H3 Decisions....decisions

[therick04pp]

So...
I have decided I need to start putting some mods on my rig. My initial list includes:

1. Cat back GM performance exhaust
2. Superchips VIVID LINQ
3. "leveling kit"
4. Air doc intake

My problem is this (i'm sure like many modders here), I can't afford them all at once. I have about $300 right now (give or take a few dollars) which roughly could get me the exhaust or chip or leveling kit. So to you fellas that have any of these already installed, what are your thoughts? How well do you like them? Will the leveling kit void my 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty? Which one should I go with first? I would really like to help my MPG (as little as I can anyway) sooner rather than later. I'm at a loss as to what I want to do, so here I am..

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[TAPDH3T]

My dealer told me that any lift or level not done by them will void warranty.. Also if u are looking for performance and better mpg I would go with VIVID cause people are always selling Airdoc for good deals on here or on eBay.. I got a heck of a deal on my superchips and intake on the forum!!'

 

[3Hummers]

Air Doc then chip

 

[Mr_Rich]

I check out the Colorado/ Canyon website and read a post about a Magnaflow high-flow cat. Only problem is that it is a 49-state part for me. I'm wondering if anyone realizes a part like this is available. It's actually built like an aftermarket header and cat combo. I'd seriously consider one if it was legal where I live.

 

[alrock]

Leveling a truck will not void the truck's warranty; however, if you raise the front end enough that you are outside of mfr. spec you may lose coverage on immediately affected parts like the steering rack, CV boots, halfshafts, etc. One reason that most owners do not go beyond 23 1/4" from center of hub to bottom of fender is that front end angles are not severely compromised yet the truck's appearance is better.

Leveling the truck, in my opinion, lowers the mpg as you increase the frontal area of the truck, increasing drag.

Saving money? Don't get a leveling kit. All you need is a socket and a breaker bar, plus an alignment afterwards. Longer shocks are not required but you may get added benefits from adding shocks like the Bilsteins.

Aftermarket exhaust? In my opinion, lowest bang for the buck. I doubt you'll get see a mpg or performance increase that is worth the money. I do like the exhausts for the improved engine sounds but I think the performance gains, if any, are marginal. Others may disagree.

Beyond that - Air Doc then chip, like 3Hummers said.

 

[Portager]

My dealer told me that the Air Dock would void my warranty.

I'd get the GM performance exhaust because the current deals may not be available for long.

Then I crank the torsion bars.

 

[cbetts]

For those concerned about smog checks in the future . . . I just passed my first California emissions with my H3. I currently have a Gibson cat-back exhaust and an AirDoc intake. No questions asked.

As far as warranty work, my dealer (Penske in Torrance, CA) has never had an issue with the work I did on my truck. I have had many things replaced under warranty (half-shafts, front cross member, transfer case, front driveshaft) all with no problems. I also had the t-bars cranked and 35" tires on some of these.

Granted, I know dealerships are getting tighter on coverage since the Hummer line was dissolved.

 

[alrock]

No one part will void the warranty for the entire truck, unless that part is something like a 5000 lb magnet dropped on the roof. For the AirDoc to cause work to not be covered under warranty it would have to be demonstrated that the AirDoc had a direct cause and effect on the affected parts. There are others that know much more about the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act than I do and could expand on it.

 

[Pappibri]

I leveled mine also.. I just had a bunch of stuff done and did not have any hassles.. Cost is free, but need alignment afterwards.. Check with Firestone if you have one in your area.. I got the lifetime alignment deal...So I would say mods should be, leveling, Rock Rails, UCP...... Protection is key... of course if you never go offroad it is no big deal...

 

[Flash]

So...
I have decided I need to start putting some mods on my rig. My initial list includes:

1. Cat back GM performance exhaust
2. Superchips VIVID LINQ
3. "leveling kit"
4. Air doc intake

My problem is this (i'm sure like many modders here), I can't afford them all at once. I have about $300 right now (give or take a few dollars) which roughly could get me the exhaust or chip or leveling kit. So to you fellas that have any of these already installed, what are your thoughts? How well do you like them? Will the leveling kit void my 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty? Which one should I go with first? I would really like to help my MPG (as little as I can anyway) sooner rather than later. I'm at a loss as to what I want to do, so here I am..

$300 is not very much money to start modding with. Personally - I'd wait - but you probably won't. Every change results in either an expected or unexpected result. Some results will cost you more money to compensate for the change. Know where to want to go before you start.

