Cruise Control Options?

Slideorama · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2016, 06:30 AM

Hi All,

Looking to fit cruise control to my RMC Cobra over winter, Cobra is currently low tech - 351 Cleveland with Carburettor and toploader. I do have GPS antenna in the car and would like to use that for the speed input if possible.

I'm interested in what others are running for cruise control and how you have found it?

The main cruise control kits I keep finding when researching are -

Rostra or Dakota Digital both with the option of a reasonably period looking cruise stalk.

any help greatly appreciated.

Slide

lnfletcher · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2016, 07:08 AM

I'm running a Rostra universal cruise control. Has electronic servo so no vacuum. Have it all installed under dash so no one can even tell I have it.

Rostra 250-1223 Universal Cruise Control System

Larry's Home Page

Slideorama · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2016, 10:52 PM

Hi Infletcher,

thanks for the response - do you have any pictures of the under dash install?

Can you hear the cruise unit modulating under the dash?

What cruise stalk are you using?

Appreciate the response!

lnfletcher · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2016, 01:00 PM

Look at this site for under the dash pictures and connection to the gas peddle. Bottom of the page.

Larry's Home Page

I don't hear anything. Works smoothly and love having it!

DaleG · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2016, 02:37 PM

Same here, no noise (if there is, it is drowned-out by the exhaust). For the controller, I went with Rostra Cruise Control Switch (Wireless RF) Rostra 250-1483; it is compatible with the Dakota un it. When driving, I clip it to the steering wheel. When at shows, etc. I just unclip it and store away somewhere.

Slideorama · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2016, 09:19 PM

Thanks Larry and Dale - the pictures are very helpful and Larry's website link was very informative. Nice choice in cobra colour Larry - us maroon/burgundy cobra guys must like the luxury of cruise!

Does anyone know of a VSS unit that i can use with a Toploader?

The only reference I can find is to this -

VDO Speedometer Senders 340013 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

which I have dug up from this thread -

Toploader speed sensor

however no-one has confirmed it works with the toploader?

I do not require the speedo cable as I am moving to GPS speedo - so just need a VSS for the toploader to generate a signal for the cruise.

Any help greatly appreciated,
Slide

Aussie Mike · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2016, 11:33 PM

Looks like a lot of work. Why not just get one of these:

Cheers

Krait · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2016, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slideorama

I do not require the speedo cable as I am moving to GPS speedo - so just need a VSS for the toploader to generate a signal for the cruise.

You may want to check with your engineer regarding the legality of a GPS speedo.

DaveW · #9 (**permalink**) 05-13-2016, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie Mike

Looks like a lot of work. Why not just get one of these:

Cheers

Mike, that's old tech you have there, you need to upgrade.

Heres the new water cooled model.

See, even a brick looks good with Aeroflow parts.

Cheers
Dave

Bartruff1 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-13-2016, 09:14 PM

Cruise Control....on a Cobra....oh the humanity....

Jaydee · #11 (**permalink**) 05-14-2016, 02:55 AM

Clip it onto your cup holders.
JD

TheExtreme · #12 (**permalink**) 05-14-2016, 06:06 AM

No choke on my 750 Holley but I do have the high idle hooked up with choke cable. I use it going down the road as a "cruise".

Rog246 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-16-2016, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie Mike

Looks like a lot of work. Why not just get one of these:

Cheers

or you could use your Missus
Mine works a treat ! Its a 1952 model, don't know if later models work as well as the earlier ones however, that being said the '52 model is flawless

lnfletcher · #14 (**permalink**) 05-16-2016, 07:06 AM

If you do go Rostra 250-1223 kit and you have a Tremec tranny using the VSS output, get the Rostra VSS Divider (Divide By 4) module part # 250-4379. Of course you'll need the clutch switch also. (250-3372)

This allows you to use the VSS output instead of the magnets on the drive shaft and the pickup.

Also set the unit switches to all off except for 3,4 and 10. This sets it to 8000 pulses per mile and square wave input.

I include this because I had to find this out the HARD way after many hours of trial and error. Seems there is not a lot out there on the VSS output on the Tremecs and the interface to the Rostra.

After these options and settings, the unit works flawlessly! IMO!

guye · #15 (**permalink**) 05-21-2016, 05:27 AM

Don't mean to hijack your thread Slide, but I'm interested in fitting cruise control too, and I'm from the dark side. 6.0L GM ls2 (L77 downunder). Fly by wire.

Only thing I've found is this unit. Anyone had any experience with these?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/311407698895

Krait · #16 (**permalink**) 05-21-2016, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guye

Don't mean to hijack your thread Slide, but I'm interested in fitting cruise control too, and I'm from the dark side. 6.0L GM ls2 (L77 downunder). Fly by wire.

Only thing I've found is this unit. Anyone had any experience with these?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/311407698895

Hi Guy,

Autostrada do an after market cruise control. No experience with them but thinking on installing something myself for my LS. Cruise Controls Australia | Auto Accessories Brisbane | Autostrada

DaleG · #17 (**permalink**) 05-21-2016, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guye

Don't mean to hijack your thread Slide, but I'm interested in fitting cruise control too, and I'm from the dark side. 6.0L GM ls2 (L77 downunder). Fly by wire.

Only thing I've found is this unit. Anyone had any experience with these?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/311407698895

Don't know if yours is a crate engine, or not; some performance crate engine ECUs (such as Coyote from Ford Racing) have cruise control "deleted" from the package. Might want to check that first. Otherwise that unit would work.

guye · #18 (**permalink**) 05-21-2016, 03:02 PM

Thanks Geoff, I'll check them out.

Not a crate, Dave. Donor. My understanding is the stock ECU from our Commodores don't even have cruise control, but that is handled by the BCM (which uses the canbus feed from the ECU). I think this is the same for all GM cars using the E38 ECU.

Hence this eBay unit I mentioned effectively takes over that function. It splices into the dbw pedal (plugs in), then plugs into an ODB2 port (I've installed two in parallel just case) to receive speed info and brake and clutch depressions. It then interferes with and simulates accelerator use to maintain speed.

Sounds good in theory. Would like a reference though.

427sharpe · #19 (**permalink**) 05-21-2016, 04:11 PM

I once owned a Fiat that had a simple cable--like a choke cable-- on the throttle lever that you twisted a quarter turn to 'lock' in place. Very interesting, in an Italian sort of way, if you forgot to release when trying to brake.

DaveW · #20 (**permalink**) 05-21-2016, 04:11 PM

Hi Guye,
I've had personal experience with the CC unit from Dakota Digital, and it is a first rate product.
There is an up-graded version crc-2000 which takes a VSS signal via the ecu if required, but we fitted the CRC-1000 to an LS7 in a C10 and other than configuring for a Normally Open brake switch instead of the Normally closed default, it was a plug and play job.
the only wiring thats not P&P is power, ground and splicing into the brake switch wire.
It works very well.
One word of warning though, i believe its not compatible with the accel pedals from the VE HSV commodore LS3s, I dont know what the difference is.

Dave