New motor

[CaseyS]

I'll chime in here. First of all, sorry for your loss there. Any kind of engine swap without some preplanning and research is a recipe for disaster. Trying to do it on a time constraint as well would be even worse.

I was in a similar boat as you about 5 years ago. One of my cam journals worked loose and wrecked the can and the head. I was at 180k on the odometer. I knew back then that I wanted the diesel swap but I was caught off guard with the failure and was not far along enough with my planning to pull the trigger. I ended up spending $3k pars and labor on the repairs and another $1500 for a rental car for 30 days. I put 5000 miles on that car on a month and justified some of that expense just with fuel savings. I would have liked to have that money back for my swap, just wasn't the right timing.

When I pulled my engine, it took 13 hours of labor for me to have an engine, trans and xfer case laying on the garage floor. My opinion, find you a 3.5 runner, spend about 1500, and in a couple of long days you are back on the road. I contemplated all the options you are considering before deciding that the diesel swap was right for me so I know what is rolling through your mind.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on the progress.

 

[4speedfunk]

...And CaseyS...would your take-out 3.5L (the one you repaired) happen to be sitting in the corner of your shop? Jus sayin.

 

[Neo]

Oh Shorty, sorry to hear about the carnage. but like you said "stories for a lifetime" this just makes you stronger and builds character :wink: it will be water under the bridge at some point just ride it out man. i would call all the pick-a-part places and try to find a 3.7 out of a wrecked truck.
if anyone has an old motor from a swap, hook the Kid up man... i know transmissions grow under tree's :thumbs: i think motors should too, so if anyone can help step on up.
look at the bright side, it's all a learning experience.

 

[Highatop]

That sucks Chris, sorry to here an see the carnage. I would also think, the 3.7 would make the most since. Good luck and make sure its done right the first time, to save you the headaches later.
It would be nice to see you in Moab but, we could see if it doesn't happen. Good luck

 

[CaseyS]

...And CaseyS...would your take-out 3.5L (the one you repaired) happen to be sitting in the corner of your shop? Jus sayin.

I'm not that good. I don't think anyone would want what I pulled out. It still ran, but barely. I cashed that sucker in for $32 at the scrapyard. I don't remember if I bought beer with it or stuck it in the engine swap kitty.

 

[06 H3]

I think my motor is so beyond repair its time for a new one. 4bt is out of the question but the mpg and power sounds appealing but I don't have the time or knowledge to do so. I like fab and the motor mounts and retrofitting is not my issue its the wiring. I won't kid myself into thinking I can do it at this point and time. The 3.7 is an easy swap the 5.3 is do able but still a ton of work but there is a company that makes motor mount adapters for it and wiring harnesses today I will get info and see what I find on pricing and my realistic options. Yesterday everyone was closed

 

[4speedfunk]

you're gonna love this...

http://www.revconversions.com/electric_vehicle_conversion_products-jeep.htm




And whatever you do...keep that oil pan and hang it on your "Wall of Shame". No shop should be without one!

 

[RamRod]

I know it's not the cool answer but if I were in your shoes I would be looking at 3.7L

Just too easy and gets you back on the road sooner then any of the other options

 

[cbetts]

Holy cow! :whaa: That looks like a serious hand grenade effect!

Since you are like me and stuck in California, you would be best to keep things stock and as the truck was originally built, unless you are good friends with a smog referee. Things are getting more strict in California and doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon. You could get away with a 3.7L as long as you keep it first gen so all the 3.5L sensors line up without modifications.

Have you hit up Anthony? He might be able to strike some deals as well.

 

[Panzer07]

you're gonna love this...

http://www.revconversions.com/electric_vehicle_conversion_products-jeep.htm




And whatever you do...keep that oil pan and hang it on your "Wall of Shame". No shop should be without one!

That would seem promising, my goal is drop a tesla or some sort electric motor. Not for the environment but just personal choice.

Holy cow! :whaa: That looks like a serious hand grenade effect!

Since you are like me and stuck in California, you would be best to keep things stock and as the truck was originally built, unless you are good friends with a smog referee. Things are getting more strict in California and doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon. You could get away with a 3.7L as long as you keep it first gen so all the 3.5L sensors line up without modifications.

Have you hit up Anthony? He might be able to strike some deals as well.

