Pretty good, but definitely not as good as a H3, longer wheel base. The power is great when it works! LOL! I'm still having problems with mine even after they replaces the faulty ignition coil. I'm waiting a bit to see if an engine light comes on so I can take it back to the dealership and get them to deal with it. It acts up intermittently, and there are no readings that come up faulty on their computer so its a little frustrating, I might have got a lemon!!!

 

do the Alpha, waaaaay better that the 3.5L I-5

 

It's certainly more powerful...but...

I've spent a considerable amount of time in the Alpha and with the H3 base engine...and when I bought one, I went w/ the 3.7L.

 

I just picked up my Alpha a few days ago. I knew from previous experience with a Chevy Colorado Z71 w/ the I-5, that I had to have a V-8 to pull my boat (a 3,900 lb., 21' Avenger center console bay boat). Initial testing of the Alpha showed that it has sufficient power for my needs.

 

well I my first H3 was the Alpha.....I wanted the extra power, etc.....but I test drove one of the new H3T I-5's, and they seem to have improved the power and performance a lot since 07'. The one I'm getting is a Lux package, chrome package, trailer tow package (even though I probably won't tow anything), and offroad package. It seemed to have plenty of power, and since the gas mileage is the same, I was thinking well, why not go with the less expensive of the two. Plus I have heard a lot of folks with the new Alpha's having a bunch of different issues.....You should pick the one that you will use more...basically will you be towing a lot, or driving around town?

 

BTW, wheel and deal with the dealership!!!!
The H3T I purchased went for $41,495.00 MSRP, and I was able to get it below the dealership cost. They just care about moving units, plus I bought my H2 from them. I'm paying $34,000.00.
The other one I was looking at went for $34,400.00 MSRP, and they would of sold that one for $27,500.00.
I would of liked the less expensive one, but the seats were not comfy for my back...so I went for the leather. The seats from cloth to leather are completely different...the cloth headrests like to push your head to far forward, but the leather are tilted back more.

 

I have to have the alpha when i buy mine i have a clydesdale and a shire so my towing weight is 5000+ lbs so ill definitely be buy an h3t alpha

 

The Alpha has way more potential than the I-5, Cams, Heads, Headers, PCM upgrade (Hand Held type) Intake Manifolds, Super Chargers, Turbos. the 5.3 is very common. But it is about what you want. Though the I-5 is no slouch considering the power to weight ratio, but wih that extra 22" and loading it up and towing might exersize some strain on the 5 cyl.

 

There was a mention earlier about "get the V8 with the extar HP package..." There is an extra option/ pckg. for the 5.3 to get more power from the dealer slash factory?

Thanks in advance for the answer.