Last weekend I set out to do something I thought was going to be a simple job: install the throttle and kickdown cables on my truck. A while back I purchased Lokar kits for both. I followed the instructions and started with fitting the kickdown cable housing and then moved to the throttle bracket. This is where I ran into problems. The throttle bracket is designed for carburetors and my engine has an Accel DFI fuel injection system on it. I thought since the Accel throttle body was a pretty similar shape to a carburetor the Lokar kit would work. What I found is the drivers side fuel rail interferes with the bracket and there were a few other problems.
Lokar throttle bracket
This is the section that hits the fuel rail.
I did some searching on the internet and I wasn't able to find any throttle cable brackets that are made specifically for the Accel DFI system. I did find a few forums with people looking for a solution to the same problem. One person in a forum said they contacted Accel and was told he needed to improvise a throttle bracket. Strange that they have a whole package for this fuel injection system but don't include a throttle bracket when there are no options available. So improvise it is. I started by cutting off the lower section of the bracket that was causing most of the interference (the part circled in red above). Once that was cut off I started test fitting to see what other adjustments I needed to make. I found the bracket was off about half an inch vertically and horizontally.
Cable path was about 1/2" off side to side
and about 1/2" too low
To make up that difference I made another cut on the bracket and welded on a piece of 3/4" angle iron.
I cut the bracket here
Side view after welding
End view after welding
I did some more test fitting to make sure everything lined up and then welded up the low spots. I also cut off the overhang left over from moving it inward. After that I smoothed it out with a flap disc on the angle grinder.
Next up was figuring out the placement of the transmission kick down cable and the throttle return springs. I started by temporarily attaching the kick down bracket using the throttle cable ferrule. This allows it to swivel so I could find the best alignment. I also drilled a large hole in the piece I originally cut off the throttle bracket and attached that to the kick down bracket using the kick down cable ferrule. That piece will be used for the return springs.
After test fitting on the intake and adjusting for the best alignment I spot welded the two brackets so they wouldn't move.
I finished it up by painting it with some silver spray paint. Here is the finished part.
The space for the return spring was tight but it fits and doesn't interfere with anything. I put the return spring in backwards from what the instructions said because it fit better with this modified bracket. Here is a video of the bracket in action.
I started to plumb my fuel system and ran into a small problem with my fuel pump. My Accel Thruster EFI system came with a fuel pump that is labeled as an Accel model 74701. It did not come with any instructions nor is the pump marked with any indicators for flow direction or even simple in/out labels. So I did not know which way to install it. I thought it will be a simple task to go on Accel's web site and download an instruction sheet but alas they didn't have anything about this pump on their site. So then I tried submitting a ticket to Accel's online support desk. I received back this less than helpful response:
Rick, Mar 01 10:43 (EST):
There is currently no instructions for the pump, there should be a line or an arrow that acts as and indicator for inlet and outlet. If nothing is evident, please call our EMIC at 401-826-4400. Thank you
Rick Cole Jr. Prestolite Performance Tech Service 10601 Memphis Ave. Bldg 12 Brooklyn, OH 44144
Now I'm not a professional mechanic but I'm not an idiot either. Had their been a line or arrow on the pump I wouldn't have needed to submit a support ticket. I am also an IT professional and I avoid making phone calls at any cost. That's why the internet was invented, so nerds like me don't have to actually talk to anyone.
While I was closely examining the pump for this secret hidden arrow I noticed it had some numbers on it: E8248. I typed 'E8248 fuel pump' into the magic Google machine and viola! I found out this pump is actually made by a company called Airtex Products. I went to Airtex Products web site and found that they also have an online support desk. So I asked them the same question: "which way do I install this dang pump??". Finally I got my answer.
Matt,
Good afternoon. The outlet of the E8248 is the end with the electrical connectors. The inlet will be the end that requires the fitting to be installed on. If there is anything else I can help you with please feel free to call or email me.
Thanks Shane
Shane Neuman Tech Line Supervisor/NIR Coordinator E-mail: xxxxxxx@airtexproducts.com www.airtexproducts.com
So now to give something back to the community I have created this drawing. Hopefully Google will give this page as a top result the next time someone goes looking for Accel 74701 or Airtex 110-E8248. Thanks for the help Shane from Airtex! You can use my drawing as an instruction sheet for a small fee.
I started on the fuel system plumbing yesterday. I made a custom bracket for the Y-block that mounts to an unused threaded hole on the top of water pump. The feed line runs down through the middle of the accessory drive system. I mounted it so the fuel pressure gauge sits right in the middle of the main accessory bracket. The feed lines are braided -6 AN. The fuel return line is going to be -8 AN.
