H3 Alpha Supercharger

[whylee]

I just bought a 2008 H3 Alpha with low mileage (35000) in perfect cond. My original plan was to add a supercharger. I looked on line and saw there was kits available, or so I thought. It came time to order one it seems they have all been discontinued. Is anyone aware of a supercharger still being offered for the H3 Alpha?

 

[derian06]

They are discontinued as are most H3 products, but there should still be some kits laying around somewhere. I would just keep checking websites until you find one in stock.

 

[whylee]

Thanks, I have been looking, just hope that maybe someone here knows or has heard of a place that maybe had some.

 

[amrg]

Yes there is one for the alpha,

http://www.magnacharger.com/p-81-chevrolet-colorado-53l-2009-2012-magnuson-supercharger.aspx

Its listed for a 5.3L colorado, but we share the exact same setup with them! I saw on a forum at least one guy running that setup.

 

[whylee]

I wonder if they can still reprogram the 08 hummer computer?

 

[derian06]

I wonder if they can still reprogram the 08 hummer computer?

Probably going to have to do a custom tune with a dyno, but if you go on colorado5.com and talk to james from supermod he may have a tune for it.

 

[whylee]

Thanks, will do that

 

[RamRod]

I wonder if they can still reprogram the 08 hummer computer?

All I needed was a HP tuners subscription and they custom tuned mine at a local shop

 

[whylee]

All I needed was a HP tuners subscription and they custom tuned mine at a local shop

Did you use the kit for a Colorado or was it for the H3 Alpha?

 

[RamRod]

It was the H3 Alpha kit


Sent from handheld smoke signal device

 

[whylee]

We do not have much in the way of places to have a vehicle tuned here that im aware of, so im trying to have any problems worked out before I decide on doing it.

 

[amrg]

As I recall the price includes a tune. You need to send em ur pcm for them to re program it. Check the specifications tab, it shows under "whats included"

 

[whylee]

As I recall the price includes a tune. You need to send em ur pcm for them to re program it. Check the specifications tab, it shows under "whats included"

It does say it includes a tune, but since the kit is for a 09-12 colorado, not sure if its the same for the 08 h3 Alpha. I will contact them again and see if they can still tune my PCM

 

[LagunaH1]

How much more torque and power will this give you? Do you plan on also building the transmission to be able to handle the extra oomph?

Good luck with the project, please keep us... wel... uuuhh.. posted.... (pun intended)

 

[RamRod]

How much more torque and power will this give you? Do you plan on also building the transmission to be able to handle the extra oomph?

Good luck with the project, please keep us... wel... uuuhh.. posted.... (pun intended)

Magnuson says at 7psi it adds 125hp.... I believe them... You are correct, the 40L60e is not built to handle this much added power, on the third trans (all covered by the dealer who installed the S/C)

 

[whylee]

Not planning on doing anything with the tranny yet. When it does go I will look into whats out there to help the tranny. I do not plan on any high performance driving, so I should be ok. My 08 jeep has the stock tranny, and they can not take much abuse. I added a supercharger and its had 40,000 trouble free miles. I just love superchargers on my vehicles but drive normal just knowing the power is there if I want it or need it. In fact of the 8 supercharged vehicles I have had, I have never had a parts failure (yet).

 

[whylee]

Going to call Magnuson tomorrow and see what they have to say about programming the PCM. Otherwise I need to investigate who can do this for me.

 

[Ghostbuster]

So you've never seen that big banner ad at the top for PCM on NC?

 

[whylee]

No I did not see them, and If Magnuson cant tune it then I will try to find another that can. I would like it to be within resonable driving distance just to make it easier and less down time for any issues. But I will contact them also.

 

[Zach]

Magnuson should be able to do a program. At least a few years ago they were able too. Don't see that changing. Good product too

 

[whylee]

Thats what im hoping for. That would make it much easier.

 

[Ghostbuster]

What type of power numbers are you expecting to get?

I've heard of people "building up" the trannys to make them capable of handling the power increase. I have no clue what they do to them.

But yeah I would leave the stock one in for as long as possible to get your money out of it.

Oh and we need some pics of your low mile alpha

Any other plans?

Best of luck, and keep us updated.

 

[whylee]

No clue as to power numbers, dont really need the extra power for anything other than to say its there. I added a cat back already. Its a shop built cat back, removed the resonator and put the muffler up where the res used to be. I removed the fake plastic hood scoop deal and cut and bent a piece of 090 aluminum diamond plate that fits the shape of the entire center hood recess. Its spaced up 3/4 inch and I opened the hood under it. Not much, I opened a area between the hood bracing so as to avoid flexing, worked out great.
I will get some pics up soon. As for the tranny, I have heard they install a heavy duty clutch pack and bearings to help, I dont really anticipate having to much of a issue with this, I really just drive normal and dont do any rough 4 wheeling with it. Just my toy to tinker with and have fun building it up.

 

[amrg]

What type of power numbers are you expecting to get?

I've heard of people "building up" the trannys to make them capable of handling the power increase. I have no clue what they do to them.

But yeah I would leave the stock one in for as long as possible to get your money out of it.

Oh and we need some pics of your low mile alpha

Any other plans?

Best of luck, and keep us updated.

On the colorado forum the guys posted 40% gains in torque and hp over stock.
Stock dyno for em was 245 hp, SC they got 350.
Those figures both translate to ~15% drivetrain loss, so 290 and 410 hp respectively at the flywheel!

 

[whylee]

Just talked to magnuson and they can still tune the PCM. Now to get a Colorado supercharger kit and hope its all the same, I do know the routing of the Intercooler will need to be modded, but that should be a minor deal.