As for the smoke. A firm $120 dollar hand shake seems to do the trick.



Torres

 

[RamRod]

That would seem promising, my goal is drop a tesla or some sort electric motor. Not for the environment but just personal choice.




As for the smoke. A firm $120 dollar hand shake seems to do the trick.



Torres

I have been looking into what vehicle I want to make into an EV, where I just moved to it's a super short commute everywhere with tones of rolling hills. An EV would be perfect around here!

Been looking at companies like EV West, and wanting to drop it into something that you wouldn't expect to be an EV.....perhaps an H3......

 

[4speedfunk]

Guys...It was supposed to be a joke!





Electric car. That will be the day.

 

[Ghostbuster]

It sounds like you want to keep your H3 for the rest of your life. If that is the case, then take your time and put the motor that you really want into it.

I would get a used beater for $1500-$2000 and drive that while you plan and then execute your engine swap. Then sell the beater to try to get some money back.

PS: I'd go 5.3l... and $120 firm handshake:giggle:

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

a bit of consideration - the 4L65e has straight cut gears, more clutches, and lugs H2s around without a problem. When I have to do my transmission, I've already spec'd out the internals to make my 60 an 65 - and it's a pretty common upgrade - so cost isn't as terrible as you might think. The 4L80e is larger, longer, and takes more hp to turn. the 6L60 or 80e are both large, by huge and weigh a BUNCH more than the 4 speed transmissions. If you still want more gears, there's mixed reviews, but TCI does a pseudo 6 speed transmission that is basically a 4L60e with a radical reprogram to get the extra gears (uses the lock up more, according to some).

If you have torque, you don't need more gears... aerodynamics and rolling resistance combine to make getting great economy a myth (at least for those of us who live in hills and mountains)...

as for the motor, 3.7 - I didn't buy an H3 in 2006 because they were anemic, I did buy a 2007 because the little bit more you got was just what it needed.

 

[SedonaBound]

Drop in a used 3.5/3.7 from a supplier that will stand behind it. Reputable salvagers will give you a 90-day warranty but often only to exchange. If you want more power, get your rig running, sell it, and buy an Alpha and transfer your goodies over. I can't imagine that it would be more cost effective to do the mods needed to install a 5.3 than to drop in a used 3.5/3.7, sell it and buy a fully functioning Alpha. Changing to a 5.3 is going to cost you a ton of money and time for unexpected stuff, and DIY mods usually lead to chronic issues you'll be fighting forever.

 

[atvspeed4]

... double post

 

[atvspeed4]

a bit of consideration - the 4L65e has straight cut gears, more clutches, and lugs H2s around without a problem. When I have to do my transmission, I've already spec'd out the internals to make my 60 an 65 - and it's a pretty common upgrade - so cost isn't as terrible as you might think. The 4L80e is larger, longer, and takes more hp to turn. the 6L60 or 80e are both large, by huge and weigh a BUNCH more than the 4 speed transmissions. If you still want more gears, there's mixed reviews, but TCI does a pseudo 6 speed transmission that is basically a 4L60e with a radical reprogram to get the extra gears (uses the lock up more, according to some).

If you have torque, you don't need more gears... aerodynamics and rolling resistance combine to make getting great economy a myth (at least for those of us who live in hills and mountains)...

as for the motor, 3.7 - I didn't buy an H3 in 2006 because they were anemic, I did buy a 2007 because the little bit more you got was just what it needed.

fwiw many H2 owners have had issues with the undersized transmission when they put larger than stock tires on it and tow or offroad ( I know with our 2005 H2 that had stock size tires its whole life we had slipping issues around 65,000 miles.

4l60E ~195 lbs

6l80E ~212 lbs

Dimensions are not too far off as well. I think you are mixing up the 6L80E with the 6L90E which is much bigger.

Here is a link to a company that will help with the swap: http://www.tbmsport.com/6l80gm6spdinformation.html

 

[mudbug]

http://www.355nation.net/forum/engine-swaps/44157-list-parts-needed-v8-swap.html
If you've been looking at 355 nation you probably have seen it but here is a link to parts needed for Colorado v8 swap from a guy who can build a wiring harness. I don't know how much different a Colorado v8 swap would be compared to a H3 but it should be fairly close.

