I recently purchased an 09 H3 Alpha, after over a year of looking around and almost deciding to buy an 09 I5 instead. Luckily, I found one and didn't hesitate at all. I own an 06, that thanks to forums like these, I learned that I can "mod" the car. So naturally, I had alot of ideas on what to do for the Alpha.
First of all, I apparently have a South African Built H3 Alpha. Its a Left hand drive model (according to a mod on another forum they dont exist) and Hummer for some reason decided to give away with the "ALPHA" badging thats supposed to be on the truck and instead gave me a V8 Logo on the back. Im not gona complain, I have a V8.
Second, since I own an I5, I assumed that both trucks are the same except for the V8 and whatever changes they done through out the really short life span of the 3. Apparently yes, and no. The truck has much more sound insulation when compared to I5. There is less wind noise coming from the roof (although the A pillar moldings rattle like hell as normal). I have to use more octane gas according to the manual than the I5. I have an automatic headlight height adjustment system, meaning I can change the light level up and down from inside the car (Im not sure if this is model/country or whatever specific). The headlight housing is also Completely different, its more of an OVAL shaped than the Round ones (STARR HID has a note that their system doesnt work on SA models, so im assuming its a country thing). The headlights also have an H4 light bulb. I was checking the other day coz I wanted to convert my lights to HID (since the light pattern of the new rig comes out with a sharp cut-of resembling those cars with factory HID headlights) and due to the type of wheeling I do here, fast desert/dunes, HID would be a great way to go.
I also want to add, Engine tuning is apparently a no go. Truck is simply not supported. Only way would be for a complete custom tune (pcmforless by Hp tuners) would be a good way to go I guess.
Anyway, Im still in the process of learning about the truck. I hope I dont end up finding that I have a different engine than u guys
. Just thought Id post this up in case someone looking around may endup finding those things useful for him.
First of all, I apparently have a South African Built H3 Alpha. Its a Left hand drive model (according to a mod on another forum they dont exist) and Hummer for some reason decided to give away with the "ALPHA" badging thats supposed to be on the truck and instead gave me a V8 Logo on the back. Im not gona complain, I have a V8.
Second, since I own an I5, I assumed that both trucks are the same except for the V8 and whatever changes they done through out the really short life span of the 3. Apparently yes, and no. The truck has much more sound insulation when compared to I5. There is less wind noise coming from the roof (although the A pillar moldings rattle like hell as normal). I have to use more octane gas according to the manual than the I5. I have an automatic headlight height adjustment system, meaning I can change the light level up and down from inside the car (Im not sure if this is model/country or whatever specific). The headlight housing is also Completely different, its more of an OVAL shaped than the Round ones (STARR HID has a note that their system doesnt work on SA models, so im assuming its a country thing). The headlights also have an H4 light bulb. I was checking the other day coz I wanted to convert my lights to HID (since the light pattern of the new rig comes out with a sharp cut-of resembling those cars with factory HID headlights) and due to the type of wheeling I do here, fast desert/dunes, HID would be a great way to go.
I also want to add, Engine tuning is apparently a no go. Truck is simply not supported. Only way would be for a complete custom tune (pcmforless by Hp tuners) would be a good way to go I guess.
Anyway, Im still in the process of learning about the truck. I hope I dont end up finding that I have a different engine than u guys
. Just thought Id post this up in case someone looking around may endup finding those things useful for him.
