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NiftySix

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So I am considering taking the plunge and yanking out the old SBC from my '56 2DR HT and replacing it with an LS engine. (...actually I have no choice but to yank out the old SBC...darn freeze plugs rusted out. I figure I might take the opportunity to upgrade to some modern power/efficiency/reliability.)

I found a low-mile 5.3L LM7 engine/4L60E trans from a 2004 Silverado 1500 2WD. I believe the 2004 throttle bodies are drive-by-wire. I am concerned about having to figure out how to mount the gas pedal. I have seen some amazing custom fabrications in this forum to accomplish this. (Old Buzzard and JHall!) I am not able to fab my own mount so I was wondering if there is there a kit for this or another DBW pedal that can be bolted on? Should I be looking for an older LM7 engine (1999-2002 which I believe are cable throttle.) Seems that would be easier to connect with the existing throttle cable. Any ideas? All other aspects of the swap seem pretty simple.
 
#3 · (Edited)
You have to bear in mind DBW implementations are specific to the configuration. What I mean by that is for your motor for example, you would want to get the pedal, the TAC (interface box), wiring and of course the TB. The pedal and the TB at a minimum have to match/interface with one another. The TAC as well if one was used. At some point they did away with the TAC, but I believe for your year, it was used. The PCM also has to be able to talk to the TB you want to use.

I bought the Holley Dominator EFI kit for many reasons, one being it supports DBW. It uses a Cadillac CTS pedal and a TB version several of the aftermarket TB mfr's sell.

The only alternative I know of would be to call Lokar as they announced a DBW pedal, but it will specific to some DBW throttle body(s).

Making a bracket would not be that difficult to do. There are some guys on here who do some great fab work which can look rather intimidating to replicate. A piece of steel from Lowes/Home Depot, a hammer, a piece of 2x4 wood and a drill will put you in business. :)

It's not complicated, as much as it's just specific as to how you have to do it. I guess I also have to add, making the a DBW pedal mount will be one of your easier tasks in doing a driveline swap.

Charlie
 
#4 ·
NiftySix said:
I found a low-mile 5.3L LM7 engine/4L60E trans from a 2004 Silverado 1500 2WD. I believe the 2004 throttle bodies are drive-by-wire. I am concerned about having to figure out how to mount the gas pedal. I have seen some amazing custom fabrications in this forum to accomplish this. (Old Buzzard and JHall!) I am not able to fab my own mount so I was wondering if there is there a kit for this or another DBW pedal that can be bolted on? Should I be looking for an older LM7 engine (1999-2002 which I believe are cable throttle.) Seems that would be easier to connect with the existing throttle cable. Any ideas? All other aspects of the swap seem pretty simple.
Click to expand...
I would get the 04 LM7 if its a good deal then just have the harness reworked and check to see if the PCM is DBC compatible. I listed the PCM service numbers for this in the FAQ under DBW. Now that said I used WayneHartwig to tune my PCM's and rework my harnesses. Typically he charges $150 for tune and $250 for harness rework although the DBW to DBC maybe little more. But that gives you an idea of the cost. But you would still need a DBC pedal but you can sale your DBW TB, TAC, and PCM (if it won't work) to recoup cost.


Also the trans will placy a role as well if you have a 700r4 there is really no easy way to connect the TV cable to the TB. So you have to connect it to the pedal inside. Which is not easy itself.



Rustaddict said:
I believe that a throttle body from an older ( 99-02) motor will bolt on in place of the DBW on the 04 motor
Click to expand...
Yes it will bolt in place but the PCM needs to be able to be tuned to control the DBW as well as harness mods to support it. Meaning some of the later PCM's don't have the drivers installed in hte software to run it and there is really no way to reload them. So you have to source a DBC PCM.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
It just seems like there is a kit for every other aspect of the LS conversion, so I was surprised that there doesn't seem to be one for the DBW pedal.

I guess a good question to ask would be "which is better, DBW or DBC?" If DBW is a better end product, I can deal with the fab of a pedal mount. I don't care about cruise control (now, anyways) but DBW is the newer technology, so it would be great to have, as long as it doesn't present a major hurdle to the LS swap.
 
#7 ·
NiftySix said:
I guess a good question to ask would be "which is better, DBW or DBC?" If DBW is a better end product, I can deal with the fab of a pedal mount. I don't care about cruise control (now, anyways) but DBW is the newer technology, so it would be great to have, as long as it doesn't present a major hurdle to the LS swap.
Click to expand...

Now which is better both have there faults and advantages.

The DBC is simple and easy to install. But his problems as well the inlet air control for the idle gets dirty and case idle problems. DBC is harder to hook up Cruise control.

The DBW system is pretty well trouble free now. Al be it there were harness issues and such but most that was fixed. There is not IAC to get dirty or fail as the throttle blade itself moves to control idle. Cruise control is very easy to hook up just wire a CC switch into the TAC and your good to go. The Gen IV DBW is little harder to hook to CC.

The question really it boils down to feel. The cable will feel more normal. The DBW does feel different IMO. All most like a little delay when you mash the gas!

Either will work.
 
#8 ·
I got a harness/loom from Speartech. He uses a 2010 Trailblazer throttle pedal. I wanted something a little nicer. The Lokar DBW setup won't work for me as mine is programmed for the Trailblazer. I bought a Lokar pedal and arm only (part#DBW6004- $110). I made a bracket out of 1/4" flat steel, just a T type of setup. I made a mounting bracket and welded it to the firewall, then welded nuts to the bracket to mount the module. I made a piece off the Trailblazer mount to adapt my Lokar pedal to. Just mocking up the car now, but am sure it will work fine. Nice part is the pedal is adjustable. If I knew how to post a picture I would. If you want one, let me know and I can email it to you. Terry


EDIT: I added pictures of the mount I'll try to add the rest later. Also use a site like photobucket to upload and host your pictures for free. They provide a link you copy ad paste into a post to show your pictures.
BO185
 

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