V-8-POWERED H3 ALPHA

[Desert Dan]

V-8-POWERED H3 ALPHA EXPANDS HUMMER?S RANGE OF VERSATILE SUVS
(http://rockcrawler.com/)

They have a nice summary artilce here at http://rockcrawler.com/ (http://rockcrawler.com/)

I wonder if it will have an E-85 version for the green people?
I bet they will sell like hot cakes!

[NEOCON1]

nice find :beerchug:

[Desert Dan]

I'd be affraid to test drive one I might like it:)

I doubt the V8 will have a 5-speed.
Maybe I can do an engine swap and add the cast iron diff to mineJ
This will be pretty nice though

[NEOCON1]

In addition to the V-8 engine, the H3 Alpha also includes the popular ?Luxury? equipment package, the Chrome Appearance package, 16-inch chrome wheels, a 4.10 rear axle ratio and special Alpha identification, including a prominent tailgate badge, horn pad badge and embroidered front headrests with the ?Alpha? insignia.
For customers who want a more accessorized appearance straight from the factory, the Alpha model can be combined with the H3X content, which includes bright roof crossbows, chrome fuel door, a body-color grille and unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard.



LOL they are already pushin the bling and lux :twak:

[Steve - SanJose]

Nice article with lots of details including:

alum. block and head
4 speed auto (not 5 or 6)
cast iron diff
specs for Adventure pkg.

[Dan Rather]

V-8-POWERED H3 ALPHA EXPANDS HUMMER?S RANGE OF VERSATILE SUVS
(http://rockcrawler.com/)

They have a nice summary artilce here at http://rockcrawler.com/ (http://rockcrawler.com/)

I wonder if it will have an E-85 version for the green people?
I bet they will sell like hot cakes!

Plagiarizer!!! You stole that scoop off my website.:mad:
http://www.DANRATHER.com/ (http://www.meatspin.com/)

[Gooey Gaybob]

Plagiarizer!!! You stole that scoop off my website.:mad:
http://www.DANRATHER.com/ (http://www.meatspin.com/)

Too bad the guy on top is really a girl, just with an "addadicktome" chop. I love that site. :beerchug:

[Huck BB62]

Well, I guess we lose the beloved 4.56 gear ratio but we still get the 4:1 tcase!:jump:

I wonder if it'll have the tow/haul mode? I really like how that works.

Again, that front frame extension thing's gotta go or get painted black! It's kinda like Karl Malden painting his nose orange.

[stagger_lee]

Plagiarizer!!! You stole that scoop off my website.:mad:
http://www.DANRATHER.com/ (http://www.meatspin.com/)

Thanks man. Jut opened that up at school! :giggling: whoops. :beerchug:

[HummBebe]

Always remember to hover:)

[stagger_lee]

Always remember to hover:)

I'll keep that in mind next time Im on top. :jump:

[wannabeH3]

are they reducing the crawl ratio from 56:1 to 50:1?

[H3.007]

I wonder if GM (read me - hey F5 - opinion?) will offer a "swap" discount for current owners who wish to upgrade to the new engine?

Would transmission and drive train components be a must change for such a swap?

:popcorn:

[HummBebe]

are they reducing the crawl ratio from 56:1 to 50:1?

Can you imagine a V-8 with 4:56's??? :twak:

[stagger_lee]

Can you imagine a V-8 with 4:56's??? :twak:
I had 5.13s front and rear in my 74 scout and a 345 V8! :D I had a max cruising speed of about 60mph at 4000 rpms, but I could tow your house off the foundation. :giggling:

[Desert Dan]

50:1 with a V8 would be pretty powerful.
The crawl ratio appears to be lower due to the 4.10:1 axle gears.
The auto tranny 1st gear is 3.06.


Meybe they will put in stronger tie rods too?

The 5-speed stick and front axle would have to be up-graded to handle a V8. The t-case should be fine.

[wannabeH3]

I had 5.13s front and rear in my 74 scout and a 345 V8! :D I had a max cruising speed of about 60mph at 4000 rpms, but I could tow your house off the foundation. :giggling:

i had a 77 with the 345 as well! i miss it parents bought it right after i was born and my pops signed it over to me at 18

[stagger_lee]

i had a 77 with the 345 as well! i miss it parents bought it right after i was born and my pops signed it over to me at 18

Yeah that was a stump puller for sure. That 4 speed, and transfer case combo was bulletproof. I will buy another one someday. I love them.

