Like the title says guys. Who has ideas? What should I go with?
I'm 4 months out of warranty, I'm on my own. 2010 H3t/F-R lockers/Lux pkg/slantback.
I love the truck, not planning on parting with it. I"m just curious of your guys feedback on a direction. Am i crazy to think 6.2L w/6L80…:-).
I don't want to go down the emissions fight with a diesel.

thoughts?

 

IMHO,

For resale value, rebuild your old motor.
For really good power and fuel mileage, consider a 5.3 direct injection motor.
For a similar size motor, a late model V6 3.6 camaro motor.

Not sure if there are conversion kits for the 5.3 and the 3.6 that will connect to the H3 transmission. I assume you have an automatic?

 

A number of people have done the 5.3L swap. At least you wouldn't be the first and could follow some other build threads.

 

I'm for sure thinking V8 swap. I was just to late to order it brand new with the V8, i settled cause i couldn't find any new ones w/lockers at the time. So, i'm not gonna do the work myself. That leaves me with probably less options, or maybe more, not sure. I was thinking the 6.2L and the 5.3L were the same size footprint, so why not go bigger. I'm a grandpa, when it comes to driving. i am thinking "why not" throw in a V8, given this "golden" opportunity…:-(
Resale is a non-issue to me, I didn't have plans to ever get rid of it anyway. Is there a "thread" for a great successful build you guys are thinking of? I'll certainly put one together through this process, cause I'm gonna do it. My goal, once a V8/tranny is swapped, everything still functions as if from the factory.

 

Any of the LS type motors have the same dimensions externally...not sure why this is so confusing for people. The bore and or stroke is changed when they went from the 4.8L to the 5.3L to the 6.0L etc.

I would use the 6.0L. They are reasonable price wise, very easy to find parts for and can make a ton of power with a small numbers of mods. (Just google 6.0L performance buids)

 

Nothing wrong with a 6.2L + 6L80. It makes the late model H2s fly! I cannot even imagine what an H3 w/ 400HP would do in 0-60. You will be putting 10 lbs in a 5 lb bag. I think that would be the biggest issue.

The 5.3L would probably be the easiest.

My question would be, what are you going for? Low end torque for offroading/towing? Making your H3T a speed demon? Getting 25mpg (A lot of us would love that, lol).

Either way, I can't wait for this bulid to start. I am sorry you're having problems at 80k though. That sucks man.

 

Can't help with the swap, but how did you toast a 3.7 w/only 79k miles?

 

You need substantially more information than you have now.

You would be better served by rebuilding the 3.7L (if it is not destroyed) and SELL it, then take the time to find and buy a V8, build that. They can make all the power your trans can hold.

Just any old LS V8 will NOT fit! The LH8 and LH9 have a one only oil pain necessary to clear the front suspension. The front suspension between the I5 and V8s are NOT identical. If you find an LH9, you will require the new E67 Engine Control Module (not cheap) and complete software upgrade. Just the switch to a LH8 will require reprogramming your PCM and TCM, and modifications to the front suspension.

With an 6.2L, trans swap required, you will need to pioneer your own TCM programming compatible with whatever PCM you attach to the motor, and then figure out which GM TCCM works the best (for the transfer case).

Mash motors does those, $18,000 (probably more now) for the 6.2L swap, and you will have issues, such that nobody with a brain will ever buy that thing from you for any where near the cabbage you will burn to bolt it together, let alone trouble shoot its issues.

Just some food for thought. Good luck.

 

To my knowledge, nothing I did for the engine to seize. Always have had documented oil changes, etc...had about 2200 miles on that oil change. Always Mobil 1. I starting hearing a ticking, like exhaust leak about 5 days prior, drove it in to make an appointment to have it looked at, seized as I drove it in the parking lot at dealership. GM is evaluating my situation, they may do something, not sure. But, is that what I want to do, I don't know. No plans to get rid of the truck. It's a modern day classic, my opinion.
That said, I'm just looking at options. Not saying my pocket book is deep, but I am willing to go the extra mile since my plan has always been to keep it.
I am re-thinking the over-kill of v8 options. I have been heavily researching what could I do to "pioneer" something that would not just benefit me. I know, in years to come these H3's and T's are not going away. Pretty sure guys/gals are gonna be looking for options and builds in the near future, as they age.
My curiosity has been raised into looking into a diesel conversion. I want to consider wear on drivetrain and drivability, perhaps a little turbo-diesel is the route to go.
I'm still thinking, but very much encouraging all of your opinions to keep rolling in.

 

Don't get discouraged by some of the negativity above. If you search other forums you will see that the LS swap in the H3 is being done or has been now completed by several people. One of the swaps is a well documented DIY swap that was done on a very reasonable budget.