and question asking, I thought I had finally got to the bottom of finding a replacement complete cable for the car as the old original 350i one was showing signs of wear at the plenum end below:



So the the job was to make a slightly longer Chimaera one fit and i am not afraid of a little fettling! Comparison of the two in terms of connections at the plenum and pedal ends seemed ok ....



So after 2 hours I finally got the old one out....the cable had been stuck into the bulkhead but then the TVR gremlin struck.. it did not fit because the amount of cable coming out of the sleeve is not long enough So after a lot of thought the only option was to put the old one back in but as I had it out it was worth a closer look at it. So I dug out my old crimper and fixed the plenum end and then loads of bike cable lube down the sleeve so one hour later all back together and working better than it did so off back to the supplier for my money back ...... nice!

Pictures to follow as the server seems to be off line??

Chris

Edited by Jack Valiant on Sunday 28th July 18:29

[adam quantrill]

Is that lube a dry lube? I've heard that oil/grease can cause the cable surround to swell and make the cable start to stick...

[Jack Valiant]

Hi Adam it was motorcycle cable lube for cables with and without liners so should be ok. This is a short term solution until I can track down the correct replacement cable. I cannot believe that TVR made these as a special.. there has to have been a donor car using the RV8 surely? The Chim and Griff cables are totally wrong, the fittings are ok but the length of the actual cables is all wrong. I suppose i could fit a longer cable to the outer sheath and re solder on the appropriate terminations but seems a OTT way to get this right!

If anyone has any ideas or pearls of wisdom in terms of the correct cable it would be appreciated as I expect this will be a part that RV8 owners will need in the future

TIA - Chris

[adam quantrill]

I think they were in fact specials. The small amount of damage I saw on yours would probably last many years before it causes problems. A lot of people (me included) have used Speedy Cables for replacement but you have to send off your old one, which they send back. I kept my old one so I don't have to lose the cable again for a replacement!

[Jack Valiant]

Thanks Adam well looks like a made up replacement is the only option... Racetech can also copy them apparently but would like to make up a batch of say 10 to get the cost down, dare say I could sell them on as people would want one as a spare. I will speak to them tomorrow to see if I can work a deal. As memory serves the black cable is the same for the 350i-390-400 and 450 do you know?

This is the closest version but as I said the inner is too short

http://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/tvr-car-part-e0149...

Edited by Jack Valiant on Monday 29th July 22:27

[jmorgan]

I had mine from TVR carparts. Guessing who ever had their stock may have a few? DG? Only problem was I had to fettle the nipple down to size. phnar.

Edit. I still have my old one, it has a nasty kink and a habit of sticking but OK for someone to copy, 400SE. Need to check it to make sure of a thing or two mind.

Edited by jmorgan on Tuesday 30th July 04:35

[Jack Valiant]

Hi Jeff

Could you measure the complete length of the cable as well as the sheath and a few pics of the ends etc? If it is right then if I could borrow your old cable I will send it off to Race Tech or DG and get some made up. I spoke at length via email with pictures to DG and they do not have any of the old stock left so another blank!

Feel free to PM me if easier!

Cheers

Chris

[ralph350i]

Morning Chris
I should have a one in my garage if you want to use it as a template mate, will check this morning and confirm I did not chuck it, Cheers, Ralph

[Jack Valiant]

Great thanks let me know if you find it then we can sort put pick ups etc

Chris

[jmorgan]

Sorry, long day at work. If it is still required I can post it off, no problem. Still with holed tank at the moment.

[ralph350i]

Morning Chris
Found the cable which is complete with all the fixing, but I must of cut off the ball which attaches to the throttle, if its any good mate, drop me a pm and I will post out, cheers, Ralph

[Andy390]

"Holy thread resurrection batman!"
Jack..did you ever find out anything re this ,or did u give up when you did your
Engine swap?
Mine needs doing ..
BR Andy
PS did you get your fuel pump issues sorted?

[Jack Valiant]

Crikey this is going back a bit!

Yes I did sort it eventually, drop me an email on my profile and I will send my mobile we can then chat

Chris

[Hamish400]

Neil Perry (now at ML Performance Parts) sourced a throttle cable for my 400se when he was at TVR Car Parts.
Rgds Hamish