Stopped by Predator yesterday

[Egan]

I was down in San Diego on business and had a little bit of free time so I headed up to Carlsbad to visit Predator. The place was like a Hummer wet dream. Dozens of H1's in there getting all sorts of modifications and upgrades plus an H2 getting the diesel conversion.

I was on the fence for the diesel, but I think I've fallen off now. The only thing that sucks is that the waiting list is 2-3 months plus being without the H2 for a couple of months. Decisions, decisions.

Big thanks to Garrett for showing me around the shop!

[guruerror]

Originally Posted by Egan

I was down in San Diego on business and had a little bit of free time so I headed up to Carlsbad to visit Predator. The place was like a Hummer wet dream. Dozens of H1's in there getting all sorts of modifications and upgrades plus an H2 getting the diesel conversion.

I was on the fence for the diesel, but I think I've fallen off now. The only thing that sucks is that the waiting list is 2-3 months plus being without the H2 for a couple of months. Decisions, decisions.

Big thanks to Garrett for showing me around the shop!

The gains on the diesel conversion are just too little for me; a couple of extra MPG (but higher price for fuel), more torque and 'umph' (but I don't frequently tow anything besides my ATV trailer), the Duramax/Allison badge and diesel 'sound'...that would be cool, but not worth the price, install time, and possible future maintenance issues.

If it was a semi-routine procedure that could be done at the dealership for $5,000, sure; but $20,000+, shipping my vehicle across the country for several months, yada yada yada...not for me.

[LoJac963]

I couldn't agree more with those points.

[Z06RB]

Originally Posted by LoJac963

I couldn't agree more with those points.

Ditto

[jsbihn]

Is there a kit that makes the installation do-able for the weekend mechanic?
I mean I dont see how an engine and trans swap could be as much as most of the H2s value
I mean the savings in gas is a plus sure, but how much gas would you have to save to cover that.

[Egan]

Originally Posted by jsbihn

Is there a kit that makes the installation do-able for the weekend mechanic?
I mean I dont see how an engine and trans swap could be as much as most of the H2s value
I mean the savings in gas is a plus sure, but how much gas would you have to save to cover that.

ROI is over 15 years, depending on how many miles you drive a year. This isn't something you do purely for gas savings. I love my H2, but I don't think I kept any of my previous trucks more than 5 years each. I might be kidding myself if I think that would change with the H2 (even if I kept it twice as long, the swap still wouldn't have paid for itself). But I'm still giving it some thought...

I doubt this is something a home mechanic could do just because of the sheer amount of custom fabrication in mounts and wiring, plus the extension of the front clip. I'm sure there's a ton of tuning required as well.

[LoJac963]

Not to mentioned pulling the body off the frame. Those drivetrains have to be fitted into the H2. If you've seen pics those Duramax diesels are crammed in there.

[jsbihn]

Well on the Hummer, I plan to keep it. It is just me but I love this thing (even with all the quirks and gremlins and crappy gas mileage)

I daily mine
It is alot easier to drive then a highly modified Vette that is inches off the ground.
Given, I am curious if there is a way to do at least a tranny swap? I know the later models have 6 speed.....

Given, if I have the money I think I would do the duramax for longevity and the torque.

[jsbihn]

What about these guys?

http://www.hlineconversions.com/kaw-diy-kits

[iwillnc]

Honestly although some may not like to admit it in the face of the dmax, the 6.0 is a pretty damn reliable engine, and has a hell of a lot cheaper upkeep costs than a dmax.

I would Highly suggest against a dmax swap by someone without experience, there's a hell of a lot more than one could imagine involved in the swap, and once you believe you have everything, you'll find a hundred different things to add.
If I were to do(have done) the swap it would be predator to do it, I've done engine swaps but to hell if I would take on this.
What they charge to have it installed, parts, labor, testing, is in all reality a damn good deal.

[iwillnc]

Also I have driven a current 6.0 with the 6 speed auto, and while it makes a pretty nice difference, I wouldn't suggest being the one to do it first.

[Z06RB]

The 08 and 09 H2 have a 6.2L engine.

[iwillnc]

As in the chevy work trucks.

[jsbihn]

Originally Posted by iwillnc

Also I have driven a current 6.0 with the 6 speed auto, and while it makes a pretty nice difference, I wouldn't suggest being the one to do it first.

Not sure what you mean here?
Are you saying you wouldnt do the 6.0 / 6speed swap either?
Since that was going to be my next question is how hard would it be to swap out the 03 tranny for that of the 08/09 6 speed tranny