'06 Real Power Improvement

[comph]

I just came from a fairly long trip, 3.3k miles, Southern California, Oregon, Nevada, Southern California. Mixed on/off road, but mostly on. It was often over 100 deg temp. I noticed that the only things that didn't pass me up hills were Winibagos and 18 wheelers. Even the little Honda Elements were buzzing by me. I read about boosting the power via cold air intakes and different exhausts, but don't know what to believe. Could you guys advice me, preferrably through real experience? I would be most appreciative. Right now I am ready to sell....

[ChiHummer3]

:rolleyes:
This always facinates me.

Did you test drive it before you bought it????? It's got 220 hp....and only 220 hp. It's a Hummer, not a race car. Sure it struggles a bit if you pull out in front of someone and need to hit the gas, but if you're you're just driving along, it moves along just fine.

Were ya driving uphill or into 50 mph winds or what?

Don't get me wrong - more power would be nice....but it is what it is.

[usetosellhummer]

guess the joke is on you man. all that stuff is snake oil.
when it's hot it's a little worse but you own a brick with wheels.

[stagger_lee]

With all due respect and a welcome to ya, let me say this, if you bought the H3 looking for power and speed you bought the wrong vehicle. Sometimes we have to sacrifice on road performance to gain off road performance. I dont think we have sacrificed to much on the road, I love the way the H3 rides, comfort and everything about the interior. Also at the same time I just recently drove to San Francisco and did 70mph pretty much all the way up the grapevine and thats fast enough for me. Anybody doing more the that up a 6-8% grade is just plain killing their car. To your question: The gains you would see from exhaust and intake are not going to satisfy your needs. First off our intake is very efficiant as it is. Exhaust will give you all of what 10hp+ if your lucky? There is an ECU upgrade available too, but again what are you looking for? 300whp/tq? Either wait for the Alpha or buy a Land Rover. We 5 cyl may be slow, but I am content driving slow knowing that I can crawl up the side of the mountain when I finally get there. :beerchug:

[Steve - SanJose]

Almost troll-like.

Note: don't try wheelin an Element, could result in some very expensive damage.

[usetosellhummer]

LOL:jump:

[algy]

Yep, your not driving an S2000 or a F250... there are "Under powered" flags written up and down every consumer report review for the 06. I drive in so much ****ing traffic that it does not bother me, but I really notice it on road trips when I'm doing 70mph and climbing a 2,000ft. Mountain in WV with the cruise control on and I start cooking off at 5,000 RPM and have to disengage the cruise control to drop my speed as the Tank can't climb mountains that fast.

What it lacks in speed saves you in speeding tickets.

[NEOCON1]

for mall crawlin , get the jeep with a hemi :giggling: :giggling:




its a freakin HUMMER :twak:

[stagger_lee]

Almost troll-like.


I always try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt at first, but yeah, I generally try to educate myself on a vehicle before buying it. Not like we are driving an 07 that cost $12,995...cough cough..Kia. :twak:

[Texas Red]

Does the approx 10% power improvement in the 3.7L '07 make much diffrerence over the 3.5L '06?

Also, on another thread, someone mentioned his 07 running a little hotter than normal? Is this typical of the 3.7L I5?

[tomp]

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to do the Corsa/Volant exhaust, Volant CAI and ECM upgrade. Each of these upgrades is small by themselves, but the total of them together should get you close to what an 07 has. We have the 07 and it is just right (any less and I would be unhappy).

Not sure if there's a header available for the H3, but if there were and I had an 06 - I would do that too.

Keep in mind that driving that many miles in any vehicle will have you wanting to sell. I get sick of driving after that many miles:crying:

[stagger_lee]

Points well taken Tomp. I am coming from driving pre 75 rigs FJ40s, Scouts and CJs with 5.0+ gears, 3 and 4 speeds and big motors. 55mph max on the highway at 4200rpms was common. Anything beyond that is luxury for me, so I could care less. Ability to travel at 65+ mph and get gas mileage better than 8mpg? Stoked! . :dancingbanana:

[wpage]

Trade it for a euro $50K SUV that burns premium only and gets 16mpg for ability to win the pink slips on the elements you been racing...

[usetosellhummer]

I went from the 06 to 07 and there is a little improvement but not enough to get excited about. The heat issue I am still waiting on but it's been 100+ at 5,500 ft so any vehicle has a tough time with the thin air.

