I did the mod yesterday and now I can't get used to being able to unlock without being an arms length away. My subjective test was 28 paces to the rear while the car is in the garage. The side range was not as good in the shopping center parking lot. I did not add extra wire just pulled it clear of the bundle and routed behind the plastic, instead of being shielded on 4 sides by aluminum.
to all that have gone down this path before me. To avoid cuts on my hand, I laid split drip irrigation hose over the bottom edge. I worked so well I just left it there.