Since I'm close to biting the bullet I have some questions for you owners ofthe H3. I have a shot at getting either an Alpha or the "regular" H3. Immediately my testosterone tells me the Alpha - BUT then the rational side - where did that come from - oh yeah my ring finger - tells me get the 3.7 and then do some performance upgrades (like FIPK, exhaust, etc). I can add I presume 20hp or so with some of the fairly inexpensive ideas I've read about here.
I know this sounds like a dumb question but with gas prices, tight budget and a wonderful wife I need to make a well educated choice - 3.7 and then upgrade or Alpha.
My travels include vacations to the mountains and then the home front is in the mighty flat plains of Nebraska. Nothing to tow i.e. boat, camper or the like. Might want to tow a camper in the future - maybe.
Thanks for any input and advice.

 

ALPHA!!!!

I guess, my problem was I took an H3 out for a weekend(before Alpha was available), and coming from a H2, I found it too underpowered.

I think even some of the H3'ers would agree!!

 

I don't agree, but yet I haven't drove the Alpha either. I haven't had any power issues, even with 35's. As far as the gas goes, I don't think is that much of a difference. Last weekends trip, there was an Alpha that got 3-4 mpg better than my I5.

 

Alpha. The rear locker with the Adv. package, extra HP and torque are worth the difference.

 

Standard He with Adv. Pkg. will handle anything you can throw at it. Only get the Alpha if you are going to be towing something.

 

I have owned both but certainly not an expert. Trey is right the I5 will handle almost anything you throw at it. The real difference to me is highway driving on long uphill inclines in a mountain area and offroad on steep grades. The I5 is a really good engine and if you add air intake, exhaust, throttle body spacer, etc. for a little bit of money it does extremely well. I put all of these mods on my '06 H3 and was very pleased with the improved performance. Just had to have the Alpha when they come out.

 

Thanks for the info. I missed out on a 3.7 with the Adventure package (due to my being uncertain)2 weeks ago and have been kicking myself since.

I again apologize for posting in two areas asking the same questions. Whatare the "best" performance mods to do?
Exhaust
PCM - by the way what does this really do?
FIPK
Anything else that's not $$$$$$$$$?

Again Thannks for helping out.

 

With the I5 and some of the following mods that will run you about $800.00 to a $1000,00 will increase HP, and some better mileage, go with a CAI (cool air intake) catback and PCM tune
the CAI and catback will give you about 10 extra HP the PCM willgive you an extra 5 to 10 HPand also about 1 to 3 MPG better, these are all things I have done and do not regret it for a second.

 

and for the PCM tune I still recommend the Nelson tune over the one most on this forum have gotten...

http://www.nelsonperformance.com/

 

Hey Muddy, that reminded me to go look at them. They go a bit into how you want it tuned than the other place. Makes me feel a little dumb.[&o]