I've driven a friends before and it made me look like a learner at the lights etc. 1/2" of pedal travel for 1600+- revs doesn't sound too drastic though. Think you just need to adopt more sensitive feet.
There are only 2 tools in life: Gaffa tape and WD40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the gaffa tape, if it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.