'19 ZO6 A8 Changes ?
12-30-2018, 01:12 PM
#21
Burning Brakes
A8 already shifts lightning quick when it matters, faster than most DCTs. It sucks as an on-demand paddle shifted trans but why would you paddle-shift an 8 speed with 650 lb-ft of torque?
This is an old, well beaten argument, but the A8 upshifts near instant at WOT under load when it matters.
It certainly shifts a lot faster than any mullet manual, that's for sure. Manuals might tickle your fancy, but they serve no meaningful purpose these days. You might like them and want one and that's super, but they're not used in racing and aren't superior in any metric. And while the A8 in the Stingray is a bit weak, in the Z forums I see more complaints about the manual being notchy than I do about the A8. And everyone needs an MGW shifter right away...
BTW, I say that as someone who owns a DCT, SCT, TKO-600, M-20 and M-21 (no M-22 though). Each has its place and era. I just don't think a manual belongs in a modern car, but if you only have one fun car and want a manual, screw what I say and get what you want, that's all that matters.
People that think it bears any relation to "slushbox" or a Powerglide are merely telegraphing the fact they've never driven one, or the last one was an A6 maybe. They sucked.
I'd like to drive the Merc 9 speed for some comparison, but never have...
[Edit: The A8 had it's issues in the base case, but this is the Z subforum.]
This is an old, well beaten argument, but the A8 upshifts near instant at WOT under load when it matters.
It certainly shifts a lot faster than any mullet manual, that's for sure. Manuals might tickle your fancy, but they serve no meaningful purpose these days. You might like them and want one and that's super, but they're not used in racing and aren't superior in any metric. And while the A8 in the Stingray is a bit weak, in the Z forums I see more complaints about the manual being notchy than I do about the A8. And everyone needs an MGW shifter right away...
BTW, I say that as someone who owns a DCT, SCT, TKO-600, M-20 and M-21 (no M-22 though). Each has its place and era. I just don't think a manual belongs in a modern car, but if you only have one fun car and want a manual, screw what I say and get what you want, that's all that matters.
People that think it bears any relation to "slushbox" or a Powerglide are merely telegraphing the fact they've never driven one, or the last one was an A6 maybe. They sucked.
I'd like to drive the Merc 9 speed for some comparison, but never have...
[Edit: The A8 had it's issues in the base case, but this is the Z subforum.]
serves no purpose until you have to bring your car in to cool down and the manuals are still on the track.
Even at the Ron Fellows driving school they say the level two class is really only for manual cars since the autos can't stay in it.
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Z0HS1CK (12-30-2018)
12-30-2018, 01:31 PM
#22
Le Mans Master
MMD says......."Hate to burst your bubble but the Range device they sell online at Amazon are the old version of the Range and were problematic. You will need to return it or send the unit to Range Technology to get the upgraded firmware installed. The old version was known to have a higher parasitic draw on the battery when the car is not running."
You may or may not have burst my bubble. I bought mine on eBay and it was titled...."Range Technology RA003 Active Fuel Management Disable Device for GM Vehicles" and it is eBay item # 123381302381. It sure looks like the newest and greatest that Range Technology manufactures, maybe you can confirm that for me. Amazon's product appears to be the "Blue" one which is the same unit that the manufacturer's web site shows. Is your information from a reliable source?
You may or may not have burst my bubble. I bought mine on eBay and it was titled...."Range Technology RA003 Active Fuel Management Disable Device for GM Vehicles" and it is eBay item # 123381302381. It sure looks like the newest and greatest that Range Technology manufactures, maybe you can confirm that for me. Amazon's product appears to be the "Blue" one which is the same unit that the manufacturer's web site shows. Is your information from a reliable source?
Bubble burst!
From the "Where to buy Page"
WARNING:
We Do Not Have Any Authorized Dealers On E-bay or Amazon.
Be very cautious buying from e-Bay sellers as we have had reports of used/broken/out dated modules being sold. Unfortunately, as much as we’d like to help, the warranty is void and your only recourse is with the original seller.Range Technology DOES NOT SELL DIRECTLY ON Amazon or eBay.
We are the manufacturer of the product and sell it directly or through the listed authorized dealers ONLY.Any merchandise from vendors other than those listed here is questionable and more often than not is older/outdated overstock merchandise.
Ensure you have the latest firmware and continuing support by ordering directly from us!
Please see our FAQ page for more information…
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Vegas1500 (12-30-2018)
12-30-2018, 01:37 PM
#23
MMD says......."Hate to burst your bubble but the Range device they sell online at Amazon are the old version of the Range and were problematic. You will need to return it or send the unit to Range Technology to get the upgraded firmware installed. The old version was known to have a higher parasitic draw on the battery when the car is not running."
You may or may not have burst my bubble. I bought mine on eBay and it was titled...."Range Technology RA003 Active Fuel Management Disable Device for GM Vehicles" and it is eBay item # 123381302381. It sure looks like the newest and greatest that Range Technology manufactures, maybe you can confirm that for me. Amazon's product appears to be the "Blue" one which is the same unit that the manufacturer's web site shows. Is your information from a reliable source?
You may or may not have burst my bubble. I bought mine on eBay and it was titled...."Range Technology RA003 Active Fuel Management Disable Device for GM Vehicles" and it is eBay item # 123381302381. It sure looks like the newest and greatest that Range Technology manufactures, maybe you can confirm that for me. Amazon's product appears to be the "Blue" one which is the same unit that the manufacturer's web site shows. Is your information from a reliable source?