[evldave]

1968 F250 w/390 and granny tranny (4-speed w/granny gear). 4.10 gears and it would pull your scout pulling your house :) Miss that truck :crying:

[stagger_lee]

1968 F250 w/390 and granny tranny (4-speed w/granny gear). 4.10 gears and it would pull your scout pulling your house :) Miss that truck :crying:
:beerchug: agreed!!

[H3 Builder]

The 5-speed stick and front axle would have to be up-graded to handle a V8. The t-case should be fine.

Automatic only behind the V8.

[Huck BB62]

1968 F250 w/390 and granny tranny (4-speed w/granny gear). 4.10 gears and it would pull your scout pulling your house :) Miss that truck :crying:

Depends on the Scout. I put the wide ratio (granny tranny) in my Scout, 4.10 gears, and the 3:1 conversion. It had lockers front and back. Four tires against maybe two in the ford (if it had a rear limited slip) I dunno, I'm thinkin' it wouldn't be pretty for the old F-250!

About the 4.10 gears with the auto. That's the old debate of what's better, a stick or auto. That torque converter makes that 50:1 a lot more feasible. Still, I sure would like to see the new six speed in the H3!!! The gears are stronger in a 4.10 diff too (not much as say if they other was a 4.88, but still, it is stronger)

[Gooey Gaybob]

Hmm, so from what I have been told by factory trainers and engineers from anther line. The engineering spec for a torque converter is 1.8:1, that is both slip, and torque multiplication.

For your basic crawl ratio spec, 100:1 is the target range for technical 4-wheeling, like rocks and really rough terrain. So given the specs on the H3 the crawl ration is more like 90:1

1.8 x 3.06 x 4.03 x 4.10 = 91.0:1

The big problem with the 4:1 t-case is that it really takes away from the capability of the rig in some situation, but enhances it for others. Mud and deep sand really need higher wheel speed so the 4:1 t-case probably wouldn't be a good choice for that. But on techincal trails and in the rocks, the lower t-case gearing really shines through. So pick you poison when selecting your t-case gearing.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Hmm, so from what I have been told by factory trainers and engineers from anther line. The engineering spec for a torque converter is 1.8:1, that is both slip, and torque multiplication.

For your basic crawl ratio spec, 100:1 is the target range for technical 4-wheeling, like rocks and really rough terrain. So given the specs on the H3 the crawl ration is more like 90:1

1.8 x 3.06 x 4.03 x 4.10 = 91.0:1

The big problem with the 4:1 t-case is that it really takes away from the capability of the rig in some situation, but enhances it for others. Mud and deep sand really need higher wheel speed so the 4:1 t-case probably wouldn't be a good choice for that. But on techincal trails and in the rocks, the lower t-case gearing really shines through. So pick you poison when selecting your t-case gearing.

Do you choose men with the same technical savey that you presented the above with?

[HummBebe]

Hmm, so from what I have been told by factory trainers and engineers from anther line. The engineering spec for a torque converter is 1.8:1, that is both slip, and torque multiplication.

For your basic crawl ratio spec, 100:1 is the target range for technical 4-wheeling, like rocks and really rough terrain. So given the specs on the H3 the crawl ration is more like 90:1

1.8 x 3.06 x 4.03 x 4.10 = 91.0:1

The big problem with the 4:1 t-case is that it really takes away from the capability of the rig in some situation, but enhances it for others. Mud and deep sand really need higher wheel speed so the 4:1 t-case probably wouldn't be a good choice for that. But on techincal trails and in the rocks, the lower t-case gearing really shines through. So pick you poison when selecting your t-case gearing.


I like these kind of posts :jump:

[evldave]

Depends on the Scout. I put the wide ratio (granny tranny) in my Scout, 4.10 gears, and the 3:1 conversion. It had lockers front and back. Four tires against maybe two in the ford (if it had a rear limited slip) I dunno, I'm thinkin' it wouldn't be pretty for the old F-250!



ok, you win :):clapping:

[stagger_lee]

Depends on the Scout. I put the wide ratio (granny tranny) in my Scout, 4.10 gears, and the 3:1 conversion. It had lockers front and back. Four tires against maybe two in the ford (if it had a rear limited slip) I dunno, I'm thinkin' it wouldn't be pretty for the old F-250!



