Promising better fuel economy for AFM engines, the Range

[Nathan79]

I have the V4MAX module now for ~250miles. I do almost all in town driving with a lot of short trips, hills, low speeds, etc. I bought this to improve my mpg for times I don't need all the power. I plan to take it off or put in M5 when I'm towing or need the power.

 

I just filled up the first tank of gas on the V4 MAX. I average before 13.6mpg pretty consisent. It is really low because of all of the short trips and hilly area. I averaged 14.7mpg on the tank with the V4 MAX, a 8% gain. This tank was pretty much the same driving I always do so it looks to be a real gain.

 

On the negative side, it is very aggressive to go into V4, sometime too aggressive. Sometimes it will go into V4 when it shouldn't and will not have enough power to stay in V4, lug a little then kick to V8. This is slightly annoying. I am not in an easy area to drive (no flat areas) so it is not ideal.

 

I'm going to stick with it for another month just to see if I want to keep it. I tried driving without it for ~10 miles and couldn't believe how little the truck normally goes into V4. The V4 MAX is soooo much more aggressive to go into V4.

[snow man]

I too have the v 4 max. Drive on it for a while, it gets a lot smoother with a few miles. It is incredible just how much smoother my truck is with the range plugged in. Before I had the range, my truck would shift from 4 to 8 cylinder every couple of miles. Now it has enough gumption to climb those small hills and speed changes without having to shift.

[FargoZ71]

I'm not positive as to how I stumbled across this thread, and it may have been the "I'm not tired and might as well browse at 2am" syndrome, may be interest in a newer truck.. as mine obviously doesnt have AFM, but regaurdless, were still waiting on an update for Project Sierra. I would like to touch on a few points for posters, one in particular- Justin.

 

When you come across a thread, read the jist of whats going on, thats fine, but when a product is being reviewed by the site administrators, for the purpose of evaluation of the forum members, to increase MPG's and not void our warranties, it sounds like their doing us a bit of good, if it's good news, than the forum base gains an option for those not seeking out a Wheatly or Black Bear tune, underdrive pullies, different gears ect for max power ect with a little mpg gain. If it turns out to be a bad review, well the reviewers are out 200$ and we know to avoid it.

 

But for F*ck sake Justin, if you don't like the idea of a product, that is completely fine, their is a BACK button or RETURN to FORUMS button for a reason mate. I understand what you like, but not 100% of GM truck buyers are you.

[dwhitton]

I see that you guys are making a few different versions of this product. I inquired awhile back of one that has a switch for all 3 options. Is that on the drwaing board?

 

If not, which product would be the best for me? 65% highway driving , flat, AFM kick in 40% of the time now, 2WD. I would like to ge the best out of my milage that I can. Would I go for the V4 MAX option?

[Range Technology]

 

I see that you guys are making a few different versions of this product. I inquired awhile back of one that has a switch for all 3 options. Is that on the drwaing board?

If not, which product would be the best for me? 65% highway driving , flat, AFM kick in 40% of the time now, 2WD. I would like to ge the best out of my milage that I can. Would I go for the V4 MAX option?

 

We have talked about it (and it was actually an initial consideration in the module design back when we started). We decided against it because of the added complexity in the case, user feedback, etc. We may revisit that discussion as we see how people use the modules and such. We were thinking it might only be a 2 position switch (for V4 MAX and V4 PLUS) and the V8 MAX would be a separate product (due to the way it all works under the covers and case/board design .. it's TIGHT in there! ) ... BUT that's all still being debated and analyzed by the product/marketing (and us engineering types! ) We'll have to see what develops but it won't be forthcoming right away from what I'm seeing.

 

The "aggressiveness" is something that each person perceives differently (as shown in the comments above!) The reason we did the "V4 PLUS" version is to dial it back slightly at the higher speeds where the switch back and forth can be much more noticeable on the highway (especially at altitude, with higher gearing, 4 speed transmissions, or higher average load/weight). The algorithm is basically backed down a bit to allow a little more leeway before switching into V4 above about 40 MPH, which reduces some of the tendency to "hunt" on non-level ground because of the way the load is 'right on the edge' of being out of the torque curve in V4.

 

So, in your case, a 2WD 5.3 with the 6 speed and 3.42s (a nice match compared to something like the 3.23s in some of the 4 speed trucks), the V4 MAX would be a good choice if a lot of your speed is below ~70 KPH/45 MPH or so, especially at steady speed/flat conditions. However, if a lot of your driving is above 70 KPH, I think you might like the PLUS ...