12-30-2018, 01:40 PM
#24
And did that other guy say the A8 shifts faster than DCT's??? lol
12-30-2018, 01:50 PM
#25
Instructor
MMD is correct. Range Technology lists this warning (buying through eBay, Amazon, Woot) directly on their website, so it’s been an obvious issue. There are also many posts of cars throwing CELs and going into limp mode with some of the older firmware. I would assume you could send it back to Range to update if that is the only issue with it, but not sure I’d be comfortable with it. Range is considerably more than what you paid at $199, but they are offering $10 off.
12-30-2018, 02:17 PM
#26
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2005
Location: Metro Detroit Michigan
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12-30-2018, 05:36 PM
#27
MMD is correct. Range Technology lists this warning (buying through eBay, Amazon, Woot) directly on their website, so it’s been an obvious issue. There are also many posts of cars throwing CELs and going into limp mode with some of the older firmware. I would assume you could send it back to Range to update if that is the only issue with it, but not sure I’d be comfortable with it. Range is considerably more than what you paid at $199, but they are offering $10 off.
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Emmdmd (12-30-2018)
12-30-2018, 07:44 PM
#28
12-30-2018, 08:08 PM
#29
Drive a car with a DCT and shift any rpm, upshift and downshift, at various rpm's. It is INSTANT, 100% of the time.
The A8 is only fast, not faster, as the DCT, if that's even possible when you're going WOT and shifting near redline. The A8 can NOT downshift and it can not shift fast at any rpm other than approaching redline.
12-30-2018, 10:24 PM
#30
Safety Car
I think a lot of the A8's performance is programming. I have the 8L90 in my Z06 as many of you do. I also have it in my 2018 ATS-V. That transmission shifts much more quickly. The paddles operate more like an on/off switch. The throws are very short, on the order of pulling a paddle a 1/4 inch or less will trigger a shift. The paddle feel is much more firm. And once you feel that quick click the shift happens. Also the part throttle shifts seem quicker. Not jerky at all but they happen quickly. Now it may be that with only 464 hp and about the same torque to deal with rather than 650 hp the shifts can be a bit firmer without upsetting the car. I think it would be entirely possible for GM to offer a "shift kit" reprogram like the MRC upgrade that would make many folks happier and make them some money.
12-30-2018, 11:24 PM
#31
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Aug 2009
Location: Sturgeon County Alberta
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Unfortunately, price is only a factor if the items are same-same. If all of this feed back is accurate (and it sure sounds that it is), I'll be cancelling my eBay order and buying direct from Range Technology or one of it's approved agents. I'll try to leave a follow up to this issue since it seems it's sparked a lot of interest.
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Gilk43 (01-01-2019)
12-31-2018, 08:53 PM
#32
Yep, I agree with your comment. I cancelled my order with the eBay guy. I will buy one from Range but now I'm just curious if this feature can be eliminated with a "tune". Any comments on that one??
12-31-2018, 10:30 PM
#33
Safety Car
Am I the only one that finds the Range admonition to only "buy from me" very suspect?? How do the other sellers get them?? They buy them from Range right? They are not knockoffs are they?? So Range, the MFG, sells them to resellers and other retailers, yet Range the retailer says don't buy from our customers only buy from our retail arm? Something about that whole exchange sounds very suspect to me.
01-01-2019, 08:03 AM
#34
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2005
Location: Metro Detroit Michigan
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Really???
Last edited by Warp Factor; 01-01-2019 at 08:04 AM.
01-01-2019, 10:11 AM
#35
Le Mans Master
The Range Device is sold on eBay, for what that's worth. I just ordered one and the cost was $143 and change, including tax and shipping. I'm sure I won't run the car with the paddles that often, I never did with my GT-R, but that was a twin clutch transmission. Regarding the Mercedes Benz 9 speed, I bought a new, 2019 C coupe with the 9 speed automatic. It shifts great in traffic and is pretty quick on full acceleration. My previous toy was a Jaguar F type R (supercharged 5 L engine, 550HP, AWD) with an 8 speed automatic (not a twin clutch unit). That shifted great, about like the M/B and if the Corvette's A8 is as nice, I'll be thrilled.
Last edited by QUAKEJAKE; 01-01-2019 at 10:12 AM.
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Z0HS1CK (01-01-2019)
01-01-2019, 01:31 PM
#37
The ZF was put in a lot of cars, even high end cars yet it wasn't good enough for GM lol. They would have had a lot of happier customers. And maybe even convincing the manual guys to get the auto. But nope they had to be different and put an inferior unit in the beautiful Z. Oh well, GM has another shot with the C8. And looks like they're doing it right with the DUALLLLLLLL CLLLLUUUUTTTTCCHHHHHH babbbbbyyyyyyy!!! LOL
01-01-2019, 01:33 PM
#38
The DCT is every way better than the A8 in all facets of performance driving. Why wouldn't you want a DCT? Have you driven a proper performance car with one? I'm not being sarcastic it's a legit question.
01-02-2019, 08:55 AM
#39
Le Mans Master
01-02-2019, 09:30 AM
#40
If you took that comment literally without understanding what I really meant, then I know I'll be depressed thinking about getting old like you guys lol