Yeah thats what I was thinking. I had the granny first in mine too into 5.13s in the axles :OWNED: I dont know...they just dont make em like they used too, the old fords, old powerwagons...all awesome rigs!

Pretty stoked on the H3 though. I cant complain. Plenty capable.

[Desert Dan]

Stagger Lee

Ive had some old rigs that I miss, but when I think back on the lack of a decent HVAC system, poor brakes and steering, fuel system troubles, gear whine, oil leaks etc. I do a reality check and turn on my heated seat in the H3 put on a Dead cd and hit the road.

If you get sentimental put a picture of the old beast on your visor.

I'd like an old work truck again but not for daily driving but maybe on a ranch or kept at a cabin etc.

[Huck BB62]

Stagger Lee

Ive had some old rigs that I miss, but when I think back on the lack of a decent HVAC system, poor brakes and steering, fuel system troubles, gear whine, oil leaks etc. I do a reality check and turn on my heated seat in the H3 put on a Dead cd and hit the road.

If you get sentimental put a picture of the old beast on your visor.

I'd like an old work truck again but not for daily driving but maybe on a ranch or kept at a cabin etc.

Yup, I'm with you there. My ONLY complaint is this: I used to rub trees with the old Scouts, not with the H3 though. Choices must be made... sigh. I sure do wish Jay Leno was my rich uncle!

[Gooey Gaybob]

Do you choose men with the same technical savey that you presented the above with?

No, I prefer to be the smart one in my relationships. But considering how much of a dumbass I am, its hard to find that special someone.:beerchug:

[HummBebe]

Is Gooey Gaybob a real troll.......I kinda like him. He's funny.....at least for now.

[NEOCON1]

yea gooey has some good info , thought it might be Para :giggling: :giggling:

[Steve - SanJose]

yea gooey has some good info , thought it might be Para :giggling: :giggling:

yea Para in drag after medication.:giggling: :giggling:

[Gooey Gaybob]

Is Gooey Gaybob a real troll.......I kinda like him. He's funny.....at least for now.

A "real troll"? Isn't that an oxymoron, kinda like like military intelligence?

:grouphug:

[Gooey Gaybob]

yea gooey has some good info , thought it might be Para :giggling: :giggling:

No on the Para thing. A few of you guys know where I came from.......

[NEOCON1]

No on the Para thing. A few of you guys know where I came from.......

" I'm so easy even a caveman could do me." :giggling: :giggling: LMFAO

[Spuds]

I sure would like to see the new six speed in the H3!!!

Same here.

The V-8 upgrade should be OK mated with the 4 sp auto. But if they made the 6 sp the automatic for all models, it would help with the 3.7 lack of power, and make the V-8 a monster.

[Huck BB62]

And not to mention, help mileage.

[XM DUDE]

It appears to have the same 5.3 engine that is in my 07 Tahoe which means it could be made a flex fuel vehicle, and being the little power house with a V8 it will be a big hit commanding a premium price of no less than 50k.

[Huck BB62]

It appears to have the same 5.3 engine that is in my 07 Tahoe which means it could be made a flex fuel vehicle, and being the little power house with a V8 it will be a big hit commanding a premium price of no less than 50k.

XM DUDE, people in the know already said that it's only $2k more. I wasn't guessing when I said that, so put your mind at ease about the pricing. Remember, the H3 is a pricepoint vehicle. People that would spend $50k will more than likely upgrade to an H2!

I could give a rat's patootie about flex fuel capability. There's not an ethanol station within a thousand miles of my house. It's a gimmick unless you live in freakin' Iowa. The one good thing good about flex fuel capability is that the fuel delivery system can take the funky chemicals without drying out and cracking better. When they went with benzene and MTBE in our fuel here, I had premium Gates hoses and gaskets turning to krap in only a year.

[Spuds]

I could give a rat's patootie about flex fuel capability. There's not an ethanol station within a thousand miles of my house. It's a gimmick unless you live in freakin' Iowa.

Not to mention the reduction in power and mileage......