 

The 6 speed is much better in picking the right gear and keeping it in the fat spot of the torque curve, but if the truck is heavier/loaded or you are at a higher altitude (which reduces torque), the high speed aero resistance compromises the ability to stay in V4 mode without switching into V8 once in awhile to maintain speed. IF you had a Denali with the 6.2 or a 6.0 VortecMaxx, the bigger displacement helps this a lot and they can use the V4 MAX easily.

 

What we've found is that the V4 PLUS in a truck that "hunts" at highway speed with a V4 MAX will actually net the same basic fuel economy numbers because if the switch to V8 happens enough and is used to "boost" the speed to keep it in V4, the net fuel usage kind of zeros out between use and gain

 

Good news is that we offer to let you try it and if you find it isn't right, you can swap it out for a V4 PLUS.

[dwhitton]

Thanks for the explanation. Ill be ordering the V4 Plus now then

[BlackZ71Silverado]

I'm not positive as to how I stumbled across this thread, and it may have been the "I'm not tired and might as well browse at 2am" syndrome, may be interest in a newer truck.. as mine obviously doesnt have AFM, but regaurdless, were still waiting on an update for Project Sierra. I would like to touch on a few points for posters, one in particular- Justin.

 

When you come across a thread, read the jist of whats going on, thats fine, but when a product is being reviewed by the site administrators, for the purpose of evaluation of the forum members, to increase MPG's and not void our warranties, it sounds like their doing us a bit of good, if it's good news, than the forum base gains an option for those not seeking out a Wheatly or Black Bear tune, underdrive pullies, different gears ect for max power ect with a little mpg gain. If it turns out to be a bad review, well the reviewers are out 200$ and we know to avoid it.

 

But for F*ck sake Justin, if you don't like the idea of a product, that is completely fine, their is a BACK button or RETURN to FORUMS button for a reason mate. I understand what you like, but not 100% of GM truck buyers are you.

Appreciate the speech, thanks dad. Be sure to pat yourself on the back.

 

Note to self, ask no questions or be curious of a product if someone that contributes to the forum delivers it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone4S

using Tapatalk

[Gadwall]

So, I spent about an hour reading this entire topic(while mildly distracted periodically watching Duck Dynasty too!) and at the end there is only sketchy actual reporting given. I suppose its best to wait it out a while and see if the Range flourishes.

 

I was hoping to hear that guys were bumping MPG's by like 3MPG or better. I suppose that would be too good to be true.

 

I tend to be a Grampa as far as my driving agressiveness goes; and I really thought I would actually achieve the almighty 21MPG when I picked up my 2011 Sierra (5.3, 3.42, 20's, 6sp, AFM). I reality; I am seing roughly 16.5 on mix tank (hwy/street) and maybe slightly better on 100% hwy; maybe like 17.5-18MPG.

 

I was shocked to see how much wind resistance made a dif on MPG's; its crazy. I can get a steady 20+ on the hwy with a tailwind. But going into, or even being blown from the side; I get slammed and avg about 15MPG!

 

For the record: guys with the full time V8 Range; how much MPG loss did you notice? I was all ready to try the V4 Max, but now I am leaning toward the V8 unit, if it won't result in any significant loss in MPG's.

 

So, I guess what I am hunting is more feedback on the V4 Max , V4 Plus and the V8 unit since they have been out for about a month now.

[Range Technology]

Gadwall:

Here is a good thread on the Camaro forum re: the V8 unit. Those guys have gone crazy for this.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283175

 

Also, the V4 Max has been out for about 6 months and we have quite a few people using it. We added the V4 Plus and V8 about a month ago.

 

I love the V4 Max for commuting. It really works and feels great on my Tahoe. If I am driving my truck for fun, V8.

 

Adam

[Gadwall]

Adam, thanks for the feedback and link on the Camaro. But that really doesn't help me make a decision on what I should get. Can you provide any customer feedback on actual results using the V4 Max, Plus and the V8 Module? I know the V8 pretty much speaks for itself, keeping the truck in V8 full time. I was wondering what kinda MPG loss can be expected if you run in V8 fulltime? If it is insignificant, then I believe V8 fulltime would be great, but what caught my attention initially was to gain MPG's with the V4 Max unit.

