Electric Toyota Miata?

Over the weekend I was checking the throttle and noticed that it didn't go "full on" when the accelerator was fully depressed - it only made it 90% of the way. This meant I wasn't getting 100% of the power even with the pedal to the metal...

I reworked the cable connection to the throttle using a cable stop from Kragen and moved it to a lower hole on the actuator arm. This made the car much more responsive - less cable travel to get the same amount (or more!) speed.

Monday's commute was a little more fun than normal. First it was more responsive, so I was passing cars, making abrupt lane changes and generally enjoying the ride.

On the way home I floored it and felt the cable jerk - I released the pedal, but the car decided she was a Toyota and was at full speed  - the throttle was stuck. I pulled up on the accelerator with my toe, but that did nothing, so I switched off the ignition, then put the key back to the first position (accessory) so that the wheel wouldn't lock up on me, and coasted to a stop on the shoulder.

Under the hood I quickly saw that the cable stop was stuck against one of the housing screws on the potbox. I bent the arm a little toward the front of the car so that there was clearance again.  Checked it once or twice, then hopped back in and waited for a break in traffic. I accelerated a little slower so as not to tempt fate, and drove home. After a couple more tests in the garage I was convinced that all was okay.

So, I think this illustrates one of the advantages of building your own car - or at least working on it - you know what all the parts do and can quickly remedy a situation that would have stranded an average motorist.

I guess that's one way to look at it...