[XM DUDE]

XM DUDE, people in the know already said that it's only $2k more. I wasn't guessing when I said that, so put your mind at ease about the pricing. Remember, the H3 is a pricepoint vehicle. People that would spend $50k will more than likely upgrade to an H2!

I could give a rat's patootie about flex fuel capability. There's not an ethanol station within a thousand miles of my house. It's a gimmick unless you live in freakin' Iowa. The one good thing good about flex fuel capability is that the fuel delivery system can take the funky chemicals without drying out and cracking better. When they went with benzene and MTBE in our fuel here, I had premium Gates hoses and gaskets turning to krap in only a year.

Yeah that is the problem, if I feel like driving to 200 miles to gas up my Tahoe, E 85 is a joke. I also understand you're mileage drops like a stone, but it is like running premium gas and burns cleaner.
I must say I am very excited about the V8 powered H3 and I bet it will out sell the 5 cylinder H3 4 to 1 and I bet GM ends up dropping the I5 power plant which they should. I would like to see the power boosted to 320 HP, then there is no competition, oh wait the LR3 puts out 300 HP, but is not to reliable, so once again no competition.

[Spuds]

But if they made the 6 sp the automatic for all models, it would help with the 3.7 lack of power, and make the V-8 a monster.

I really like the looks of the H3 and would like to have one, but what's up with the 1985's technology 4 speed auto?

GM should, at least, have a durable and reliable 5 speed already in the H3.

If you haven't experienced it, you can't imagine the control from a triptonic style 6 speed, that also allows you to shift manually, gives you, especially in low range.....!!!! H2 owners will soon find out.

I'm not sure if simply the addition of a V-8 to the H3 is enough to get me to jump for one. :yawn:

[Diabolus]

I really like the looks of the H3 and would like to have one, but what's up with the 1985's technology 4 speed auto?

GM should, at least, have a durable and reliable 5 speed already in the H3.

If you haven't experienced it, you can't imagine the control from a triptonic style 6 speed, that also allows you to shift manually, gives you, especially in low range.....!!!! H2 owners will soon find out.

I'm not sure if simply the addition of a V-8 to the H3 is enough to get me to jump for one. :yawn:

It's called marketing. Instead of starting with a great driveline, they do it in steps. This makes a desire to upgrade every few years or so. First the I5, then a bump in HP, then a V8, then an upgraded transmission, etc...

[Spuds]

It's called marketing. Instead of starting with a great driveline, they do it in steps. This makes a desire to upgrade every few years or so. First the I5, then a bump in HP, then a V8, then an upgraded transmission, etc...

I hear ya. But GM needs to realize that they are not the only game in town. In the meantime, some folks will decide to purchase other products that already have leading edge technology.

They need to give me enough reasons to move me out of my VW Touareg when my lease is up this fall.

I really like the looks of the H3 which is why I hang out on this board. Will the V-8 be enough to get me to change? We'll see, when the H3 Alpha's get here......

[Huck BB62]

The six speed is also VERY expensive. The little H3's platform was avilability. Ok, so some of us wanted a V8, that's not too hard or expensive. If you added the six speed in there, the premium would be almost $5k! I'm not so sure that you'd get people chunkin' up over $45k for an H3.

The six speeds are wonderful, but the four with the overdrive and a low low range t-case works great and is STOUT. The six speed is complicated, very complicated, and expensive.

The H2 is a premium marquee. It can sustain the hit that's going to be incurred in that driveline.

As six speed production comes up, we may see one in the H3 but the cost is going to have to come down.

As far as the Touareg vs. the H3. You're serious? The Touareg is a car that can kinda go offroad. If it's done frequently, you'd better lube up those weather seals with silicone because I've read numerous accounts of the things creaking and flexing like an old RV when they're used that way. The ground clearance, hell, ALL the offroad capabilities are a compromise compared to the H3. I've driven a Touareg, it's ok but it's tight, very tight. On the road, they handle very well. I think offroad it's about 30% of what an H3 is.

The H3, it's slanted towards offroad. It's hell bent for stout. There's none of that flexing doors thing going on when it's crossed up. It's ground clearance, approach and breakover angles make the Touareg look like, well, the CAR that it is. That's why it's so heavy. It handles the road reasonably well. It's about 60% of what a Touareg is on the road. With the new V8, I'd place it much higher than that, more like 80%. If you did something silly like lowered the H3 and put street tires on it with the V8, I bet it'd surprise you (BUT THAT AIN'T HAPPENING!)

