'06 Real Power Improvement

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]

[PA-H3]

Over the weekend went up to Up Sate New York on I-476. Anybody that doesn't know its a road that is very hilly and allot of truckers do not like it. I kept the cruise control at 65-70 no problem even threw 500 ft inclines (used the magellon). and was only passed by the crazys doing 90... I found my 3.7L just fine and I still got 18.3 (give or take a .5 gals) mpg. I don't know why people say the H3 is under powered? I must have passed about 20 jeeps and other bigger Suvs with ease. I even raced a couple of guys up the steeper inclines and never tached more than 3700 rpm. I know out west has steeper mountains but really 4000+ rpm up a hill how fast do you need to go?? But hey thats just my 2 cents...

[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