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If I wanted to install a double spring would I use two stock springs in opposite direction or use an aftermarket one-inside-the-other setup. Thx, Steve
I use double springs, a smaller diameter inside the factory. I do this after seeing a friend flip their 63 at an autocross event when their throttle went full open after a broken throttle spring. It’s cheap insurance that adds some potential wear to the throttle shaft but makes me more comfortable. I’m also able to shut the key off.
Steve,
Curious as to why you're wanting to install two throttle return springs? If there is no binding in your linkage or throttle plates, the factory original spring should function adequately. If something is interfering with your throttle returning to a normal idle position, I would address the problem and not hide it with a "band aid".
Am I over thinking the safety factor if the single spring fails? Didn’t GM use a double spring in later years? I’m just inquiring. I’ve seen posts of failed springs resulting in some interesting RPMs.
Yup, you're over thinking it. Buy a good quality factory spring and you'll be good to go. The odds of it suddenly breaking are slim to none...but, if it ever did, simply turn the key off.
I use double springs, a smaller diameter inside the factory. I do this after seeing a friend flip their 63 at an autocross event when their throttle went full open after a broken throttle spring. It’s cheap insurance that adds some potential wear to the throttle shaft but makes me more comfortable. I’m also able to shut the key off.
I use double springs, a smaller diameter inside the factory. I do this after seeing a friend flip their 63 at an autocross event when their throttle went full open after a broken throttle spring. It’s cheap insurance that adds some potential wear to the throttle shaft but makes me more comfortable. I’m also able to shut the key off.
Everyone’s free to choose their path.
I did have a 50+year old spring break on another car, so -
Same exact approach here.
I use double springs, a smaller diameter inside the factory. I do this after seeing a friend flip their 63 at an autocross event when their throttle went full open after a broken throttle spring. It’s cheap insurance that adds some potential wear to the throttle shaft but makes me more comfortable. I’m also able to shut the key off.
Everyone’s free to choose their path.
I run double springs on all my old cars and I recommend them. Sure, a single spring will work great.... right up to the moment that it doesn't.
I also run double fan belts on my '60 and my '63, even tho neither came with them.
The argument for double springs or double belts is analogous to the argument for converting to a dual circuit master cylinder.... reliability.
So one vote for two stock springs in opposite direction, and another for one inside the stock spring. What smaller spring fits correctly inside the stock spring? Make/manufacturer suggestion please. Thx for the responses everyone.
So one vote for two stock springs in opposite direction, and another for one inside the stock spring. What smaller spring fits correctly inside the stock spring? Make/manufacturer suggestion please. Thx for the responses everyone.
Don't over think this. Any way you can achieve redundant throttle return is valid. It doesn't matter how.
There's a least a half dozen ways to run a double spring. Some are practically invisible. Go to any auto parts store and look at throttle return springs. The have different lengths and strengths. Having two won't hurt you, here's just two types. There are more. I ran the first pictured below on my C2's because they didn't look like doubles and if one "hook" broke or slipped off, there would be a second. For no particular reason, I have a single on my 60 283 230hp and it's doing fine too.
Why not run bias ply tires, that's the way GM designed them? Why not single master cylinders, GM designed? GM designers weren't safety geniuses. Why add fuses in the unfused wiring in C1's and C2's? GM never put them in critical points for safety.
In 1971, a friend gave me a ride in his new to him 1969 SS 396 / 375hp Camaro. As he hit 3th gear and tried to back off of the throttle, it was stuck wide open. He panicked and I shut the key off. A 2 year old car with a broken throttle spring? Yes. It may be the only one in the world, but it happened.
I run two springs, one at the GM location to the top of the throttle lever and one to the rear of the engine at the bottom of the throttle lever. Just wild thinking is it helps keep the throttle shaft somewhat centered, although I really don't know.
An additional spring is cheaper than an engine and no one needs to know unless NCRS peeks.
Chevrolet didn't double the springs up till 74 (a smaller silver one inside a blue one), but once they did they never stopped using two. It's just cheap insurance if you ask me.
Been driving old cars since 1966. Never owned one with doubled up throttle springs. Never an issue.. Many also had single pot MC and drum brakes.. No issue there either.
I guess I've been one of the lucky ones....I count my blessings.
While in college I was sitting at the biggest intersection in Athens,GA in my 8 month old ‘73.When the light changed and I depressed the accelerator the linkage broke and we took off as fast as that suffering ‘73 could take off through the intersection.Luckily we were first off the line and the intersection was empty and luckily I still had some reflexes and was able to get it shut off but then there was no power steering or brakes.Scared the life out of us.I got it back from the dealership and 2 days later it was mercifully stolen and never seen again.Got an Olds 442.
Some sort of redundancy in the linkage on my ‘67 is on the wishlist.
Throttle return spring question
