V8 engine option?

  Printable Version
Hummer >> Hummer Lineup >> Hummer H3 >> V8 engine option? Page: [1]
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
V8 engine option? - 4/2/2007 10:31:07 PM   
thegodfather

 

Posts: 8
Joined: 4/2/2007
Status: offline
I have an '07 Hummer H3.  From what I have read with the '08 models, they are offering a V8 engine on the alpha model.  I feel like a chump because that's what I wanted and didn't wait for it because the dealership told me it wasn't going to happen.  The tiny 5cyl on my hummer isn't adequate for the boat upgrade we want to purchase *towing* and I would love a V8 option.  My question is, is there going to be any way to upgrade the 5cyl to a V8, or is something like that mechanically or financially impossible?  If I can't upgrade I'm probably going to ditch the '07 because it's just way too weak for our needs.  I thought it would work at first but I think I talked myself down into owning one.  All other things about the vehicle are great except the short term XM trial.....a year would have been better hehe.

Any responses would be most appreciated before I take a huge hit selling this beast with the heart of a mouse.  Thanks in advance
Post #: 1
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/2/2007 11:13:36 PM   
Skoal


Posts: 57
Status: offline
godfather,
The entire drivetrain and other parts would have to be swapped out which is not financially wise. You would take a bigger hit on that (but GM isn't going to sell you a V8, cast iron differential case or drivetrain separately) than just selling/trading it in. The specs. on the 3.7L, I5 were clear and you should have noted the HP & Torque ratings. The towing capacity was listed in the H3 brochure. Might as well sell yours now before it depreciates any more, take you lumps and wait for the 2008.
Note the following info on the H3 Alpha:
To support the torque output of the powerful V-8, the H3 Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. New engine mounts, higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass, and specific shock valving also are unique to the V-8-powered model, ensuring it continues to deliver the unparalleled ride quality – both on- and off-road – that customers expect.

(in reply to thegodfather)
Post #: 2
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 9:45:08 AM   
hummer1

 

Posts: 36
Joined: 2/27/2007
Status: offline
The horse power difference is 53.  I'm sure an exhaust, cold air intake and chip would get you there, and save you lot's of money.

(in reply to Skoal)
Post #: 3
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 1:21:55 PM   
importkiller

 

Posts: 7254
Status: offline
importkiller's photo gallery
$$$$$$ post hummer 1.  A supercharger kit or turbo kit from our sponors would easily make the I5 more potent than the v8. Plus what are you towing? I tow a 500 pound boat through the mountains twice a week with absolutely no problem

_____________________________


(in reply to hummer1)
Post #: 4
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 2:05:23 PM   
thegodfather

 

Posts: 8
Joined: 4/2/2007
Status: offline
Yes I read all the info about the torque and the towing capacity.  If you reread what I typed, I said I am now debating a boat upgrade that I hadn't considered before.  Meaning, the boat I have currently is only about 2200lbs, but the new one would be 4500ish.  The H3 5cyl can barely tow my 2200lb boat up a slight hill, and the difference between it and the Durango V8 5.9L I used to have is extremely noticible.  They wouldn't let me test drive the H3 while towing so I could feel it, and I didn't think it would really be THAT gutless.  Yes I'm a victim of talking myself into something that wasn't good enough for my needs.  I love the vehicle in all other aspects: looks, comfort, ability off-road, size.  But in towing it's just gutless.  I asked the question to get an idea of if I should sell and take a huge hit, or if there would be another option to keep it and replace the engine: I don't know much about mechanical workings of automobiles.

In regards to the exhaust, chip, intake etc: the mechanic told me it really doesn't help that much.  But if I pusued this option, what would be the best bang for the buck, in regards to towing power?  Like, where to start, and could I do it myself?

< Message edited by thegodfather -- 4/3/2007 2:09:32 PM >

(in reply to importkiller)
Post #: 5
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 2:12:56 PM   
importkiller

 

Posts: 7254
Status: offline
importkiller's photo gallery
 I missed a 0.....I tow  5000 lb boat with no problems.

_____________________________


(in reply to thegodfather)
Post #: 6
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 2:21:31 PM   
importkiller

 

Posts: 7254
Status: offline
importkiller's photo gallery
Gutless? Something wrong then cause I tow my 22' gambler through the mountains and have no problem maintaining 60-65mph. On flatter highway I set cruise at 75 and just keep it in third...again never had a problem. I also have an 06 which has less HP than your 07. If your mechanic says that a pcm tune, exhaust and intake don't really do anything....your mechanic is an absolute idiot and should learn the modern gasoline engine Intake,exhaust,and pcm tune would easily put you in the ballpark of a small v8 when it comes to HP and torque. Or spend $4000 and get teh turbo kit or supercharger...you'll be close to 350 hp.


BTW....please don't come onto a hummer forum and call our motors "wimpy" and "gutless"...if you were expecting a  freeking 5cylinder to be comparable to a 5.9 v8...well then you are "dillusional"  and "nuts". If your 07 can't tow a 2000 lb boat then bring it back cause they forgot to plug in two or three plug wires.

_____________________________


(in reply to importkiller)
Post #: 7
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 2:31:16 PM   
Dennis

 


Posts: 7584
Status: offline

(in reply to importkiller)
Post #: 8
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 2:45:00 PM   
thegodfather

 

Posts: 8
Joined: 4/2/2007
Status: offline
Wow such angst.  I believe I can say whatever I want about the Hummer, seeing as how I own one and it's relavent to my post, and I'm not attacking anyone....no need to get all butthurt.  I may be wrong, but I've read too many forums to think you aren't always on the defensive about your vehicle choice.   Reading comprehension is good: I never said I thought it should compare to a V8 importkiller, I said the difference was more extreme that I had expected. 

