How Do I Cure "Short Throttle Cable on B4B Manifold Syndrome"?

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by Dan Gerber, May 23, 2022.

  1. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    My combo:
    BBB, TA Stage 2 heads and Edelbrock B4B manifold. Also TH200-4R transmission (with TV cable).

    My problem:
    The stock-sized TA-1260 repro throttle cable (body and wire) does not reach the carburetor throttle arm and cable bracket. It's about 1&1/4" short... Which is about the same distance the B4B carb mounting surface is further forward than the mounting surface on the stock intake manifold. See attached photo.

    NOTE: The TA throttle is correct for the stock manifold.

    One possible fix:
    I have no desire to replace the B4B manifold, so the only cure I can think of is a custom cable assembly. And, since I prefer the design of the stock cable, my only option may be to contact the businesses that make reproductions and ask if they will manufacture a 1&1/4" longer than stock reproduction for me.

    My question to those of you using a B4B manifold is:
    How did you resolve the throttle cable issue?

    Thank you in advance for your help. I appreciate it.


    Short Throttle Cable on B4B.jpg
     
  2. 73 Stage-1

    73 Stage-1 Dave

    When looking for an OEM cable for my '73, I learned there are a few different lengths between the years and engine choices.
    I gave up and ordered a Lokar which I was able to cut to fit.
     
    1973gs likes this.
  3. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The problem is you are not using the correct throttle cable bracket. That is because of the TV cable. I'm sure you are not the first one to use the B4B, 2004R, and Quadrajet. Hopefully, someone with that combination will chime in. There isn't anything wrong with the cable. The B4B intake manifold throttle bracket position is the same relative to the carburetor as the stock intake.
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2022
    mrolds69 and john.schaefer77 like this.
  4. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    There were many different lengths depending on car models as well as 350 vs 455. If you can measure and post in wanted you may get the length you need. I have several different ones in a box somewhere.
     
  5. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes, as well as throttle brackets. Not sure any combination of those would work. By design, the stock throttle bracket/cable is NOT adjustable, but the TV cable is. I would have used the stock cable/bracket, and then adapted the TV cable/bracket to make it work. I bet Ken Gies (techg8) could help.
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2022
  6. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    I would get the 67 to 71 style bracket,...cut the top portion off that bracket...mount the stock bracket and do what's necessary to get the two to touch in some way then weld them together
     
  7. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Agree with Larry - its the bracket. Check out the Holly Trickflow bracket that has an adjustable throttle mount for idea:
    https://www.trickflow.com/search/product-line/trick-flow-throttle-cable-brackets or
    https://www.amazon.com/Fast-304147-...locphy=9008156&hvtargid=pla-568348860616&th=1
    Or a bracket that sets the arm closer like: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...PSX5uTDO6lpaHm1J12xB2RL6fjK8Zz58aAnNPEALw_wcB

    Or any other brand that is adjustable. With the universal TV cable you can reset the length on it.
    Also, your tv cable looks a little loose for idle???
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2022
  8. 1973gs

    1973gs Well-Known Member

    Lokar makes good quality cables, throttle and brake. I used them on my GS. The only issue that I see is if you are going for a stock look. Then you could probably cover the stainless with vacuum line or maybe just paint it black.
     
  9. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Looking at the picture again - is that as far as the cable will reach? Or will it snap onto the throttle?
     

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