Drive-by-wire vs cable throttle for an LS swap
Drive-by-cable (DBC): the pedal pulls a cable that opens the throttle; the PCM handles everything else. Common on early Gen III trucks and F-body Camaro LS1s. It's simpler to install.
Drive-by-wire (DBW): the pedal sends a signal and the PCM opens an electronic throttle body. All Gen IV engines are DBW, and some Gen III engines are too; check your specific application. A DBW swap needs the matching accelerator pedal wired in and mounted (Speedway notes you'll need to fabricate or buy a pedal mount), plus a PCM calibrated for it.
Confidence: medium — sources disagree or are limited; check the sources below.
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Sources
- Squarebody LS Swap Guide | 73-87 C10 Parts List — Speedway Motors
- What Every LS Swap Builder Needs to Know About the PCM and Harness — PSI Conversion
- The Complete LS Swap Wiring Harness Buyer's Guide — PSI Conversion