I'm not looking to start a riot here, just find out what I can do to improve the engine.  It IS wimpy, and I DID buy it knowing it wasn't a V8.  My point is that it still shocks me just HOW wimpy it is...as they won't let you test it fully before buying: ie with a boat behind it hehe.  I also don't know anything about engine mods, but yes the mechanics at the dealership here ARE idiots.

This supercharger or turbo kit.....would they replace the other options listed?  ie: the exhaust/pcm etc?  Which is better?  Can someone who is handy but has no experience in engines install it himself?  Is the $4000 price just for parts, or does that include install somewhere?  Would these upgrades void any warrantys?  Is this something that can run full bore like a regular engine for hours?  Is a turbo kit going to help with towing, or just speed?

Thanks in advance.  Looking forward to your anger, but also your help

< Message edited by thegodfather -- 4/3/2007 3:22:32 PM >

(in reply to Dennis)
Post #: 9
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 3:37:46 PM   
canuckZr2

 

Posts: 14
Joined: 3/1/2007
Status: offline
godfather: as a drag racer i can tell you that the 5Cyl has a near dead flat torque curve with is awsome it will just pull and pull how ever if you want more power the start at the Back of the truck with the exhust ( headers and a Cat back) as an engine is just a "big air pump" so the more air out the more air in! Then do the PCM and forced indution. Doing the inductin and not the exhust is like farting through a straw. It`ll work but not that well. A turbo has lag (it runs off the exhust) where the super charger is instant (crank driven) both will work. 

Do your self a favor and have a mechanic do the install it will be cheaper in the long run and then you will have warrantie if scews up

220hp will pull my 3000lb car and 1000lb trailer with no prpblem with a load of tools and 3 people.

How are you driving it when your towing are you leaving it in O drive or are you using the grears?

(in reply to thegodfather)
Post #: 10
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 3:52:01 PM   
thegodfather

 

Posts: 8
Joined: 4/2/2007
Status: offline
Thank you for the post CanuckZr2!  Let me explain myself better in the 'not enough power' department hehe.  I towed the boat for the first time across state two weeks ago.  It had a hard time accelerating onto the freeway, but pulled just fine in 3rd and O both.  In town I notice no difference from the Durango which is good.  When I got to the mountain I live on, it has a long road going up, and the car just wouldn't accelerate at all in 3rd.  The engine makes a ton of noise that sounds like I'm in a wind tunnel, but I never had any engine problems. 

I guess it tows ok, but I just feel like I'm going to cause the engine to explode!  My chief concern now is reaching it's max towing capacity.  If it's rated at 4500lbs, and I'm towing that or more, I need to make some adjustments or buy a Tahoe hehe.  So to be honest, while it tows ok now, I just feel it's going to blow the engine up whenever I have to push it, and it worries me.  With a heavier boat, I am worried getting it home!

(in reply to canuckZr2)
Post #: 11
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 4:18:12 PM   
importkiller

 

Posts: 7254
Status: offline
importkiller's photo gallery
my anger comes from too many people not knowing what they bought and then coming on here to bitch about it....thats all. Now, you said that the difference between the I5 in the he and the 5.9 v8 in the durango was "extremely noticable"...did you not? Sorry but that is comparing the two. Again...very bad comparison, but that's besides the point. Like I mentioned earlier if you h3 is struggling that much puing a 2200lb load bring it to the dealership because somethig is very very wrong. If you cannot maintain a reasonable speed in 3rd on any grade while towing only 2200 lbs then there is a problem!!!!

The simple fact that this is your first post here leads me to believe.....well we shall see


Dennis.......LMAO....how's your popcorn bro?

_____________________________


(in reply to thegodfather)
Post #: 12
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 9:17:35 PM   
HUMMER DRIVER


Posts: 447
Joined: 3/12/2007
Status: offline
HUMMER DRIVER's photo gallery
Maybe you have head problems? Losing power? Dunno... Maybe you should have your engine checked or even dynoed.. A Catback exhaust, Cold Air Intake coupled with a PCMforless chip tweak should liven up that motor and ought to pull your boat much better provided there's not something else wrong with your motor.


If you're in anyway trying to compare the I-5 to a V-8 5.9L which is almost TWICE the motor... well, that's a problem.

Do you have the Adventure package? Or is it bone stock?

Look at some of the dyno charts on the PCM tweak, cold air intakes and Catback exhaust. Looks like you could add 30-40 HP at the rear wheels and that ain't nuthin to sneeze at for less than a grand.



(in reply to importkiller)
Post #: 13
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/3/2007 9:41:28 PM   
canuckZr2

 

Posts: 14
Joined: 3/1/2007
Status: offline
Th addition of a trany cooler and upping the shift points will do a lot to help as well. Heat caused by towing will kill the trany.

(in reply to HUMMER DRIVER)
Post #: 14
RE: V8 engine option? - 4/4/2007 1:03:41 PM   
thegodfather

 

Posts: 8
Joined: 4/2/2007
Status: offline
I have a combination of Adventure and Luxury.  So the total offroad package and larger tires, but also sunroof, leather etc

(in reply to canuckZr2)
Post #: 15
Login OR Register now to post a reply to this forum topic.
Page:   [1]

 
Hummer Forum >> Hummer Lineup >> Hummer H3
Jump to:




Featured Sponsors
Advertising Info

Top 10 Posters
hummbob16117
3hummers11810
muddydawg759959
importkiller7254
blackstangs26826
hummerguy6684
trey1244626
rhill204549
doc olds3787
h34 pleasure3735

New Vendors
Sewell Parts Online
AMSOIL - Performance Oil Technology
G-Style Hummer Accessories

Hummer Forums .com is not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors Corporation.