'06 Real Power Improvement

[usetosellhummer]

I went from the 06 to 07 and there is a little improvement but not enough to get excited about. The heat issue I am still waiting on but it's been 100+ at 5,500 ft so any vehicle has a tough time with the thin air.

Originally Posted by usetosellhummer

I went from the 06 to 07 and there is a little improvement but not enough to get excited about. The heat issue I am still waiting on but it's been 100+ at 5,500 ft so any vehicle has a tough time with the thin air.

Only the V8 will cure the need for power. Regarding the 3.5 to 3.7 difference, it sounds like most are saying the difference is small.

[usetosellhummer]

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger"

Originally Posted by usetosellhummer

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger"

H2 is too big for wheelin in the city, burbs, or woods for me. H3 is the right size for those with small families. H3 handling is nimble enough to be fun.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

I just drove back from Moab last week. 350 miles, 5+ miles over the speed limit the whole way except for Vail and Loveland passes. They slowed me down but I still passed plenty of cars. It helps to have a 5-speed ... just put it in 3rd.

I don't believe in snake oil for more HP. You might get some oomph from exhaust headers and a good cat-back, or even a PCM tune (according to some). But not much bang for the buck, imo.

Your truck is what it is ... accept it. What did you expect from a brick-shaped SUV with high ground clearance and a 5-cyl engine?

Tried and true tips:

Reduce parasitic losses (friction and wind resistance) - synthetic engine oil, street tires, correct tire pressure, minimum exterior accessories

Reduce weight - minimum cargo and accessories

Do regular maintenance - replace air filter, change oil on time (engine, transmission, transfer, diffs), all other maintenance on schedule

Mods harmful to performance:

Airflow modifiers like the "tornado", homemade or ebay "turbos", generic brand or homemade intake pipes

Mods harmful to engine:

Oil additives, fuel additives (except injector cleaners), oiled air filters (allow more dirt and may damage MAF if overoiled)

Questionable mods (your results may vary):

Throttle body spacers, PCM re-program, electric engine fan, exhaust headers and cat-back (if tested and tuned for power instead of sound on the 3.5 or 3.7L application).

[HummBebe]

Originally Posted by Wisha Haddan H3

I just drove back from Moab last week. 350 miles, 5+ miles over the speed limit the whole way except for Vail and Loveland passes. They slowed me down but I still passed plenty of cars. It helps to have a 5-speed ... just put it in 3rd.

I don't believe in snake oil for more HP. You might get some oomph from exhaust headers and a good cat-back, or even a PCM tune (according to some). But not much bang for the buck, imo.

Your truck is what it is ... accept it. What did you expect from a brick-shaped SUV with high ground clearance and a 5-cyl engine?

Tried and true tips:

Reduce parasitic losses (friction and wind resistance) - synthetic engine oil, street tires, correct tire pressure, minimum exterior accessories

Reduce weight - minimum cargo and accessories

Do regular maintenance - replace air filter, change oil on time (engine, transmission, transfer, diffs), all other maintenance on schedule

Mods harmful to performance:

Airflow modifiers like the "tornado", homemade or ebay "turbos", generic brand or homemade intake pipes

Mods harmful to engine:

Oil additives, fuel additives (except injector cleaners), oiled air filters (allow more dirt and may damage MAF if overoiled)

Questionable mods (your results may vary):

Throttle body spacers, PCM re-program, electric engine fan, exhaust headers and cat-back (if tested and tuned for power instead of sound on the 3.5 or 3.7L application).

That's perfect J! We should add it to the FAQ!

[A.Anderson]

Originally Posted by Wisha Haddan H3

Questionable mods (your results may vary):

Throttle body spacers, PCM re-program, electric engine fan, exhaust headers and cat-back (if tested and tuned for power instead of sound on the 3.5 or 3.7L application).

Actually (as noted and claimed by many others) the H3 leaves a lot on the table as far as tuning. Good differences in throttle response and passing power along with 1-3 mpg are to be had with good aftermarket custom programming.

[HummBebe]

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Originally Posted by A.Anderson

Actually (as noted and claimed by many others) the H3 leaves a lot on the table as far as tuning. Good differences in throttle response and passing power along with 1-3 mpg are to be had with good aftermarket custom programming.

As I said, "your results may vary". But remember this if you choose to tune:

1. You're buying blind. Unless you examine the tuning tables and know what to look for, you don't know what you're buying. If you do know what you're doing, you should program it yourself.

2. Watch out for extravagant claims. GM would sell their soul to squeeze an extra 20 HP while getting 1-3 mpg more out of their trucks, with improvements in reliability and durability. If it's possible with a PCM change, why haven't they hired these programming geniuses?