[Steve - SanJose]

I went from the 06 to 07 and there is a little improvement but not enough to get excited about. The heat issue I am still waiting on but it's been 100+ at 5,500 ft so any vehicle has a tough time with the thin air.

Only the V8 will cure the need for power. Regarding the 3.5 to 3.7 difference, it sounds like most are saying the difference is small.

[usetosellhummer]

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger":jump:

[Steve - SanJose]

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger":jump:

H2 is too big for wheelin in the city, burbs, or woods for me. H3 is the right size for those with small families. H3 handling is nimble enough to be fun.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

I just drove back from Moab last week. 350 miles, 5+ miles over the speed limit the whole way except for Vail and Loveland passes. They slowed me down but I still passed plenty of cars. It helps to have a 5-speed ... just put it in 3rd.

I don't believe in snake oil for more HP. You might get some oomph from exhaust headers and a good cat-back, or even a PCM tune (according to some). But not much bang for the buck, imo.

Your truck is what it is ... accept it. What did you expect from a brick-shaped SUV with high ground clearance and a 5-cyl engine?

Tried and true tips:

Reduce parasitic losses (friction and wind resistance) - synthetic engine oil, street tires, correct tire pressure, minimum exterior accessories

Reduce weight - minimum cargo and accessories

Do regular maintenance - replace air filter, change oil on time (engine, transmission, transfer, diffs), all other maintenance on schedule

Mods harmful to performance:

Airflow modifiers like the "tornado", homemade or ebay "turbos", generic brand or homemade intake pipes

Mods harmful to engine:

Oil additives, fuel additives (except injector cleaners), oiled air filters (allow more dirt and may damage MAF if overoiled)

Questionable mods (your results may vary):

Throttle body spacers, PCM re-program, electric engine fan, exhaust headers and cat-back (if tested and tuned for power instead of sound on the 3.5 or 3.7L application).

[usetosellhummer]

H2 is too big for wheelin in the city, burbs, or woods for me. H3 is the right size for those with small families. H3 handling is nimble enough to be fun.

I don't think you have driven an H2 enough. With proper Pilot it is very nimble. You mean H1:giggling:

[HummBebe]

I just drove back from Moab last week. 350 miles, 5+ miles over the speed limit the whole way except for Vail and Loveland passes. They slowed me down but I still passed plenty of cars. It helps to have a 5-speed ... just put it in 3rd.

I don't believe in snake oil for more HP. You might get some oomph from exhaust headers and a good cat-back, or even a PCM tune (according to some). But not much bang for the buck, imo.

Your truck is what it is ... accept it. What did you expect from a brick-shaped SUV with high ground clearance and a 5-cyl engine?

Tried and true tips:

Reduce parasitic losses (friction and wind resistance) - synthetic engine oil, street tires, correct tire pressure, minimum exterior accessories

Reduce weight - minimum cargo and accessories

Do regular maintenance - replace air filter, change oil on time (engine, transmission, transfer, diffs), all other maintenance on schedule

Mods harmful to performance:

Airflow modifiers like the "tornado", homemade or ebay "turbos", generic brand or homemade intake pipes

Mods harmful to engine:

Oil additives, fuel additives (except injector cleaners), oiled air filters (allow more dirt and may damage MAF if overoiled)

Questionable mods (your results may vary):

Throttle body spacers, PCM re-program, electric engine fan, exhaust headers and cat-back (if tested and tuned for power instead of sound on the 3.5 or 3.7L application).

That's perfect J! We should add it to the FAQ!

[pdsq99f4]

Only the V8 will cure the need for power. Regarding the 3.5 to 3.7 difference, it sounds like most are saying the difference is small.

Sorry to say, I'm pretty disappointed with the 5.3L alpha power. Really was expecting more. I'm sure that you can get a lot more power from one though with the normal, cold air intake, exhaust and a tune mods. I really think the 3.7 is a pretty good improvement over the 3.5 especially in the lower end. I mean 20hp is almost 10%.

I don't see why people don't think the PCM reflash works. I personally tune vehicles and have had great success in the drivability on the H3, especially if larger tires are installed. Unfortunately I don't have any dyno numbers since I don't have a dyno, but everyone I've tuned says "Everyone should do this."

