Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

When you talk about any vehicle you always hear the same thing, "IT NEEDS MORE POWER". Now I agree that extra power is always better, but GM had to make a choice and went with the same power plant as the Colorado engine. If you noticed, GM has been bringing new products to market at a reasonable price. If you start adding this and that, it can bring the price up. If GM thinks there is a market and sell plenty of product to be worth while, then the buisness case is made, then things happen.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

It does not need a v-8. I heard the same thing all the time selling. power, power, power. well then why do so many bitch about MPG. I'm sick of it. hay if you don't like the I-5 then don't buy the damn truck
I love it.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I agree, but there is one on this thread who likes to think he knows, but has not idea what he is talking about...got that Steve.


I have a feeling if the V8 does come, he will complain about how it is priced and packaged.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

F5, you are wrong about me. Got that? Got milk? And I would not complain about a bit more power.

And I agree with Sewie's comments:
"I don't think the mileage was as much an issue in choosing the I5 as the fact that it was already available. Why plonk all the money into R&D when you already have an engine that is capable enough and that you can drop right in."

"Now that the H3 is released and successful, and enough people are complaining about power, it makes sense for GM to look at other options."

And I agree with H3 Builder's comments:
"When you talk about any vehicle you always hear the same thing, "IT NEEDS MORE POWER". Now I agree that extra power is always better, but GM had to make a choice and went with the same power plant as the Colorado engine. If you noticed, GM has been bringing new products to market at a reasonable price. If you start adding this and that, it can bring the price up. If GM thinks there is a market and sell plenty of product to be worth while, then the buisness case is made, then things happen."

"It does not need a v-8. I heard the same thing all the time selling. power, power, power. well then why do so many bitch about MPG.?"

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I understand the gist of what you're saying but, and this is a butt as big as Jay-Lo's, it IS true. The H3 does need more power. For any other time that it's being used other than on the trail, it's considered anemic. When I drive our Denali to work for a few days, then jump in the H3, I feel like I'm flogging a tired old mule. No more passing, no more hurrying, it just takes longer to get home even. It takes the joy out of driving on the road, and that's DAMNED important. What's important too is that it's not a comfortable feeling to know that instead of using an engine at 60% of it's power range, I'm nearing 100% quite frequently. An engine that's utilized at more of it's load rating is going to fail sooner, and that's the truth of it.

Adequate just doesn't cut it when you're in the auto business. What's needed is to pound the everlovin' krap out of the competition. Hell, our Denali only gets two mpg less than the H3. How many of you'd give up the 2mpg for all that power? All that driveability? I know I would!

Look at what happened to the SSR. I understand that it's a different application as well but the point is this: It was heavy, and underpowered when it was introduced with the krappy 5.3 and people hated it, sound familiar? We've had Yukons back to back, one with the 5.3, then the Denali with the 6.0. It was the same thing, the enjoyment of one over the other is truly an important factor. What doesn't seem like much on paper, made a huge difference in how we feel about the vehicle.

Hummer did indeed think out of the box on many issues with the H3, but on some of them, they're firmly planted IN the box like a snitch gangster's feet in concrete. The weak front end is one, and the engine's another. To beat the competition, they have to offer better. A stronger front end, and the 6.0 would be, gasp, innovative, and would bruise the competition badly. A V6 Dmax would be even better than that.

So the H3 Alpha gets a few inches longer. It gets a mile or two less per mpg. It'll need an HD frontend. You'd have to pay a few more thousand. Wanna bet me how many people on this forum woud jump TOMORROW if it were to come out with the 6.0 or V6 Dmax!?!

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I would. Tomorrow. Be damn happy to.:D

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

comparing a full size GMC to the H3 is stupid:twak:

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Maybe, but big torque is good.

I love my truck, I don't complain about it, I'm not bitchin.

But if they come out with a V8, I'm getting one.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

the need of power is in the foot of the beholder.:D There really isnt a point to a big engine if you dont really need it. I personally need just a tiny bit more power for towing, but i still got the H3 cauze it outshines most of the more powerfull trucks in almost every other aspect. Im still loving it, but if something more comes out in the h3, i might think about upgrading.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

WHAT? It's all a matter of power vs. weight.

Geez, I sure hope some of you guys never make it on a study panel.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Why don't you get their addresses so you can kick their asses zit kid.:giggling:

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Sounds like your talkin' about a H2:fdance: :jump:

If you look at the numbers comparing a I6 Envoy to a V8 Envoy Denali, mpg is almost identical.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Not really, the H2 needs an upgrade too. It needs more power because it's heavier'n hell and has the aerodynamics of a billboard. I've read over and over about H2s being upgraded with superchargers and now Dmax engines. Now why would they do that?

They are putting 6.0s in H3s, but I'd bet my hiking boots that they rest of the drivetrain wouldn't survive ten minute with it on the trail.

I read an article in Diesel Power Magazine where a guy put a Cummins in a new Power Wagon. If he seriously offroads it, he's gonna kill axle parts because they simply aren't rated for it.

It's gotta be a package. The H3 is marketed as a serious offroading machine. When people do that, they bust 'em. You can be careful and help out the situation, but the Alpha needs to be built. One look above, and you can see the eagerness for it. I want it. I don't want a heep (won't be getting one either) Don't want to put a Powerwagon on the trails here (toooooo big) I love our H3, it just needs a little upgrade to be perfect.

When/if the H3 V8 Alpha Adventure comes out, there's going to be a LOT of used H3s available so you folks that think they're perfect will be ecstatic!

