Solved my Heel/Toe problem

[RA7 GTO]

After determining that the aftermarket has still not addressed this, I decided to do my own fabbing and modding. I bolted up a 1/4inch thick aluminum "wing" to the lower portion of the gas pedal, added some black no-slip tape dots, black-painted the three bolt heads and completely solved the problem! It looks pretty professional to boot, as I contoured the plate to the gas pedal. The choice of hole placement in the gas pedal was the only dicey part, as there really are very few spots where bolts and washers will actually fit back there.
My Z06 and my 328is, both of which heel/toe with perfection have a 2inch inter-pedal distance while the GTO has a 3 and 1/2 inch distance. The GTO gas pedal sits about a 1/4inch deeper relative to the brake as well.
I made templates of the entire assembly such that I could make these as kits and anybody should be able to duplicate my results. What I need is a digital picture to show you, which will be coming soon. Any interest?

[mistermike]

I've never tried heel tow or even road racing for that matter. Would it help to have a gas pedal that's hinged to the floor instead of the wobbly double pivot?

[bu-bye]

do you have a pics?

[RA7 GTO]

do you have a pics?


No pics yet - Camera is pissing me off. Soon.

[RA7 GTO]

I've never tried heel tow or even road racing for that matter. Would it help to have a gas pedal that's hinged to the floor instead of the wobbly double pivot?


"Heel/Toe" is really a misnomer in modern street cars. You're really using the ball of your right foot on the brake and blipping the throttle with right side of the foor - therefore its really the inter-pedal distance that matters most. The 3 1/2 inch distance in the GTO is wider than SOME peoples' whole foot and too wide for most people to keep a solid grip on the brake while making this maneuver.

I love this GTO. But MAN is it quirky! No door-lock switch, a hidden power outlet, and a powerful RWD with IRS set up for road racing but OOPS, the pedals are too far apart! I don't know, maybe the Aussies just have clown feet or something.

[bioinformaticus]

a hidden power outlet,

I don't know, maybe the Aussies just have clown feet or something.


Hidden Power outlet?? Please explain.

Mind you, they invented Crocodile Dundee, Crocodile Hunter, the ******* and the GTO... not surprising for being a bit down under.. :gr_jest:

Still have my SEG though.

[DevilYellow]

The aussies drive on the other side :) The GTO was the first "correct" ;) side drive offered in a manual trans. The 2005's pedals are placed much better and the dead pedal helps :)

[RA7 GTO]

Hidden Power outlet?? Please explain.

Mind you, they invented Crocodile Dundee, Crocodile Hunter, the ******* and the GTO... not surprising for being a bit down under.. :gr_jest:

Still have my SEG though.

You know, the cigarette lighter. Its in the console between the seats (might as well be hidden) about three feet from the windshield - real ergonomic for the ole radar detector.

[1stGOAT]

After determining that the aftermarket has still not addressed this, I decided to do my own fabbing and modding. I bolted up a 1/4inch thick aluminum "wing" to the lower portion of the gas pedal, added some black no-slip tape dots, black-painted the three bolt heads and completely solved the problem! It looks pretty professional to boot, as I contoured the plate to the gas pedal. The choice of hole placement in the gas pedal was the only dicey part, as there really are very few spots where bolts and washers will actually fit back there.
My Z06 and my 328is, both of which heel/toe with perfection have a 2inch inter-pedal distance while the GTO has a 3 and 1/2 inch distance. The GTO gas pedal sits about a 1/4inch deeper relative to the brake as well.
I made templates of the entire assembly such that I could make these as kits and anybody should be able to duplicate my results. What I need is a digital picture to show you, which will be coming soon. Any interest?

I am very interested. Please put me on your list.
It would be very helpful for those of us who like to drive the twisties and go to the track.

[jagular]

Yep. Interested here, as well...

[larst976]

I don't know, maybe the Aussies just have clown feet or something.

Maybe they do? (http://www.chl.ca/SlamSwimming/jul18_ger.html)

:D just kidding of course...

[QuicksilverGTO]

After determining that the aftermarket has still not addressed this, I decided to do my own fabbing and modding. I bolted up a 1/4inch thick aluminum "wing" to the lower portion of the gas pedal, added some black no-slip tape dots, black-painted the three bolt heads and completely solved the problem! It looks pretty professional to boot, as I contoured the plate to the gas pedal. The choice of hole placement in the gas pedal was the only dicey part, as there really are very few spots where bolts and washers will actually fit back there.
My Z06 and my 328is, both of which heel/toe with perfection have a 2inch inter-pedal distance while the GTO has a 3 and 1/2 inch distance. The GTO gas pedal sits about a 1/4inch deeper relative to the brake as well.
I made templates of the entire assembly such that I could make these as kits and anybody should be able to duplicate my results. What I need is a digital picture to show you, which will be coming soon. Any interest?

I fabricated a small alum accelerator extension for my '89 BMW 325i Spec E30 racecar and it is great. If you can duplicate your set (and I can see a photo) and the price is reasonable, I'll buy one for sure. I can fab it myself but if you've done the legwork, I don't mind paying for it.