So I guess it depends on what you want. For the extra BIG bucks that the six speed would cost on the H3 (it's a longer, bigger sumbitch too, maybe it'll be on the '09 H3SUT) I can row the console shifter.

'Sides, we may own an '08 H2 and have the best of both worlds.

[Spuds]

The six speed is also VERY expensive. The little H3's platform was avilability. Ok, so some of us wanted a V8, that's not too hard or expensive. If you added the six speed in there, the premium would be almost $5k! I'm not so sure that you'd get people chunkin' up over $45k for an H3.

The six speeds are wonderful, but the four with the overdrive and a low low range t-case works great and is STOUT. The six speed is complicated, very complicated, and expensive.

The H2 is a premium marquee. It can sustain the hit that's going to be incurred in that driveline.


IF GM would just go ahead and make the 6sp their platform tranny like VW has done it would cut the costs considerably. For only $38K you get Tourareg V6 with 6 sp transmission.

As far as the Touareg vs. the H3. You're serious? ... I've read numerous accounts of the things creaking and flexing like an old RV when they're used that way. The ground clearance, hell, ALL the offroad capabilities are a compromise compared to the H3. I've driven a Touareg, it's ok but it's tight, very tight. On the road, they handle very well. I think offroad it's about 30% of what an H3 is.

The H3, it's slanted towards offroad. It's hell bent for stout. There's none of that flexing doors thing going on when it's crossed up. It's ground clearance, approach and breakover angles make the Touareg look like, well, the CAR that it is. That's why it's so heavy. It handles the road reasonably well. It's about 60% of what a Touareg is on the road. With the new V8, I'd place it much higher than that, more like 80%. If you did something silly like lowered the H3 and put street tires on it with the V8, I bet it'd surprise you (BUT THAT AIN'T HAPPENING!).

I would never argue the capability of a fully indie suspension (Touareg) over an indie front with solid a solid rear. About the same difference in capability as Indie front/solid rear, to solid/solid (as in a Jeep). I have run my Touareg in some pretty heavy offroading. It has 85k miles now and I have never seen or heard any of the flexing of the doors that you describe. As a matter of fact it is still the most solid and rattle free vehicle I have ever owned. Quite frankly one of my worries IF I did get a H3, is that it wouldn't end up a rattle-trap, a few years down the road.

Here are a few numbers that might surprise you:

Ground clearance T: 8.3 H3: 8.5
Weights: T: 5168 H3: 4700
Fording Depth: T: 19.7 H3: 24"
Towing T: 7700 H3: 4500
Payload: T: 1325 H3: 1150

Of couse the H3 has the Touareg beat in the approach, departure, and breakover angles.

I regularly drive my Touareg down those isolated stretches of south Texas at Autobahn speeds (110 mph) and it is so smooth it feels like I'm doing about 70. But I'm a four time former Jeep owner and like the utilitarian look.

To me, an H3 Alpha seems to be a good compromise between a Jeep and a Touareg. I just don't understand why for as much as you pay, it doesn't AT LEAST have a 5 sp tranny.

[Steve - SanJose]

The early VW Toureg V6's have an even worst power to weight ratio when compared to the 3.5 H3. (And so does the rarely seen V6 LR3 for that matter). I personally know a car buff with a V6 Toureg as a commuter rig and the first week he leased it, he was complaining about the power.

Why is the unibody VW so heavy at over 5000 lbs? Typically unibody construction results in a lighter curb weight.

I read a comparison road test many months ago (actually offroad test) and the VW was creaking as the doors moved in the twisting frames. A fully boxed frame is preferred for that type of abuse. Recently I read that Toureg sales have declined into the range of 10,000 units/year in the US, not a good sign.

I have 35,000 miles on my H3, no rattles so far. I wondering if the head will last before the first rattle. :)

[evldave]

I have 35,000 miles on my H3, no rattles so far. I wondering if the head will last before the first rattle. :)

x2. 31,000 miles here, no head issues, no rattles. I'll just keep driving the hell out of it and hope nothing bad happens :excited:

[Steve - SanJose]

x2. 31,000 miles here, no head issues, no rattles. I'll just keep driving the hell out of it and hope nothing bad happens :excited:

Same here, no mercy. Still enjoying it daily!:excited:

[Spuds]

The early VW Touareg V6's have an even worst power to weight ratio when compared to the 3.5 H3.