 

[IISPEEDYII]

Drop in a used 3.5/3.7 from a supplier that will stand behind it. Reputable salvagers will give you a 90-day warranty but often only to exchange. If you want more power, get your rig running, sell it, and buy an Alpha and transfer your goodies over. I can't imagine that it would be more cost effective to do the mods needed to install a 5.3 than to drop in a used 3.5/3.7, sell it and buy a fully functioning Alpha. Changing to a 5.3 is going to cost you a ton of money and time for unexpected stuff, and DIY mods usually lead to chronic issues you'll be fighting forever.

He can't bring his solid axle with him... so its not really an option to trade up.

 

[CaseyS]

Are there ANY successful H3 5.3 swaps documented? Its talked about ad nauseum here but the fact that you can just go buy an alpha makes that a swap that just doesn't make any sense unless you have too much invested in your chassis (as is the case here).

With all the "yea go with the 5.3" responses you can just as soon say "yea drop in a xxxx motor". Point is trailblazing takes time, research, money, etc. 5.3 is definitely not a proven upgrade path.

 

[atvspeed4]

It has been swapped many times. Ill start posting up the links to videos or pictures and shops:

http://www.woofpacracing.com/Projec...H3Hummer/tabid/63/language/en-AU/Default.aspx

http://www.mashmotorsinc.com/H3Conversions.html

http://www.hummerforums.com/forum/hummer-h3-17/ls2-conversion-first-impressions-13425/

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/hummer/1156490-2009-h3-6-0-atlus-2-magnacharger.html

 

[06 H3]

Thank you Casey!

The 5.3 path is not an easy path. The links are done by people who had a ton of money and had people do it for them. Guys with shops and lifts and lots of time. Thats nice and all but I have not seen a DIY 5.3 swap. I have been researching night and day for the 5.3 colorado swap. It can be done but with for me it will be with headaches. I did not just go out on a whim and start a SAS. I collected parts for 7 months before I cut off all the old ****. I researched, got ready and had backup plans had the funds aside for emergencies.

Same goes for CaseyS he knows because he did a swap that turned out amazing but it didnt just start out on a whim it took a lot of research. And 4speed for the SAS. Even then I view them lightyears ahead of me. I am good at copying and changing things up a tad/personalizing it. They are the meat and potatoes to the operations. Im the carrot. :giggle:

Current performance wiring was my go to. Use their harness and the rest was on me, I would do my own motor mounts and modify other things as things came by but they just told me they have a 6-8 week wait time for harnesses! ****!

Squeaky is in it for the long haul. I will probably throw a 3.7 in there and document that so you guys know what needs to be changed. I dont think much will be but even then I have only seen one DIY swap when it comes to motors. Casey's...This may help some people later on. Then I will start my researching on motor swaps for the future and have it planned. 10 years on this motor and trans, The trans can keep going but I think this setup will last me another 10. By then I will have a DD and can do some more elaborate stuff. Even then the 3.7 colorado guys rave about after they do the 3.5 to 3.7 swap.

 

[4speedfunk]

This T I just finished is an 09 3.7L. It seems to have more balls than my 08 3.7L. Maybe try to find an 09 motor?

 

[SedonaBound]

He can't bring his solid axle with him... so its not really an option to trade up.

If that's the case; already permanently modified; then stuffing a 5.3 in is at least consistent.

 

[CaseyS]

It has been swapped many times. Ill start posting up the links to videos or pictures and shops:

http://www.woofpacracing.com/Projec...H3Hummer/tabid/63/language/en-AU/Default.aspx

http://www.mashmotorsinc.com/H3Conversions.html

http://www.hummerforums.com/forum/hummer-h3-17/ls2-conversion-first-impressions-13425/

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/hummer/1156490-2009-h3-6-0-atlus-2-magnacharger.html

Thanks for those links. I know Mash Motors advertised the 6.0 swap and I actually had a brief conversation with them before deciding to go diesel. I think there is also one other LS swap in progress on this board. Guess I should have clarified a little more that for the DIY guy, its not a drop in affair. And I assume that the shops that have the details worked out, they are tight lipped on the details to keep their market share on the niche.

Any LS motor can be setup to run on a standalone of some sort, just match a computer and harness up and keep it divorced from everything else. The devil is in the details, as always.