Throttle Cable Barrel, with Bolt Style Clamp

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the precision of your air-cooled engine''s throttle response, every millimeter counts. The EMPI Throttle Cable Barrel with Bolt Style Clamp is a critical component designed to provide a rock-solid connection between your accelerator cable and your carburetor linkage. Whether you are running a stock Solex setup or a high-performance dual Weber or Dellorto configuration, this barrel clamp ensures that your engine receives the exact input your foot demands. At Appletree Auto, we know that a slipping throttle cable is more than just an inconvenienceit can leave you stranded or ruin a day at the dunes. That is why we offer this heavy-duty, bolt-style clamp which provides superior gripping surface area compared to the standard set-screw versions that often fray or cut through delicate cable strands.

The versatility of this EMPI component makes it a staple in any VW enthusiast''s toolbox. While it is a direct fit for classic Volkswagen Beetle, Ghia, and Type 2 Bus applications, its universal design allows it to be adapted for custom sand rails, dune buggies, and off-road projects. The barrel features a generous 5mm center hole that accommodates standard VW throttle cables with ease. For those running specialized push-pull style cables or thicker aftermarket linkages, the high-quality material allows for slight oversized drilling without compromising the structural integrity of the clamp. Finished with a durable plating to resist corrosion in the harsh engine bay environment, this throttle cable barrel is the professional choice for reliability and smooth operation.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All Years
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Baja Bugs using custom throttle linkages or dual carburetor setups (Weber, Dellorto, Kadron).

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 311-129-777CH
• Clamp Style: Integrated Bolt and Nut Style
• Outer Diameter (OD): 7.5mm
• Overall Length: 12mm
• Center Hole Diameter: 5mm
• Material: High-Strength Steel with Corrosion-Resistant Plating
• Weight: 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Avoid Over-Tightening to Prevent Cable Fraying

One of the most common mistakes when installing a throttle barrel is over-torquing the bolt. While you want a secure grip, excessive force can crush the individual wire strands of your throttle cable, leading to premature snapping at the most inconvenient times. Tighten the bolt until the cable is firmly held, then give the cable a firm tug to ensure it does not slip. If you notice the cable starting to flatten significantly, you have gone too far. Using a drop of blue thread locker on the nut can provide extra security without requiring excessive clamping pressure.

Tip 2: The "Glove Box Spare" Strategy

As veteran VW mechanics, we always recommend carrying at least two of these barrel clamps in your glove box or emergency tool kit. These small parts are notorious for falling into the "black hole" of the engine tin or getting lost in the sand during a roadside repair. Because they are affordable and essential for the vehicle to move, having a spare EMPI barrel clamp alongside a spare throttle cable can be the difference between a five-minute fix and an expensive tow truck bill.

Tip 3: Custom Sizing for Push-Pull Cables

If you are using this barrel for a custom off-road application involving a heavy-duty push-pull cable (like those found in many sand rails), the 5mm center hole might be slightly too tight. You can safely use a drill press and a cobalt drill bit to slightly enlarge the center hole to match your cable diameter. Because this is the bolt-style clamp rather than the set-screw style, you have more material to work with, making it the preferred choice for custom modifications where reliability is paramount under high-vibration conditions.