I can't stand downshifting and forcing the engine to drag-up the engine at clutch release. I have some wide-sole shoes, size 11, but I still have to push my heel too far to the right to reach the throttle with the right edge of my foot while braking. And I have to punch the throttle instead of roll/blip it.

Let us know when you get a photo.

[AnthonyHSV]

The aussies drive on the other side :) The GTO was the first "correct" ;) side drive offered in a manual trans. The 2005's pedals are placed much better and the dead pedal helps :)


Correct hey?? How come you have a Left Hand Drive car, when we get a "Right" Hand Drive Car?... ;)

[QuicksilverGTO]

After determining that the aftermarket has still not addressed this, I decided to do my own fabbing and modding. I bolted up a 1/4inch thick aluminum "wing" to the lower portion of the gas pedal, added some black no-slip tape dots, black-painted the three bolt heads and completely solved the problem! It looks pretty professional to boot, as I contoured the plate to the gas pedal. The choice of hole placement in the gas pedal was the only dicey part, as there really are very few spots where bolts and washers will actually fit back there.
My Z06 and my 328is, both of which heel/toe with perfection have a 2inch inter-pedal distance while the GTO has a 3 and 1/2 inch distance. The GTO gas pedal sits about a 1/4inch deeper relative to the brake as well.
I made templates of the entire assembly such that I could make these as kits and anybody should be able to duplicate my results. What I need is a digital picture to show you, which will be coming soon. Any interest?

Do you have any pics?

[ctaylor45]

You know, the cigarette lighter. Its in the console between the seats (might as well be hidden) about three feet from the windshield - real ergonomic for the ole radar detector.

A lot of cars have this, even the eclipse I had before the GTO

[OldER Goat]

Do you have any pics?

check it out at....
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1469 9&highlight=pedal

[2004Goat]

After determining that the aftermarket has still not addressed this, I decided to do my own fabbing and modding. I bolted up a 1/4inch thick aluminum "wing" to the lower portion of the gas pedal, added some black no-slip tape dots, black-painted the three bolt heads and completely solved the problem! It looks pretty professional to boot, as I contoured the plate to the gas pedal. The choice of hole placement in the gas pedal was the only dicey part, as there really are very few spots where bolts and washers will actually fit back there.
My Z06 and my 328is, both of which heel/toe with perfection have a 2inch inter-pedal distance while the GTO has a 3 and 1/2 inch distance. The GTO gas pedal sits about a 1/4inch deeper relative to the brake as well.
I made templates of the entire assembly such that I could make these as kits and anybody should be able to duplicate my results. What I need is a digital picture to show you, which will be coming soon. Any interest?
I'm very intrested.

[1stGOAT]

check it out at....
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1469 9&highlight=pedal

Looks dangerous for panic stops on the street. Little concerned.

[Dan00Hawk]

I'm not used to the gap either... I'm used to the ball of my foot on the brake, and blipping the gas with the outside part of my right foot. Worked fine on my Firehawk, and on my WRX, and any other manual trans car for that matter. Trying to do that in the GTO results in my foot slipping off the brake!!! Not good when trying the heel and toe while setting up for a turn (on the street or on the track...).

Could the gas pedal linkage be heated and bent in towards the brake perhaps? I wouldn't want to start the carpeting on fire, so removing it would have to be done, I'm sure...

[Dan00Hawk]

Good idea here with this attachment. I wonder if removing one of the pedals and having an extension welded on might also work?
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=7741&stc=1

[GTOFrank]

I've been "heal toeing" with the stock pedals for about 2 months now. Just put my toe on the brake, then turn my foot 90 degrees hit the pedal with my heal. After about a month it becomes second nature, and there is little danger of your foot slipping off the pedal since you have your foot secure on the brake. The only issue is my heel rubs up against the console.

[Groucho]

A bit...no...much too kludgie for me.

I'm getting a set similar to these:

http://www.ultimatepedals.com/images/gas_ll_l.jpg

http://www.ultimatepedals.com/home.htm

[QuicksilverGTO]

A bit...no...much too kludgie for me.

I'm getting a set similar to these:

http://www.ultimatepedals.com/images/gas_ll_l.jpg

http://www.ultimatepedals.com/home.htm

I just ordered the Ultimate Pedals gas pedal for the GTO, with heel-toe extension. It's not on the site but the owner told me how to order it, and has the GTO pedals available.

I'll let you guys know how it fits, etc.

No affiliation with Ultimate Pedals

[Dan00Hawk]

Excellent find, gentlemen!!! I'm very interested in finding out how you like the product, and also if it's worth the price (probably $50-$60 for just the gas pedal, I assume...).

[Groucho]

I just ordered the Ultimate Pedals gas pedal for the GTO, with heel-toe extension. It's not on the site but the owner told me how to order it, and has the GTO pedals available.

I'll let you guys know how it fits, etc.

No affiliation with Ultimate Pedals

Yeah...I'm with Dan. How much is a set? I pulled up the site because they advertise in the BMW CCA mag....and it's on my short list of immediate mods.

Are you getting the dead pedal as well?

[Doc GTO]

Pics when you get it installed!

