I-5 or 5.3
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 26
I-5 or 5.3
Howdy folks, I'm fixing to take the plunge and get my first Hummer H3. I could you some advice tho. I'm having a hard time deciding between the 3.7 or the V8. I test drove the 3.7 yesterday and it seems fine for me but my son is really pushing for me to get the Alpha. Says when I start pulling the trailer and 4 wheeler n hunting season I'll regret it.
I'm currently driving an Avalanche that is getting terrible mpg so the gas saved difference won't exactly be a shock.
So, what say you folks? Appreciate advice an comments.
I'm currently driving an Avalanche that is getting terrible mpg so the gas saved difference won't exactly be a shock.
So, what say you folks? Appreciate advice an comments.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,101
From: Boat Town USA MI
If price is no object, and gas mileage is not a concern, go with the V8.
If you want to mod the 3.7L, you can gain quite of bit of performance and still save fuel over the V8. Pulling a trailer with a 4 wheeler ain't no biggy, unless you are dragging it through mountain roads.
If you want to mod the 3.7L, you can gain quite of bit of performance and still save fuel over the V8. Pulling a trailer with a 4 wheeler ain't no biggy, unless you are dragging it through mountain roads.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,126
From: SE Michigan
For an everyday driver without any mods the I5 does fine.
We have owned 1 I5 and 5 Alphas. All have had at least 35" tires on them and heavy skid plates, rock rails, mods, etc. You can do the math on which one we prefer.
We have owned 1 I5 and 5 Alphas. All have had at least 35" tires on them and heavy skid plates, rock rails, mods, etc. You can do the math on which one we prefer.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,101
From: Boat Town USA MI
Yeah these I5s can't tow anything??? 
Overweight for even the Alpha, 400+ miles Wisconsin to SE MI w/ modded 3.7L and all the off road goodies.
My buddy Bill with Dad's Jeep, bone stock 3.5L.
Like I said, a trailer with a 4 wheeler ain't diddly. However, if you plan on doing a lot of towing, get the V8.
Overweight for even the Alpha, 400+ miles Wisconsin to SE MI w/ modded 3.7L and all the off road goodies.
My buddy Bill with Dad's Jeep, bone stock 3.5L.
Like I said, a trailer with a 4 wheeler ain't diddly. However, if you plan on doing a lot of towing, get the V8.
Last edited by Doc Olds; Mar 20, 2014 at 08:52 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 726
From: Clearfield Utaw
I live in UT surrounded by mountains. After putting on 35s even normal in town driving was perfectly fine. Driving up and down mountain highways trying to maintain 65+ got old with the I5. The MPG isn't much different between the two either.
After owning an I5 H3 and an I5 H3T, if I ever buy another it will be an Alpha.
I can't say for sure if you'd regret buying a 5-cyl H3, but I can say with 100% certainty if you buy an Alpha you will never regret not going with an I5 model instead.
After owning an I5 H3 and an I5 H3T, if I ever buy another it will be an Alpha.
I can't say for sure if you'd regret buying a 5-cyl H3, but I can say with 100% certainty if you buy an Alpha you will never regret not going with an I5 model instead.