Rafo_Z51

Hey All, I am pretty new to the corvette scene. I bought my C7 Z51 A8 a few months ago now. When driving, I really hate the delay with the V4 mode and makes my car a little too quiet. I’ve seen a few places that recommended the Range Technology AFM disabler but I am a little hesitant. Would it damage my car in any way? Is it better to get a tune to remove the AFM? Any recommendations?

PS is there any difference in MPG after some of you guys deleted the AFM?

Thanks Guys!

Taevon lee

I just installed this device in my 2019 z51. About a month ago. There is no issues, no codes, it works as advertised. Easy install,or removal when it needs to be. Car responds better, no loss in fuel mileage. Money well spent! I did not tune,

AZRenegade

I've tried the Range unit and don't like it for reasons that aren't related to its performance. I just don't like work arounds. I've opted to paddle shift and really enjoy it. Anyway, yes, the Range unit works just fine. If your Vette is out of warranty, I would recommend tuning out AFM. If not, the Range unit is the way to go. But before you blow $200+ you might try the manual mode for a few weeks. You just might like it. And if you don't, you can always order the unit. By the way, keep an eye on the for sale section. I may be listing mine very soon.

JosephMingle

After the dealership did the "flush fix" to address shudders and surging at 29k miles and said if it returned they might need to replace the transmission, I installed it and have never considered removing it. Now at 39k and all is well...

aklim

I did the flush and tried the AFM but I might just dump it for a tune.

seniorstorekeeper

Range Device is the best money you can spend on any GM vehicle that has AFM. Keeps the car in V8 mode all the time, in my opinion, makes it much easier on the torque converter, engine and the valve train over the life of the vehicle. Best $200 you'll ever spend.

Mike@DiabloSport

No damage from the Range device. It simply convinces the PCM to never drop 4 cylinders to engage AFM.
Tuning is a viable option that can add power as well.
Mileage for most is generally unaffected unless you were doing extended highway driving prior to disabling the AFM.

Let me know if you have any further questions regarding AFM disable. I can help you with the Range device or a tuning solution

JosephMingle

Even without the vibration/surging issues... I didn't buy a four cylinder Corvette. I understand the manufacturers go to great lengths to satisfy the government's insane regulatory framework, but fortunately for us the engine compartments (and connections) aren't sealed yet... <G>

Aerovette

I have a different opinion about this. The lifters used on the AFM system are crap. Pure and simple. As crap, they will fail prematurely whether they are exercised or not. Range disablers kick the can down the road but don't solve the problem. Put aside some money and change the cam and lifters out, completely removing the AFM junk. Get a filler intake plate without the oil control for the AFM too.

aklim

Any idea what how much is involved in the project you mentioned from beginning to end which includes a dyno tune?

Freerider969

Thanks for sharing the advice, I am weighing the options since I still have an extended warranty on my 2014 with 6 speed.

KatRon

I've been told that this is the way to go but it's pretty pricey. Also, has anyone tried the knock offs? They are running less than half.

aklim

I believe it is a little over $1000 plus install for a similar cam and better lifters, etc? Why would you want to use knock offs? This is a little bit sensitive for that sort of thing.

ackerpa2019

Hi, I am also new to the corvette scene. Bought a 2019 a couple months ago. I found some good information on YouTube regarding the Range AFM. I’ve had one for a month. I like the response of the engine not going in and out of V4. Any change in MPG is insignificant, maybe 1 MPG.

Mike@DiabloSport

Those knock-offs, which attempt to make people believe it is our products (using our part numbers and descriptions) are pure junk. Since they appeared, our calls to the Range tech line have increased and the new volume is based on people who are calling about a product that doesn't work, and isn't actually ours. My advice, avoid the chinese knock offs of any electronic product, it will never be the same.

rothjohn

Purchased a Chinese knockoff for AFM on my 2014 Stingray. Notice on the side of the box says:

Do not leave your device installed on a vehicle that is not driven daily. Unplugvtyecdevucevif the vehicle will not be driven force few days. There may be a draw on the battery in some vehicles.

i do drive my car short distances almost every day when it’s not cold or rainy.

Questions:

Does the real Range unit show this disclosure?

Is it a real problem e.g. does it produce a parasitic draw?

whatbis your experience with Range or knockoffs?

Thank you.

JR

aklim

I believe it WAS a problem and the latest firmware update solved the issue. I believe the Range device worked when it was on and didn't SEEM to have parasitic draw enough to cause issues but I didn't leave it for extended periods. I decided to go the programming route so I got rid of the GENUINE unit. I really won't buy a knockoff myself

KatRon

Understood about the knock offs. I have driven with the it a couple of times and it's working. I took it off and drove the same route to see how often it switches from 8 to 4 without the device and I understand why this could be a problem. The switching back and forth was crazy. No wonder the parts wear out. I may return the knock off and get the range rather than take the risk.

aklim

IF I had to choose, I don't trust knock off units. I sold my original and now moving towards tuning so I can eliminate the need for the Soler TB for better response and get it in tuning. Cheaper than all 3 pieces.

JHundertmark

I had the triple flush to the new ATF 4 years ago & installed Range V8.6R1 & no issues since.

LOL - At about 1500 miles per year, fuel economy is not a major concern.