In various embodiments, a cowl actuation system may comprise a cowl, an actuator, a bell crank, and a guide arm. The cowl may be configured to modulate at least a portion of the exhaust flow of a gas turbine engine. The bell crank may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be operatively coupled to the actuator. The second end may be operatively coupled to the cowl. The bell crank may be configured to pivot about a first point located between the first end and the second end. The first point may also be located along a diameter. The guide arm may have a third end and a fourth end. The third end may be mounted to a second point. The fourth end may be operatively coupled to the cowl. The second point may be located along the diameter.