Joe's Easy Foot Pedal Mod by 2112 Beans

By diyauto
( 2 )

3 minute read

Joe's Easy Foot Pedal Mod


Compliments of 2112 Beans @ forum.miata.net


8-22-2009



Based on a thread here on the forum I tried modding my gas pedal by replacing the spring inside. I wasn't happy with the results and felt that it was too dangerous. My thought was that if the gas pedal housing broke, then the spring would come out and the pedal would get stuck at full-throttle. 


Additonally, by taking apart my gas pedal I somehow changed the smoothness of the pedal travel and had to buy a new one. Thank you Rich V. for the replacement.


But I still wanted to change the feel of the pedal. The stock spring is just too light for long drives and my heavy foot. Here's what I came up with. 


I went to Home Cheapo and bought an 8-pack of 12" bungie cords for $3. I attached one the metal hooks on the end of a bungie to a steel part just in front and slightly above the gas pedal (basically it's under and to the right of the steering column). Then I looped the bungie around the back of the gas pedal arm and hooked the other end of the bungie to the same steel frame under the dash. On the first press of the pedal, the bungie slid up a bit and fell into a sweet spot that gives me just the right amount of pedal feel and doesn't fatigue my foot on long drives. 


If you try this mod, be sure to stomp the gas pedal several times before starting the engine to "seat" the cord and to get a feel for the pedal.


How durable is this mod?

I don't know. Time will tell. If the bungie fails, I'll probably get smacked in the foot by the cord but I'll be able to replace it easily and cheaply.


Will the cord eventually weaken and loose some of its spring power?

Probably but I doubt I'd notice it.


Is this safer than the spring mod?

I would think so but no promises. Do this at your own risk.


What else?

The cord will settle into a sweet spot. You could theoretically change this spot and increase the amount of tension simply be cutting very small V-notches on the back of the gas pedal arm which would force the bungie to stay in place further down the pedal. 


Bonus?

Its easy to remove so the dealer cant give you grief. For that matter, it would also be easy to remove if your significant other doesn't like it.










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