I have very few mods but have many many hundreds (as in thousands) of dollars tied up so far. Besides parts there are potentially tools or labor costs.

Good mpg and a Hummer are an oxymoron unles your definition of "good" is around 15-20.

To maximize your mpg...
1. lighten your truck (no roof rack, no brush bar, etc.)
2. Do not raise your front either by adjusting the torsion bars or installing a lift.
3. Stay with factory 32" tires (265x75x16)
4. Help it breathe (as in a GM Performance or Air Doc intake). Might get you another .5 mpg.
5. I don't know anything about performance chips - so I cannot comment on those.

As you might conclude from the above, most of the things we like about our Hummers adversely affect MPG - like larger tires, roof racks, brush bars, undercarriage protection, rocker rails, spare parts, sets of tools, hi-lift jacks, etc etc etc.

With the very modest mods I have, I can honestly offroad in some fairly serious terrain and get 18 mpg.

edit to add a partial list of mods and approximate costs associated with it...an easy 5 grand +
33" All Terrain tires - $1500
Shocks - $1000 installation - $250
UCP/Rocker rails/Hunner skids - $1000 - installation welding $40
GM Performance Air Intake - $450 installation - $0
Brush bar - $300 installation - $0
Roof rack - $300 LineX - $125
Add to this tools like floor jack, impact wrench, sockets, etc.
And don't forget offroad gear like Hi-lift jack, strap and shackles, CB + antenna, spare parts, etc.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I'm with Mike on the GM Performance Exhaust, $300 Shipped is a deal that won't last forever. It’s not a mod I would normally start with but if you plan on getting an exhaust, it would save you money in the long run to get the deal while you still can. As Alex said, you don't need a "leveling kit". All you need is a socket, ratchet, and alignment.

 

[skeptic]

My local Big-O leveled the front end free as part of a standard alignment. Not sure what other stores would do, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[alrock]

Flash - great post! But which shocks are you putting on for $1000? Four good Bilsteins are about $320 and installation can be zero as they are pretty easy and don't require special skills or tools.

 

[skippy]

your will notice a difference with the airdocs it is a great and inexpensive way to gain a little
as for the stealer talking about voided warranty as Alex said they have to prove that that part made the failure.
i had a half shaft replaced when i had the 8" lift in the submarine no questions asked!

 

[reaper]

To maximize your mpg...

Always drive downhill!!!!

Ok, the other thing I'd do FIRST is add a Hunner steering sleeve. I think they're pretty easy to install and it seems we ALL have steering rack issues without those. They're cheap and will KEEP your steering rack in place rather than letting it jingle around for future problems.

 

[therick04pp]

My thoughts were to get the exhaust (GM performance) now while I can get it for $301 delivered in case price goes up. Maybe wait to install until I get the intake and chip. I'm not worried about tools and installation as I will do it myself (let my 4 year auto tech education pay off). I'm fully aware there is no "good" mpg with a hummer but the intake and chip have to help a little, which my wife will take better than"go-fast" parts..lol

So.... Exhaust now while its cheap (wait for install). Then air doc, chip install and exhaust last. I will wait to do the level (either kit or torsion bar adjustment). I sure as hell am not removing my bumper or roof rack so i'm hoping these will assist in negating the negative impact they have on my mpg.

I figured the VIVID is a good choice as I can mount my Droid to act as a "real time info" monitor while i'm cruising/wheeling. The other "chips" don't offer this (except VIVID PAQ) which is more money for what my Droid phone can already do.

Anyone order the exhaust from Ebay? http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=180943621344. (hope that link worked) Offering it new in box for 08 alpha for a fraction of its retail price.

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[08SolarFlareH3]

H3ING has it and he got it from that seller. I got the I5 Touring system from the same seller a while back and Portager got the H3T Alpha system from them also. The exhaust system has been discontinued by GM and once there gone, there gone.


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[therick04pp]

H3ING has it and he got it from that seller. I got the I5 Touring system from the same seller a while back and Portager got the H3T Alpha system from them also. The exhaust system has been discontinued by GM and once there gone, there gone.


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I better hop on it then! I clicked the "view relisted" link and it said it was no longer available.... I may have to contact him to see if he's still got any. (fingers crossed)

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[therick04pp]

Well...too late. Exhaust system has been removed and NOT relisted. Dammit. That was a steal too....

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[Portager]

Keep an eye open for another opportunity. The last sale seemed to be a single distributor blowing out their inventory. Another opportunity could come along at any time. Need to set eBay up to search and tell you when one comes up. Maybe search for the GM part number.