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Ok just get out your checkbook. You guys who just gotta have more power can have it today, providing you are willing to put your money where your mouth is, and in some cases that would be QUITE a WAD of cash.

http://www.mashmotorsinc.com/index_files/Page346.htm

Don't know anything other than what the web site says.... but there you are!:eek:

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

$15..Large.... :cool:

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Yeah, that'd work how? Just how many ways to blow up other parts. It needs to be part of a package otherwise it'd make as much sense as bolting a JATO rocket on the roof.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I just looked at the specs for a 2007 Yukon. Isn't that a heavier vehicle than the H3? If so, it is getting comparable gas mileage with a V8 and obviously more horses....:rant:

And would such a comparison be stupid? :popcorn:

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

If only the real world gas mileage of the Yukon was even close to the EPA mpg numbers. Everything I've seen so far indicates mileage around 12mpg.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

What's wrong with the H3 drivetrain behind a V8? The rear axle is just a narrowed version of the 1/2ton pickup 10 bolt. The 4L60E trans. is what goes in the same trucks behind many 5.3L and 5.L7 V8s from the factory. The transfer case I admitedly don't know much about, but it looks VERY similar to the auto-trac transfercase which is also found in many fullsize 4WD GM trucks. That leaves the front axle as (IMO) the only part that isn't up to V8 power standards. Now, GM used to make a cast iron version of the mid-size IFS axle (I think it was the ZR2 S10), so I would venture to guess the H3 Alpha would have this as well.

In short, an H3 Alpha only needs a 5.3L V8 and a cast iron, locking, front diff in addition to the currrent H3 Adventure components to be a reality. If they want to throw in a body lift to clear the engine some more and maybe fit 35s, all the better ;)

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I agree a 1 inch body lift with 35s would be my ideal H3. I love the articulation and that wouldn't change it abit. I would also say the alpha should come with the HPN shocks. All that and above, Good lord that would be one incredible stock vehicle.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I'd be more than happy to let them use mine as a real world test vehicle :jump:

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I am completely happy now with what I have. Unfortunately I am a chop aholic. If I keep the H3 for a long term rig which could very well will be the case, I definatley with play with the engine swap idea and 4 linked Dana 60s or ford 9"s front and rear. Not till after the car is done for, and starts to fall apart on its own, and considering the way we take care of our vehicles, wont be for a long time. I love my H3! :perfect10s: :beerchug:

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Para, that's just what confounds me.

The H2: 325 HP (@5,600 rmp)/6,400 lbs = 1 HP/19.69 lbs

The H3: 242 HP (@5,200 rmp)/4,700 lbs = 1 HP/19.42 lbs

Thus, if these numbers are correct, the H3 is about 1.4% more powerful than the H2 per weight carried. If you add the same equal weight, say 500 lbs, of people and cargo, to each vehicle, this does favor the H2, a little, but the ratio then becomes 1/21.23 for the H2 vs. 1/21.49 for the H3, which is only a 2.1% advantage in power/weight for the H2.

Is the reason the H3 is/seems less powerful because of the higher rpms required of the I5 or something else?

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

You said a mouthful but you left out the most important factor - Torque. While HP is how quickly you can get "work" done, Torque states how much you can do.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I understand, but I thought that the H3 can get the work done, it just takes it more time (i.e. slower acceleration) than some desire.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

It's because of the difference in torque curves.

The H3 peak torque is at around 4000rpm I believe. My old truck has just 210hp, but is much stronger than the 3.7L H3 off the line because its peak 300ft lbs come in at 1800rpm. Both trucks weigh comparably the same and have 33" tires, but the old chevy 5.7L has much more grunt, at every rpm, even though it only has 3.42 gearing!

Don't get me wrong, I think the H3 power is plenty adequete as it is. It can still get you in some trouble with the law enforcement officers if you want, but you just have to keep the revs over 3000rpm to get them to notice you. That's just the nature of a small inline engine. The I5 makes a great base engine, but an optional V8 with more low-end grunt would go over very well with just about everyone.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Nice to see someone bring up the torque talk. I know from experience, my Dodge Dakota Quad Cab with the 4.7 V8 was a rocket, especially compared to my H3. But when it came to towing, my H3 would out pull my Dakota towing 4,400 lbs of Samurai on a 14 foot trailer up Ice House Road and to Moab getting better mileage at the same time. Torque is where it's at! Sure, I wish my H3 would take off the line like my Dakota did and I really wished it could pass like my Dodge, but it can't. I just got used to it. And for the record, I would trade in and pay more for a V8 option.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

The H3's peak torque is at 2800RPM.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

http://www.gmhummer.com/timeline/2007/2007h3.htm

A number of sites say the 3.7L peaks at 4600rpm. A more thorough search than trying to remember off the top of my head returns the 2800rpm specification as well, but seems to be tied to the 3.5L. And that may be true, as the 3.7L might just build off of that number on it's way to 4600rpm, making for a pretty flat torqe curve. Unlikely though, considering how much harder the engine pulls over 4000rpm. Of course, one website said the HP and torque values were EACH less than 150!! I will have to do some more digging later.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

My QUEEN...

is that for the 3.5, or the 3.7 or the V-8 ???

RYD

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Not a response from HB. But the answer is 3.5L.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

I was just reading on the Hummer website about the H1 Alpha and it said "dont think the Alpha is limited to the H1, it will be a line of top end Hummers that will be fused into the h2, SUT and H3" quote my be a little off in wording but thats just about what it said

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Correct Blingy Steve :D

Sorry, I was in Cupertino all day.

Re: V8 H3 Alpha
 

Guess that point is moot. :giggling: