Manual Trans, anyone have it yet?

[trading13]

K I know it was on restraint and some were already shipped and now its supposedly not on restraint (I think). So does anyone actually have a manual yet? And if so what do you think of how well it handles, any regrets about not getting an automatic? Any problems?

I currently drive a 6spd Maxima and know its going to be a completely different feel but I still haven't found a manual H3 to test drive. So any opinions appreciated.

Also anyone know the timeline if I order in the next week, how long til it arrives???

I'm ordering black lux w/ebony leather, manual (I hope), off road pkg., crossbows, marker lights and brush guard, I'm not sure on the steps I like the blk tube more than the flat I think. I'm thinking most of it the dealer actually installs, right?

[trading13]

K I know it was on restraint and some were already shipped and now its supposedly not on restraint (I think). So does anyone actually have a manual yet? And if so what do you think of how well it handles, any regrets about not getting an automatic? Any problems?

I currently drive a 6spd Maxima and know its going to be a completely different feel but I still haven't found a manual H3 to test drive. So any opinions appreciated.

Also anyone know the timeline if I order in the next week, how long til it arrives???

I'm ordering black lux w/ebony leather, manual (I hope), off road pkg., crossbows, marker lights and brush guard, I'm not sure on the steps I like the blk tube more than the flat I think. I'm thinking most of it the dealer actually installs, right?

[Hummer H3 SUV]

When I ordered my H3 the dealer checked his order list and found one close to what I wanted and was already scheduled for production on 6/27/05 due date at the dealer is 8/01/05. Boulder grey, LX package, auto trans, chrome package and xm radio.

[Hummertech]

We've had several H3 manuals come in and be sold already, and just got 2 more manuals in yesterday.

[GrimReaper]

I too would be interested in finding out how long it takes to get a manual transmission order delivered. I spoke to a dealer this week (Tampa) about ordering a manual transmission H3. He did admit that manual transmissions were off of constraint, but he tried to discourage me from ordering one by telling me that it would be at least two months before they started showing up at the lots. This is the same BS that I got from another dealer a couple of weeks prior. He indicated that they were swamped with business due to the new H3 and the 05 H2 invoice pricing (and that is why he had not returned my call from the prior week.) Seems like these guys are really busy selling the stuff that is on the lots, and so they simply aren't interested in doing a special order. Oh well, I'll be calling dealer number 3 today!

[HummerNewbie]

And the search goes on http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Good luck. You know they always say, third times a charm http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[H3Witch]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GrimReaper:
I too would be interested in finding out how long it takes to get a manual transmission order delivered. I spoke to a dealer this week (Tampa) about ordering a manual transmission H3. He did admit that manual transmissions were off of constraint, but he tried to discourage me from ordering one by telling me that it would be at least two months before they started showing up at the lots. This is the same BS that I got from another dealer a couple of weeks prior. He indicated that they were swamped with business due to the new H3 and the 05 H2 invoice pricing (and that is why he had not returned my call from the prior week.) Seems like these guys are really busy selling the stuff that is on the lots, and so they simply aren't interested in doing a special order. Oh well, I'll be calling dealer number 3 today! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I ordered a Boulder Grey w/ Lux pkg. from the Tampa dealer with no problems...they ARE now taking 8 weeks (2 months) for orders to arrive, whether it is for an auto or manual. They are really busy with the new H3 introduction and to be honest have little to sell right off the lot except for base models - most will have to be ordered.

[jp's-h3]

I ordered my manual on 6/4/05. I called the factory yesterday(7/26/05) an it was ready to ship as of 7/25/05. I should have it within a week or two(i hope).
anyway, I have test driven the auto and the manual and i really do like the manual over the auto. More fun to drive, better fuel economy, more power and much better off-road.
what else could you possibly want! JP'S-H3

[Hummer H3 SUV]

I also like the manual trans, but didn't want to deal with clutch replacement and cost down the road.

[GrimReaper]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
I also like the manual trans, but didn't want to deal with clutch replacement and cost down the road. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The following comments are not meant to be hostile, rather they are meant for discussion:

The appeal of a manual transmission is (for me) that it allows the driver to have total control of the engine power band as opposed to the automatic transmission that removes this control from the driver. Some scenarios where this is most desirable is 1) when driving an underpowred vehicle becuase the driver can better manage the power that is available and thus get more out of such a vehicle, and 2) when driving off road, for the same reason. Both of these scenarios apply for the H3. Most automatic shift points are tuned for fuel economy and lowered emissions, and not necessarily to maximize engine power output.

The argument most often given in favor of the automatics is that people say that they get tired of shifting and clutching in traffic (this is my wife's view). I sort of shift in my sleep, and so I can honestly say that I have never enountered a situation where this was a problem. My biggest problem comes when I try to drive an automatic in traffic. I slam the brake pedal to the floor when I automatically push in the clutch pedal that isn't there, thus throwing everyone into the windshield, http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif, and I often get reprimanded for gropping my passengers when I reach out and grab the non-existant shift lever. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif I am dangerous when operating an automatic transmission.

The other argument in favor of an automatic in an off-road vehicle is that this gives you the ability to work the brake and the throttle at the same time. This isn't an issue in a manual trans vehicle because the the heal and toe technique can be used if the pedals are positioned properly. Many of us sports car owners have used the heal and toe technique for years, again without even thinking about it, when downshifting and braking into a corner. All racing drivers use this technique (except F1 where the clutch is computer controlled, and other cars with SMGs).