 

What ever happened to the Project Sierra results? All I found was some very sketchy results which indicated only 1/2 MPG increase using the V4 Max. But of course, the results were not to be relied on because of weather related variables and such. I am just looking for some regular people to give their actual results.

 

How solid is the product guarantee? Will I get all my $ back if I try the unity and decide its not for me?

[Range Technology]

Nathan79 has had some good results here on V4 Max. Also, check out Silverbike here.

 

On Project Sierra - we gave them some advice on how to really test the performance as what they were doing (2 x 30 mile loops) is not really the right way to test. You need to do long term testing in a variety of conditions to filter out any conditional variances.

 

Hopefully they'll be back soon. In the meantime - we'll be here to answer any questions.

 

The guarantee is solid. We want everyone to be happy. We're not really in this for the money at this point.

 

Adam

[Nathan79]

I would like to report my second tank on the V4 MAX. As I reported earlier I averaged ~13.6 MPG before using the V4 MAX (lots of short trips and hilly area). The first tank I got 14.7 MPG (261 miles). This tank I report 14.5 MPG (274 miles). There is a definite improvement with the Range device.

[travis73]

So, I spent about an hour reading this entire topic(while mildly distracted periodically watching Duck Dynasty too!) and at the end there is only sketchy actual reporting given. I suppose its best to wait it out a while and see if the Range flourishes.

 

I was hoping to hear that guys were bumping MPG's by like 3MPG or better. I suppose that would be too good to be true.

 

I tend to be a Grampa as far as my driving agressiveness goes; and I really thought I would actually achieve the almighty 21MPG when I picked up my 2011 Sierra (5.3, 3.42, 20's, 6sp, AFM). I reality; I am seing roughly 16.5 on mix tank (hwy/street) and maybe slightly better on 100% hwy; maybe like 17.5-18MPG.

 

I was shocked to see how much wind resistance made a dif on MPG's; its crazy. I can get a steady 20+ on the hwy with a tailwind. But going into, or even being blown from the side; I get slammed and avg about 15MPG!

 

For the record: guys with the full time V8 Range; how much MPG loss did you notice? I was all ready to try the V4 Max, but now I am leaning toward the V8 unit, if it won't result in any significant loss in MPG's.

 

So, I guess what I am hunting is more feedback on the V4 Max , V4 Plus and the V8 unit since they have been out for about a month now.

Hi,I did not loose any mpg with the v-8 module, and my truck is much smoother now

[Daryl Z71]

So, I spent about an hour reading this entire topic(while mildly distracted periodically watching Duck Dynasty too!) and at the end there is only sketchy actual reporting given. I suppose its best to wait it out a while and see if the Range flourishes.

 

I was hoping to hear that guys were bumping MPG's by like 3MPG or better. I suppose that would be too good to be true.

 

I tend to be a Grampa as far as my driving agressiveness goes; and I really thought I would actually achieve the almighty 21MPG when I picked up my 2011 Sierra (5.3, 3.42, 20's, 6sp, AFM). I reality; I am seing roughly 16.5 on mix tank (hwy/street) and maybe slightly better on 100% hwy; maybe like 17.5-18MPG.

 

I was shocked to see how much wind resistance made a dif on MPG's; its crazy. I can get a steady 20+ on the hwy with a tailwind. But going into, or even being blown from the side; I get slammed and avg about 15MPG!

 

For the record: guys with the full time V8 Range; how much MPG loss did you notice? I was all ready to try the V4 Max, but now I am leaning toward the V8 unit, if it won't result in any significant loss in MPG's.

 

So, I guess what I am hunting is more feedback on the V4 Max , V4 Plus and the V8 unit since they have been out for about a month now.

 

You would get better mileage if you had the 3.08 gears, but then it wouldn't be able to get out of it's own way.

[vkjohnson]

You would get better mileage if you had the 3.08 gears, but then it wouldn't be able to get out of it's own way.

 

Mixed driving in my 3.08 gives me 16.5 just like Gadwall. Although I am not a "grandpa" driver so maybe if I was a grandpa I could hit over 17. It's hard to hold a lead foot off the accelerator sometimes. Just like he said...tail wind is a big difference. Winter blend gasoline is a big hit too. I went from 16.5 to below 15 this winter. It's just now starting to come back with the summer blends. If any of the V4 units can show 2-3 across multiple test, I'll probably be game for one.