Commodore Drive By Wire Conversions

If you’re building an early Holden Commodore — whether it’s a Holden Commodore VB through to Holden Commodore VS — chances are you’re already mixing old-school style with modern performance.

One of the most overlooked upgrades in that process? Drive By Wire (DBW), also referred to as Fly By Wire and Electronic Throttle Control.

At Lowe Fabrications, we’ve spent the time developing clean, bolt-in solutions to make DBW conversions simple, reliable, and repeatable — and now with VB–VL and VN–VS platforms covered, it’s never been easier to bring your build into the modern era.

What is Drive By Wire?

Drive By Wire replaces the traditional throttle cable with an electronic throttle system.

Instead of your foot physically pulling a cable to open the throttle:

• The pedal becomes a sensor
• The signal goes to the ECU
• The ECU controls the throttle body electronically

Simple in concept — but massively powerful in execution.

Why Convert to Drive By Wire?

1. Seamless Integration with Modern Engines

If you’re running (or planning to run) a modern engine like an LS, Barra, or late-model EFI setup, DBW isn’t optional — it’s how those engines are designed to operate.

Trying to retrofit a cable throttle into a DBW-native engine:

• Adds complexity
• Reduces functionality
• Creates tuning limitations
• Has Engineering for Road Use Implications

DBW lets the ECU do what it was designed to do.

2. Better Throttle Control & Tunability

With DBW, throttle input becomes fully tunable.

That means:

• Smoother throttle transitions
• Adjustable pedal sensitivity
• Better traction control strategies
• Launch control integration

For street cars, that equals refinement.
For performance builds, that equals control.

3. Cleaner Engine Bays

Let’s be honest — this matters.

Removing the throttle cable:

• Cleans up firewall clutter
• Simplifies routing
• Reduces mechanical components

For high-end builds (especially pro-touring or show cars), DBW is almost a must-have.

4. Reliability & Simplicity (Done Properly)

Mechanical cables:

• Stretch
• Bind
• Wear out

DBW systems:

• Have fewer moving parts
• Are OEM-proven
• Deliver consistent response

The key is doing it properly — which is exactly where a purpose-built adapter solution comes in.

The Challenge with Early Commodores

Early Commodores were never designed for DBW pedals.

So when people attempt conversions, they usually end up with:

• Rough brackets
• Poor pedal positioning
• Unsafe mounting
• Inconsistent pedal feel

This is where most conversions fall apart.

The Lowe Fab Solution

We’ve developed vehicle-specific bolt-in adapter systems to make DBW conversions:

• Clean
• Safe
• Repeatable
• Workshop-friendly

VB–VL Drive By Wire Kit

Drive By Wire Pedal Adapter Commodore VB VC VH VK VL – Designed specifically for early Commodores, this kit allows you to install a Holden Commodore VE DBW pedal assembly into your VB–VL chassis.

Includes:

• Precision adapter plate
• Correct pedal geometry
• Clean firewall mounting solution
• Optional Genuine VE Commodore Pedal and Wiring Connector

VN–VS Drive By Wire Kit

Following the success of the early platform kit, we’re now releasing our Drive By Wire Pedal Adapter Commodore VN VP VR VS

This platform has its own quirks — different firewall geometry, pedal positioning, and interior layout — so we’ve engineered a solution specifically for it.

Same philosophy:

• Bolt-in simplicity
• OEM-style pedal placement
• Clean, professional finish
• Optional Genuine VE Commodore Pedal and Wiring Connector

Why We Use the VE Commodore Pedal

The Holden Commodore VE DBW pedal is a proven, reliable, and widely supported option.

Benefits include:

• OEM reliability
• Readily available parts
• Strong ECU compatibility (especially with GM-based systems)
• Compact, robust design

It’s simply one of the best choices for conversion work.

Who is This Conversion For?

This upgrade makes sense if you’re:

• LS swapping an early Commodore
• Running aftermarket EFI (Haltech, Holley, Link, etc.)
• Building a pro-touring or restomod car
• Chasing a cleaner, more refined setup

If you’re still running a carb or basic cable EFI setup — this might not be for you.
But for anything modern? It’s a no-brainer.

VE Commodore DBW Pedal PInout