i adjusted the linkages as best i could, but i don't think thats gonna make up the difference. at full throttle with the final linkage disconnected i fall short just over an inch...way more than i can make up with the threads on the ball joints.

for what its worth the engine was swapped and i'm wondering if there was a mish-mash of linkages from old/new engine that were pieced together to make everything connect and maybe something shorter was thrown in (did find a random linkage in the car after the swap, although it doesn't seem to fit anywhere).
my understanding from the FSM was that i could make up some of this distance by adjusting the regulating shaft (loosen hex with pedal floored, then release pedal a little bit and retighten hex).
if the only way to obtain full throttle is by playing with the linkages then maybe i need to actually get a replacement linkage that is slightly longer to throw in there?