The Range....First Impression

flyboyron · August 9, 2016

I got the Range yesterday.

I installed it this morning before leaving for work and this is what I have found.

One thing that really bugged me with this truck, is that when I set the cruise at 65, there are some hills where I live, so driving down the freeway, when I start down those hills, the truck being in V4 mode will gain speed.....70....and then heading for 75.

The reason I believe it does it is because in V4 mode, the engine is not creating enough compression to keep the truck from accelerating. Most of the time I would leave the cruise on, set at 65 and then downshift into the next lower gear. (in my case the dash says 3) That way my truck doesn't keep accelerating.

I noticed today, with the cruise set, it does not gain much speed at all going down hill.

One thing I did like about the V4 mode was you could take your foot off the gas pedal and it would coast, and take a while for it to slow down. I don't know if that really saves much gas, because I am not one of those Hypermilling guys and don't drive that way, but have noticed it in the past.

It may be my imagination, but the truck does seem to run a little smoother. I never really felt or noticed any noise when the engine changes from V4 to V8 in the past, but now that it is not there, the engine does seem to be smoother, maybe it did and I had gotten used to it, and maybe now I have noticed a change. I will keep checking on that.

I don't think it will change my mileage too much, because I have noticed in the past, any slight incline in the road, or if you just barely touch the gas pedal going down a level road, it would change from V4 to V8 mode. I guess it is real sensitive. If the truck ran on V8 mode on those roads, I am sure it will continue to do so now. When I take my foot off the gas pedal, it still goes to 99 mpg in the Instant Fuel Mileage window.

One main reason I got it for was to help keep the AFM Oil Pressure Relief Valve from spraying all that oil on the pistons and rings. I don't know how serious a situation that causes, but for GM to come up with a plastic shield to go over that, it must be spraying too much oil and this will prevent that instead of tearing down the engine to put that little shield on there.

I also like the idea of not having a tune, because here in Calif. I have to have the truck smogged every two years, and I would hate taking it down to have the tune reversed, and then after the smog test, having it tuned again. I don't have time for that. I don't know if they charge each time for that, but I am sure it could get expensive if they do.

Are there any other differences any one else has noticed that have this?

MaverickZ71 · August 9, 2016

I have made most of the same observations since installing my Range V8 module. These trucks have do not have much in the way of engine compression braking at all--with a seemingly light flywheel and piston rings with a lot of clearance. I leave this Range module installed 24/7/365 and have never had my battery run down. Also, I have not really notice much of a change in fuel mileage, if any. I do know that you cannot get the monthly diagnostic e-mails from OnStar with a Range module installed. Likewise, if your truck ever "throws a code" (CEL lit), you cannot push the OnStar button and ask them what the error code is with a Range installed--they cannot remotely access your system while the Range is installed. Just make sure your truck is completely turned off if you ever remove/reinstall the module.

flyboyron · August 18, 2016

I have run one full tank of gas using the Range, and my gas mileage calculates to 16.8 mpg.

In the past, I have been averaging 16.5 to 18 mpg so it is close. I don't do a lot of long hwy driving so I don't think it will affect me that much. Of course I have the 3.73 rear end so my mileage is always going to be lower.

And you know....so many things affect your mileage.....how long you sit in a drive thru line, how much traffic you hit on the freeway, so a mile or two a gallon each tank is most likely normal.

Truck seems to run fine, no dash warning lights, no problems with the transmission shifting....just seems to run good.

I will be checking my oil consumption when I get a couple thousand miles on it which will be around the beginning of October.

wehowardjr · August 19, 2016

I have had mine installed since Saturday and absolutely love it. The shifts are so much smoother, up and down. The only time I can feel the shifts now is when I step on the gas to pass or merge onto the highway. Before the Range, every once in awhile when coming to a stop from 35mph+ it would lurch forward. I am guessing it was due to the motor going from V4 to V8, but not any more. I know not to totally trust the DIC when it shows average MPG but I noticed last night it shows 14.4. For the longest time it would show 11.4 to 12.6. It might just be the computer being confused. I will get an exact number when I refill the tank on Monday and calculate it the old fashion way.

j-ten-ner · August 19, 2016

I've my Range for over three years now.

Used it in my '07 Sierra oil-furnace and now in my '13 Silverado.

It's plugged in 24/7. No probs with battery drain, at all.

The only time I unplug the Range is when I take my truck in for service.

And that always reminds me, why I installed the Range in the first place.

so long

j-ten-ner

wehowardjr · August 25, 2016

As of this morning, 555 miles and no change in the oil level since installing the Range. The day I plugged it in, with a few miles under 1000 since the last oil change, I had to add a 1/2 quart to bring it to full. Without the Range the level would be between the first and second hole by now. Still have not filled the tank to see if there's any increase or decrease in MPG.

So far I'm happy with my purchase

WilliamBos · August 25, 2016

Sounds like installing a Range at any point in time is a good thing? I normally buy lease returns, so if I go that route again, I have confidence in the Range. And If I go new, a Range will be added. Once warranty expires, I will tune it out.

Did you guys add a catch can too?

wehowardjr · August 25, 2016

I have not added one yet.

flyboyron · August 25, 2016

Sounds like installing a Range at any point in time is a good thing? I normally buy lease returns, so if I go that route again, I have confidence in the Range. And If I go new, a Range will be added. Once warranty expires, I will tune it out.

Did you guys add a catch can too?

No, I changed the valve cover like the TSB indicated, then had the oil changed. I got the valve cover for about $60.00 and then paid someone $85.00 to install it. I only have a couple hundred miles on it, so when I get more miles on it, I will check the oil consumption. I think between the valve cover and the Range, I should have solved the oil problem.

WilliamBos · August 25, 2016

No, I changed the valve cover like the TSB indicated, then had the oil changed. I got the valve cover for about $60.00 and then paid someone $85.00 to install it. I only have a couple hundred miles on it, so when I get more miles on it, I will check the oil consumption. I think between the valve cover and the Range, I should have solved the oil problem.

Thank you. What year was the new valve cover released?

wehowardjr · August 25, 2016

Thank you. What year was the new valve cover released?

I think I read somewhere on here or another forum that they started adding the upgraded valve covers in January 2011 at the factory. I remember checking my trucks "born on" date to see if it qualified, my truck was made in January 2011, so it has the new valve cover.

MaverickZ71 · August 25, 2016

GM TSB #10-06-01-008G indicates the updated valve cover was installed at the factory beginning 1 FEB 2011. Likewise, it indicates the oilpan deflector shield was installed at the factory beginning 1 OCT 2010.

wehowardjr · August 29, 2016

Update on my Range use. 1,692 miles since oil change with Mobil 1 5w-30 and 774 miles from the day I attached the Range. Oil level is still at the full mark.

flyboyron · October 14, 2016

Checked my oil the oil with close to 2,000 miles since oil change and it is still full. No usage at all. It would have been down 1/2 a quart by now. I have been keeping track of my mileage with the trip computer on the truck and checking the odometer and gallons used manually. I am getting 16.8 to 17.1 mpg. Don't forget, I have the 3.73 rear end so my mileage is going to be a little lower than most.