Just my .02
Pete

[Steve - SanJose]

I don't see why people don't think the PCM reflash works. I personally tune vehicles and have had great success in the drivability on the H3, especially if larger tires are installed. Unfortunately I don't have any dyno numbers since I don't have a dyno, but everyone I've tuned says "Everyone should do this."

Just my .02
Pete

Yea we've heard that before (on various infocommercials here), especially the part about not having dyno numbers.

[NEOCON1]

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger":jump:



:iagree: i took a family on hells a couple weeks ago . and when they asked what was under the hood , i said a little 3.5L 5 cyl. tractor motor they were amazed . didant even know that there were 5 cyl. engines :giggling: :giggling: :giggling:

[comph]

Gentlemen, I just had a simple question. I am not a troll, trying to start an argument. I thank those, who basically told me that there is not much that can be done with improving on-road performance. That is all I need to know. Yes, I did test drive the H3 before I bought it, and yes, I didn't expect that it is a race car, but I can't test drive the car to it's limits. I don't think that my question deserved that degree of hostility and insults. Don't worry, I'll never bother any of you again. I don't need this.

[Steve - SanJose]

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger":jump:

This is America and there's no such thing as an automotive overkill!:D

[MUD4ME]

I have an 07' and did CAI and throttle body. Big diff! And I live in TEXAS where the daily average is 100 and 100% humidity! The air down here in the Gulf Coast region is like sucking a sauna thru your intake. :)

[aws86]

I just came from a fairly long trip, 3.3k miles, Southern California, Oregon, Nevada, Southern California. Mixed on/off road, but mostly on. It was often over 100 deg temp. I noticed that the only things that didn't pass me up hills were Winibagos and 18 wheelers. Even the little Honda Elements were buzzing by me. I read about boosting the power via cold air intakes and different exhausts, but don't know what to believe. Could you guys advice me, preferrably through real experience? I would be most appreciative. Right now I am ready to sell....

What? You don't get the fuel economy of a Prius, the acceleration of an indy car and the off road ability of an H1? You must not have the same H3 I do.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

What? You don't get the fuel economy of a Prius, the acceleration of an indy car and the off road ability of an H1? You must not have the same H3 I do.

:D

[Steve - SanJose]

What? You don't get the fuel economy of a Prius, the acceleration of an indy car and the off road ability of an H1? You must not have the same H3 I do.

It must be the 5 speed manual tranny that gives your H3 supernatural abilities.:giggling: http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[ChevyHighPerformance]

I have an 07' and did CAI and throttle body. Big diff! And I live in TEXAS where the daily average is 100 and 100% humidity! The air down here in the Gulf Coast region is like sucking a sauna thru your intake. :)

Did you get a new throttle body or did you get a spacer?

[6pack]

I'm with you comph. And I've received the same response you're getting... from other sites also. It seems a lot of H3 owners are really sensitive about the power issue. And the only response they have to give is abuse. There is absolutely no reason we can't improve the power of this vehicle and there is no reason for those of us that want to do this to get so much grief from other forum members. These kind of responses have soured me more on this vehicle more than anything about this truck ever would.
In response to your question, there are the normal bolt-ons but there are also turbos and superchargers made for your year. Although the sc's and turbo's are a considerable investment. I've been searching the Colorado forums for internal engine upgrades as well, but haven't come across anything but custom, one-off stuff. So far, I've added a Gibson cat-back and a tune from pcmforless.com and have noticed a small increase in power. I'm waiting for K&N to come out with there 07 kit (BTW, there is nothing wrong with oiled-filters as long as they are oiled properly and maintained correctly). The superchargers and turbos for my year are also not ready yet, hopefully by the end of the year.
Don't give up the forums, there's only a few of us that think it's not sacrilage to say this truck is slow, I could use the company. :)

[Sewie]

I'm with you comph. And I've received the same response you're getting... from other sites also. It seems a lot of H3 owners are really sensitive about the power issue. And the only response they have to give is abuse.

It's not sensitivity. It's being sick of the question. You have to understand that this conversation has been had over and over for the last two years, on this and other forums. Plus its been in just about every magazine and online article about the H3 since it came out. The topic has been beaten to death.

[Steve - SanJose]

Yep current H3 (and H2's and H1's) are slow compared to most of the street-oriented SUV's. Nothing new there.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

That and the fact that most people looking for more power think it comes from a bottle at Autozone. We're saying it doesn't.