[QuicksilverGTO]

I've got a good pic (and it looks good and functions well) but I don't know how to add it on a post here. I searched "photo" but couldn't find anything. If someone wants to explain it in 1-2-3-4 steps (I'm not a computer guy at all) I'll post it. Or I'll gladly email it to someone who can.

[paco loco]

Anyone want to start a GP on this? Just a thought.

[OldER Goat]

posting for QuickSilver...

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=14804

[QuicksilverGTO]

Thanks OldER goat!

Basically, it was tough to install but I'm soooo glad I bought it. The price was about $68.00 and I got the satin finish; I'm not a flashy/gold-chain guy, and I thought the low gloss finish would look better with the stock brake and clutch pedals.

To install it, I first tried to remove the alum cover that covers the plastic gas pedal. There are two short tabs (top and bottom) and two long tabs (sides) that wrap around the plastic pedal. After reaching under the dash, both knees outside the car and on the ground, I tried to peel the tabs around the pedal using a screw driver and needle-nose pliers. Nope.

I then tried to push-out the roll pin that secures the plastic pedal to the rod. Nope.

I then decided to remove it all, so I opened the hood and twisted the throttle open and stuck a screwdriver handle under it to keep it open. I then reached way up under the dash and popped-out the black cup that snaps into the top of the rod, and holds the throttle end-cable ball. I removed the throttle cable.

Next, I removed the C-clips that hold the rod pivot, and the two nylon bushings, and pulled the entire rod/pedal assembly out. Whew!

On a bench, I carefully pried the pedal cover tabs back and removed the stock cover. The black dots seen on the pedal cover are actually plastic raised "nubs" that are a part of the plastic pedal. I thought about grinding them down but decided to mount the new cover on top of the nubs. There are enough nubs to evenly distribute the new pedal cover.

I selected the holes in the new cover, to use for the mounting (using the included wood screws; see the photo above) because these made the most sense regarding not drilling into the side of a nub, etc.

I positioned the cover just slightly to the left of the right edge of the plastic pedal (so the cover wouldn't rub the carpet, and to give me more surface to blip) and drilled the holes with the recommended drill bit size.

Everything went back in just fine, and took about 5 minutes.

Of course, I immediately took it out for a test drive. Before the installation, I thought the new cover was going to be slightly too small but with my size 11 medium shoes, I can blip it very easily, with a good cover of the brake pedal. And it's not so wide that I hit it when braking.

One more thing...it feels very good to have a wider gas pedal, when just using the gas. It's not too bulky feeling but I feel a good, stable, wide surface under my right foot.

Overall, I'll give it a 9.5 out of 10.

No affliliation with Ultimate Pedals.

[mrdoc442]

Looks dangerous for panic stops on the street. Little concerned.

sudden no time to think/gauge proper pedal's distance in panic stopping mode, inadvertently stomping on the accelerator pedal simultaneously could have catastrophic results. Or getting your foot/leg/ankle tangled up in it somehow, if you foot slips off the brake. I can see it's usefulness while road racing, but could be one of those traps we sometimes set that catch ourselves. I suppose you could only hook it up for road racing and unhook it for the street. I sure would. Someone skilled in that type of heel/toe maneuver, would probably be ok, a novice might not.

Doc

[QuicksilverGTO]

After a few days with the Ultimate Pedals cover, I'm very happy with it. And with 13 years of sports car racing, I have experience dealing with pedals. While a novice might have trouble with this in a panic stop, I wont have a problem.

And being able to match revs makes for a more comfortable ride, as well as reducing the drag on the clutch.

[Crisisman]

Can anyone provide a link to a site that sells the wider gas pedal QuicksilverGTO used? I'm looking for one.

[swmn]

Can anyone provide a link to a site that sells the wider gas pedal QuicksilverGTO used? I'm looking for one.http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t= 68020

[Crisisman]

Thanks!

[TXRaider]

Bumpty....

thoughts/impressions after having these on for a while anyone?
(hopefully a few of you are still out there, lol...)

[Crisisman]

I ended up taking my pedal out, putting it in a vice and simply bending it to be closer to the brake pedal. I'm going to adjust it a bit more as it's still a tad out of my ideal position.

[TXRaider]

I ended up taking my pedal out, putting it in a vice and simply bending it to be closer to the brake pedal. I'm going to adjust it a bit more as it's still a tad out of my ideal position.

Thanks for the feedback.

Another issue of the GTO pedal is the gas is quite a bit further back. Did you try to bend it any foward too??

[Crisisman]

Thanks for the feedback.

Another issue of the GTO pedal is the gas is quite a bit further back. Did you try to bend it any foward too??

Yes, and that's one of the things I need to adjust. I think I bent it a bit too far forward. When I go to shift I find my foot wanting to catch the side of the gas pedal rather than the top. The thing is, in most situations where you really want to heel-toe you are near maximum braking so your foot is quite a ways down already. You want to find your sweet spot so that when you twist your heel over it slides right into position with your normal brake force applied. The nice thing about this mod is that it only costs the 30 minutes or so to remove your pedal, make your adjustment, and re-install it.