I don't understand the issue with burning up a clutch. I've owned nothing but manuals (mostly cars but one other 4WD) for 27 years, and I have never burned up or replaced a clutch. I can't imagine an offroad scenario where one would have to slip the clutch so as to burn the thing up, but admittedly I am not an off-road expert.

I would be interested to hear comments from the automatic transmission camp.

[HummerNewbie]

You are dead on with the reason I prefer automatic, traffic. I have had a few manuals in my life but only one was a DD. I just got tired of it in Orlando's sh*tty traffic but that is just me. I agree 100% that it is great to be able to have more control over the power. I too, have never had to replace a clutch. I guess, it is just a convenience thing for me.

[GrimReaper]

Newbie,
I probably WOULD consider owning an automatic if I lived in Orlando. The driving there is much different than it is here in Daytona, though Daytona is getting worse all of the time.

[HummerNewbie]

Grim,

Is it really that much worse in Orlando than Daytona? I really think the problem with Orlando is the planning. We have one damn highway going through town so there are really no options to getting around. I grew up in KC and there are highways going everywhere so the traffic is more spread out and you can get where you want fairly easily and quickly. Got to love living in Florida http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[richk]

I agree with your reasoning for getting a Manual. When I bought a Jeep Wrangler 2 years ago I got the manual for the same reasons. However after driving it for over a year I really just got plain tired of shifting. Not to mention that it was a pain when I was trying to talk on my cell phone http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by richk:
Not to mention that it was a pain when I was trying to talk on my cell phone http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Forgot about the, what a pain in the @ss

[GrimReaper]

HNewbie,
As a matter of intrest...
The Orlando traffic nightmare is a direct result of years worth of highway funds being diverted to South Florida. For many years Orlando suffered from not having strong representation in the State Legislature, whereas South Florida dominated it. All of the highway funding was thus sent to South Florida, and Orlando was left to stew in its traffic jams. Now, Orlando has sprawled so much that there is no place avialable to build new highways, and the citiy says that they can't afford them - yet they still work to entice people to migrate into the area. Its a real mess. Daytona is much smaller, and we have very little here in the way of industry, manufacturing, etc., and so we don't have a million people a day all trying to go to work on one four lane road.

[HURF]

I have wheeled a manual and an auto.

http://elcova.com/groupee_files/photo_albums/1/5/3/1531042221/7531042221_B31E0B1EC2860FA860857D1827270CF7.JPG

more where that came from,,,

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/2671031121/m/1531042221

I would not buy an Auto H3,,,,,but thats just me. I am use to wheeling with a manual trans. As you stated it gives you more control of the power band,,and for Me,,,(again I am use to wheeling with a better HP/Weight Ratio) It helps the with the I5.

Now an Auto with our 5.3 310hp alum block.
I would buy one of those

HURF

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GrimReaper:
HNewbie,
As a matter of intrest...
The Orlando traffic nightmare is a direct result of years worth of highway funds being diverted to South Florida. For many years Orlando suffered from not having strong representation in the State Legislature, whereas South Florida dominated it. All of the highway funding was thus sent to South Florida, and Orlando was left to stew in its traffic jams. Now, Orlando has sprawled so much that there is no place avialable to build new highways, and the citiy says that they can't afford them - yet they still work to entice people to migrate into the area. Its a real mess. Daytona is much smaller, and we have very little here in the way of industry, manufacturing, etc., and so we don't have a million people a day all trying to go to work on one four lane road. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Didn't know that, thanks for the info. You guys get plenty of traffic during Bike Week, Race Week, Spring Break, BCR.... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[GrimReaper]

Cool pics Hurf. That water looks like it is abit deeper than the 24 inches claimed by GM! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[HummerNewbie]

I love that shot and Hurf was kind enough to let me use it on the site. In case you have not seen it Hurf, here it is.

http://www.hummercluborlando.com

[HURF]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
I love that shot and Hurf was kind enough to let me use it on the site. In case you have not seen it Hurf, here it is.

http://www.hummercluborlando.com </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looks good,,We had ALOT of fun that day


HURF

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HURF:
Looks good,,We had ALOT of fun that day


HURF </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks. If you get anymore shots you want posted, let me know and I will. Sure did look like a lot of fun.

[Mr Hank]

I own a base H3. Went to the dealer and drove it off the lot for $29,500 there were plenty in stock. Yes it is a manual tranny. I like it alot. Shifting and handling are not an issue.

[WhiteH3]

I have a manual and I am impressed with how well it shifts. I have yet to take it off roading.(FYI:Over the past 2 years I've off roaded an H2, Yukon, 2WD Suburban, Manual Jeep Wrangler and an Automatic Jeep Unlimited, all in Joshua Tree and Death Valley). I do prefer a manual because of the off roading control. I also like the sound of the exhaust note when shifting since I had an exhaust system installed. See pics of it in the tech discussion area posted "Magnaflow Cat Back Exhaust System". Style-wise, the manual shiftknob is pretty beefy and I think it suits the character of the vehicle better than the auto shifter.

[Matt5462]

I also prefer driving stick, to have control of the power in a "low power" suv is very important. I ended up buying a auto, I read somewhere that less than 10% of new cars are sold as stick. Saying that I rather beable to sell this Suv later to the other 90% of customers. This is a great siv but it will not be my last.

[J.L]

9 manuals available at Wright in Pittsburgh.
http://www.wrightcars.com

[jp's-h3]

I took delivery of my auto monday 8/8/05.
I love it, very fun to drive. I have not taken it off road yet, but I will soon.

red,adventure pkg., ebony int, tow pkg., 5-spd manual.

HUMMERS ROCK!