[6pack]

I know it doesn't come in a bottle, and I'm sure many other people know that also. I've been working on trucks/cars for over 25 years from Mustangs to this truck and other trucks and passenger cars. I know what it takes to improve power and I know what the limiting circumstances are of certain vehicles. These responses take people that could be a very good contributer to the site and just run them away. If you all are that sick of hearing the question, why doesn't one of you just say that and then everyone else just keep to themselves? There is no reason for everyone piling on like this.
Sorry for ranting like this, I'm not like this normally, but I seem to be as sick of this response as you are of the question.

[A.Anderson]

Questionable mods (your results may vary):

Throttle body spacers, PCM re-program, electric engine fan, exhaust headers and cat-back (if tested and tuned for power instead of sound on the 3.5 or 3.7L application).


Actually (as noted and claimed by many others) the H3 leaves a lot on the table as far as tuning. Good differences in throttle response and passing power along with 1-3 mpg are to be had with good aftermarket custom programming.

[HummBebe]

:dancingbanana:

[PA-H3]

Over the weekend went up to Up Sate New York on I-476. Anybody that doesn't know its a road that is very hilly and allot of truckers do not like it. I kept the cruise control at 65-70 no problem even threw 500 ft inclines (used the magellon). and was only passed by the crazys doing 90... I found my 3.7L just fine and I still got 18.3 (give or take a .5 gals) mpg. I don't know why people say the H3 is under powered? I must have passed about 20 jeeps and other bigger Suvs with ease. I even raced a couple of guys up the steeper inclines and never tached more than 3700 rpm. I know out west has steeper mountains but really 4000+ rpm up a hill how fast do you need to go?? But hey thats just my 2 cents...:beerchug:

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Actually (as noted and claimed by many others) the H3 leaves a lot on the table as far as tuning. Good differences in throttle response and passing power along with 1-3 mpg are to be had with good aftermarket custom programming.
As I said, "your results may vary". But remember this if you choose to tune:

1. You're buying blind. Unless you examine the tuning tables and know what to look for, you don't know what you're buying. If you do know what you're doing, you should program it yourself.

2. Watch out for extravagant claims. GM would sell their soul to squeeze an extra 20 HP while getting 1-3 mpg more out of their trucks, with improvements in reliability and durability. If it's possible with a PCM change, why haven't they hired these programming geniuses?

3. Not all tunes are created equal, though the claims are all the same. Insist on dyno results for your make, model, engine and tranny, and a detailed list of changes, benefits and risks. Anyone can give a testimonial.

4. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Everything has a trade-off, even when it works as advertised. More power means more fuel used. Better throttle response means jack-rabbit starts and lower fuel economy. Tuning for one application (towing, racing, street, highway, etc), may reduce performance in others. Firmer shifting means more drivetrain stress.

5. Cost of ownership is more than just price + shipping. You will void your warranty. You will pay more for gas (if tuned for premium). You will pay to re-flash after dealer updates and after hardware changes (tire size, intakes, exhaust). Then there are hidden costs of reduced reliability and potential damage to your engine and drivetrain.

6. Assuming the programming works, it offers the most bang with modded - not stock - vehicles. Proper programming can accommodate changes in tire size, gearing, cams, throttle bodies, injectors, transmission parts, etc. But can it make internal combustion more efficient?

7. No warranties, guarantees or refunds. Sorry, not available. If you damage your drivetrain or aren't satisfied, it's your wallet on the line. (Remember, your tune voided GM's warranty too)

Ultimately, remember "caveat emptor" ... let the buyer beware. Your results may vary.

[graydog]

Gentlemen, I just had a simple question. I am not a troll, trying to start an argument. I thank those, who basically told me that there is not much that can be done with improving on-road performance. That is all I need to know. Yes, I did test drive the H3 before I bought it, and yes, I didn't expect that it is a race car, but I can't test drive the car to it's limits. I don't think that my question deserved that degree of hostility and insults. Don't worry, I'll never bother any of you again. I don't need this.
Dont let the smartasses get to you, none of them will ever admit you are right. they all bought turds and they know it. they ALL wish they had more power. some just wont admit it.:beerchug:

[Steve - SanJose]

uh huh