HP to weight is only relevant in equal running gear. The T is underpowered but the drive ability is quite good because of the 6-sp and my commuting mileage is good for a vehicle that heavy at about 20 - 21 MPG.

That's why my comments about a 6-sp for the H3. Also, being able to manually shift while off roading and even in low range is awesome.

We should be demanding one for the H3. :perfect10s:

[RuggedH2]

Spuds,

I agree with Huck. My brother in law drives a Touareg. It's a decent SUV for snow and great in city driving. We took them on some easy trails together, they are not good off road.

My take is that when the engineers sit down to put a vehicle together they have criteria in mind that is developed for their target demographic. The Hummers demographic is off road. The vehicle is designed around that philosophy, the volkswagen appears to me to be much more about the on road driving. Compromises will be required to fit in as many different buyers into the demographic as possible while still maintaining the target.

Hummer should have a front locker on the new Alpha as far as I'm concerned, but the blingers probably have more say than I do on the vehicle right now. There is more of them.

Just my .02

[Steve - SanJose]

HP to weight is only relevant in equal running gear. The T is underpowered but the drive ability is quite good because of the 6-sp and my commuting mileage is good for a vehicle that heavy at about 20 - 21 MPG.

That's why my comments about a 6-sp for the H3. Also, being able to manually shift while off roading and even in low range is awesome.

We should be demanding one for the H3. :perfect10s:

I agree that a 5 speed or 6 speed would be a great improvement to the H3 (or just about any vehicle with a 4 speed tranny). I would certainly like one. :excited:

The 20-21mpg with the VW is also the result of better aerodynamics/lower profile, street tires, and the amazingly slow highway speed that you are able to maintain. Vehicles that are biased towards offroad ability tend to sacrifice highway gas mileage.

[The Juice]

This will change my opinion of the H3.

Not of the owners. Just the car itself.

[RuggedH2]

Feeble, downright anemic.

Come on dude, you're an AE troll - the sky's the limit. That's the best you got?

That's not even worth the effort. :yawn: You gotta step it up.

[H3.007]

F5 - any realistic chance of this happening? :dancingbanana:

I wonder if GM (read me - hey F5 - opinion?) will offer a "swap" discount for current owners who wish to upgrade to the new engine?

Would transmission and drive train components be a must change for such a swap?

:popcorn:

[Steve - SanJose]

F5 - any realistic chance of this happening? :dancingbanana:

H3.007-you know what answer will be given (NO) of course. I think he answered that question earlier in another thread.

Here's how the real upgrade program works, just bring $15,000 minimum with you:

2007 H3 trade-in value =$30,000
2008 H3 new Alpha loaded =$45,000
Difference =$15,000 cash or credit

[H3.007]

:rant: People like you really make me want to quit posting here.

So sorry I didn't have the time to sit around and read every thread. And besides, I asked the question here - not in another thread....

But then again, perhaps I shouldn't expect a more intelligent response from someone living in the only dedicated United State for Liberals (communists?).

By the way, you drive a H3 why? :confused:

At any rate, thanks for your brand of education - I really needed it. I'll crawl back to my heathen, uncivilized, and uneducated rock now.

[Steve - SanJose]

:rant: People like you really make me want to quit posting here.

So sorry I didn't have the time to sit around and read every thread. And besides, I asked the question here - not in another thread....

But then again, perhaps I shouldn't expect a more intelligent response from someone living in the only dedicated United State for Liberals (communists?).

By the way, you drive a H3 why? :confused:

At any rate, thanks for your brand of education - I really needed it. I'll crawl back to my heathen, uncivilized, and uneducated rock now.

Sorry you are having a bad day. I did not expect you to read every thread, just letting you know what F5 previously responded earlier (to save you the trouble of a tedious search, since somebody asked the same question earlier). Obviously the way GM is configuring and marketing the powerful and loaded Alpha version is to maximize profit, which is the only point I was making.

I didn't make any comments about you living with a bunch of stupid rednecks in some dead ex-steel mill God-forsaken town. Jeez mellow out dude.

I drive an H3 just like you. We have more in common than you might think.:D