3. Not all tunes are created equal, though the claims are all the same. Insist on dyno results for your make, model, engine and tranny, and a detailed list of changes, benefits and risks. Anyone can give a testimonial.

4. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Everything has a trade-off, even when it works as advertised. More power means more fuel used. Better throttle response means jack-rabbit starts and lower fuel economy. Tuning for one application (towing, racing, street, highway, etc), may reduce performance in others. Firmer shifting means more drivetrain stress.

5. Cost of ownership is more than just price + shipping. You will void your warranty. You will pay more for gas (if tuned for premium). You will pay to re-flash after dealer updates and after hardware changes (tire size, intakes, exhaust). Then there are hidden costs of reduced reliability and potential damage to your engine and drivetrain.

6. Assuming the programming works, it offers the most bang with modded - not stock - vehicles. Proper programming can accommodate changes in tire size, gearing, cams, throttle bodies, injectors, transmission parts, etc. But can it make internal combustion more efficient?

7. No warranties, guarantees or refunds. Sorry, not available. If you damage your drivetrain or aren't satisfied, it's your wallet on the line. (Remember, your tune voided GM's warranty too)

Ultimately, remember "caveat emptor" ... let the buyer beware. Your results may vary.

[usetosellhummer]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

H2 is too big for wheelin in the city, burbs, or woods for me. H3 is the right size for those with small families. H3 handling is nimble enough to be fun.

I don't think you have driven an H2 enough. With proper Pilot it is very nimble. You mean H1

[NEOCON1]

Originally Posted by usetosellhummer

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger"

i took a family on hells a couple weeks ago . and when they asked what was under the hood , i said a little 3.5L 5 cyl. tractor motor they were amazed . didant even know that there were 5 cyl. engines

Originally Posted by usetosellhummer

it is small. but the v-8 seems like overkill. i will buy a H2 if i want a v-8.
the I-5 has character and I love watching faces when I say "it's a 5 banger"

This is America and there's no such thing as an automotive overkill!

[MUD4ME]

I have an 07' and did CAI and throttle body. Big diff! And I live in TEXAS where the daily average is 100 and 100% humidity! The air down here in the Gulf Coast region is like sucking a sauna thru your intake.

[ChevyHighPerformance]

Originally Posted by MUD4ME

I have an 07' and did CAI and throttle body. Big diff! And I live in TEXAS where the daily average is 100 and 100% humidity! The air down here in the Gulf Coast region is like sucking a sauna thru your intake.

Did you get a new throttle body or did you get a spacer?

[6pack]

I'm with you comph. And I've received the same response you're getting... from other sites also. It seems a lot of H3 owners are really sensitive about the power issue. And the only response they have to give is abuse. There is absolutely no reason we can't improve the power of this vehicle and there is no reason for those of us that want to do this to get so much grief from other forum members. These kind of responses have soured me more on this vehicle more than anything about this truck ever would.
In response to your question, there are the normal bolt-ons but there are also turbos and superchargers made for your year. Although the sc's and turbo's are a considerable investment. I've been searching the Colorado forums for internal engine upgrades as well, but haven't come across anything but custom, one-off stuff. So far, I've added a Gibson cat-back and a tune from pcmforless.com and have noticed a small increase in power. I'm waiting for K&N to come out with there 07 kit (BTW, there is nothing wrong with oiled-filters as long as they are oiled properly and maintained correctly). The superchargers and turbos for my year are also not ready yet, hopefully by the end of the year.
Don't give up the forums, there's only a few of us that think it's not sacrilage to say this truck is slow, I could use the company.

[pdsq99f4]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

Only the V8 will cure the need for power. Regarding the 3.5 to 3.7 difference, it sounds like most are saying the difference is small.

Sorry to say, I'm pretty disappointed with the 5.3L alpha power. Really was expecting more. I'm sure that you can get a lot more power from one though with the normal, cold air intake, exhaust and a tune mods. I really think the 3.7 is a pretty good improvement over the 3.5 especially in the lower end. I mean 20hp is almost 10%.

I don't see why people don't think the PCM reflash works. I personally tune vehicles and have had great success in the drivability on the H3, especially if larger tires are installed. Unfortunately I don't have any dyno numbers since I don't have a dyno, but everyone I've tuned says "Everyone should do this."

Just my .02
Pete

Originally Posted by pdsq99f4

I don't see why people don't think the PCM reflash works. I personally tune vehicles and have had great success in the drivability on the H3, especially if larger tires are installed. Unfortunately I don't have any dyno numbers since I don't have a dyno, but everyone I've tuned says "Everyone should do this."

Just my .02
Pete

Yea we've heard that before (on various infocommercials here), especially the part about not having dyno numbers.