New Forum Member

[HemiDon]

Hey guys, I thought that I'd sign in and let you know that I am a new member up in central Canada. I just bought a 1997.5 H1 that is being shipped up from Reno, Nevada. It's the first one that I've owned, and I haven't actually seen it in person yet. It will hopefully arrive in a week or so.

I've probably read every post on this H1 forum, and I'm eager to be a contributing member.

Keep up the great work.

[tower]

Originally Posted by HemiDon

Hey guys, I thought that I'd sign in and let you know that I am a new member up in central Canada. I just bought a 1997.5 H1 that is being shipped up from Reno, Nevada. It's the first one that I've owned, and I haven't actually seen it in person yet. It will hopefully arrive in a week or so.

I've probably read every post on this H1 forum, and I'm eager to be a contributing member.

Keep up the great work.

Oh My God! An FNG from Mexicanada. Welcome, Dammit!

[Hucky]

Hey Welcome
Hemi don

Hucky

Post the pics when you get her.

Post some pics of whatever ride has the Hemi in it.

[DDWH]

CONGRATS........EH!

[ssgharkness020147]

Welcome to the insanity. Its nice to have another 97.5 H1 owner on the board.

[3Hummer]

ok seriosuly someone explain why for 1997 its the only time youll ever hear 1997.5, like why dont you hear, 2000.5 or 1996.5 etc.?

[HemiDon]

Thanks for the warm reception guys. I guess the owners of the 1997.5 Hummers want to make it known that they have the updated HVAC systems in their H1s as factory equipment.

I've attached a photo of my old ride ( 1970 hemi Cuda ), and my new ride ( the H1 ). I think the Hummer will be easier on fuel )

[3Hummer]

that is a beastly brushguard on the h1, you might want to raise that front license plate bracket so you dont loose the license plate when yuour out offroading

[ssgharkness020147]

Nice looking rig. Your gonna love those cepek rims, are they 16.5 or 17's? The tires gotta go, you need something a bit more meaty. Looks like it was kept outside from the looks of the brush guard and winch. Make sure to measure those front springs. The factory winch is a heavy mofo, which will wear those springs out pretty fast. When you throw that 150 pound brushguard on top of it, that only compounds your spring problems.

[HemiDon]

It was actually kept inside for the past 8 years, which I think was also the last time it was washed. It only has 33K miles on it, and the engine was replaced under warranty 9K miles ago.

The rims are 16.5 " and I plan to put on a set of Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips as soon as it arrives. Is it a smart move to keep the 16.5 factory rims, or should I replace them with 17" and get the new tires in 17" ? Any suggestions for tires ( it will be on-road most of the time ) ?

Thanks for the tip on the front spring height. Please send me more tips, as I am completely new to the Hummer scene.

I am just starting to gather some new parts ( ball joints, halfshafts, brake pads/dics, etc ) just to have on hand if I ever need them.

[dochummer]

Originally Posted by 3Hummer

ok seriosuly someone explain why for 1997 its the only time youll ever hear 1997.5, like why dont you hear, 2000.5 or 1996.5 etc.?

Yeah, the 97.5 have some costly upgrades that make the rig much better.

[3Hummer]

What happened to the engine that it was replaced at 9,000 miles under warranty? And has it even been driven in eight years, that cant be good for the car either they need some exercise every now and then

[HemiDon]

I'm not positive, but I think it was because of the bad #8 cylinder problem on some blocks. It was done at a Hummer dealer shortly before the last owner purchased it. He has a copy of the work order, so when I get to see it I'll know for sure. I sure hope those replacement blocks were better than the originals. Does anybody have an answer to that ?

[frenzy1]

Great rides bro !! %Welcome to the site !

[ssgharkness020147]

Yes. They were better. As to what extent depends on the year. Some say that the No 8. was a problem til 2001, for the record most people saying that are trying to sell a truck. My truck has a 99/00 block in it, and over 70K on it, with no problems (JINX). IMO, You'll be fine, just dont go nut with power add ons. The 6.5 in stock form was not ment to be making 350 Hp, with 600 lb/tq. The main issue you could face with a newer block is headgaskets, which do tend to fail. I had mine fixed (both) for under 2K when one went.

Originally Posted by HemiDon

I'm not positive, but I think it was because of the bad #8 cylinder problem on some blocks. It was done at a Hummer dealer shortly before the last owner purchased it. He has a copy of the work order, so when I get to see it I'll know for sure. I sure hope those replacement blocks were better than the originals. Does anybody have an answer to that ?

[HemiDon]

Thanks for the positive news. I'm not planning to install a lot of engine mods, but I do plan to replace the stock exhaust system with a stainless steel system that removes the catalytic converter and maybe the muffler.

I also plan to install a rear cylinder head cooling kit. Do you guys have any of these installed ?

[JustinOK]

I installed the rear head cooling kit last month. I bought the kit from Chuck. I made a thread on the HML with some pics of my install job. Actually, most pics are from the doghouse teardown, which was a pain in the arse.

My 98 TD had 58K when I bought it, original engine.

[SELWA]

Where in Canada are you?? I'm in Milton, Ontario. I met up with 10 H1 owners yesterday for a meet.

Thanks,
Joe

[HemiDon]

I'm located in Saskatoon, Sask. There are a couple other H1s in town, but they are not too common in this part of Canada. Alberta has more because of the oil and gas industry.

[DiscoDuck]

Originally Posted by HemiDon

I'm located in Saskatoon, Sask. There are a couple other H1s in town, but they are not too common in this part of Canada. Alberta has more because of the oil and gas industry.

I'm in Winnipeg... We should go wheeling in one of the parks around the provincial border some time.

I still haven't run into any H1's in Winnipeg.

Welcome aboard!

Shawn