Is the Alpha worth the work?

[USMC_315]

Hey guys, currently I have a 2003 H2. I'm looking to downsize and get an H3. Before my search I was thinking of getting an Alpha, but realizing the scarcity of them I am now questioning if it's worth the trouble of looking.

Should I take the extra time to find an Alpha? If I decide on an I5 can it still handle 35" tires? What's the trade offs between the two?

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[cgalpha08]

Trust me. Get an alpha. You will not regret it at all.

 

[06 H3]

Yes...take the time lol

 

[High Five H2]

totally worth it. you might look for a while if you want the adventure package, too, but they are out there.

 

[derian06]

Get the alpha

 

[4speedfunk]

Get an Alpha. Nothing scarce about them. Google it...take your pick from hundreds.

 

[RamRod]

If you are going from 6.0L v8 to something smaller, its all about baby steps haha the 5.3L is a much better choice :horns:

 

[High Five H2]

to be honest, that 5.3L makes the H3 a lot of fun to drive. I can't imagine what the I5 is like. I think I would hate it. It's the standard engine in the bigger 1500 trucks.

 

[Graham2990]

Coming from a JK and going to a 2008 3.7L. I didn't feel that big of a difference power wise.

I recently switched from the factory 265's on the base model to 35" and noticed a difference, but still use mine as a daily driver.

I'm not passing people on the interstate, but I can maintain 70 at a comfortable 2200 RPM. A Diablosport program helped a lot.

The difference for me was I was able to score my base with under 70K for 7-8K less than any Alpha with over 100K on it within the distance I was willing to drive, and I still had to travel 450 miles.

 

[ABNTROOP]

Love my Alpha. Can't imagine running the 5cyl

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Get the alpha if you can and if you think youll need it like towing trailers,dealing with hills,traveling weighted down with gear etc etc ....i have the i5 and since i drive like a granny most of the time it doesnt bother me...but if i get another 3 it will be alpha....
my i5 doesnt seem as laggy as others mention or like it was when i first got it...its used to me now and im used to it and on highways i keep it rolling with momentum and dont experience the tranny downshifting etc...but having said that...its not at all like my previous crown vic v8s where id punch it and smoke all the rice cookers with exhaust lol.....my best h3 highway mileage was at around 16.7 mpg on a recent orlando trip before my stealth rack...empty highway, no stop and go...night riding like a boss! :giggle:

 

[SedonaBound]

The difference is night and day. The I5 would be OK with a 6-speed trans, but the ancient GM 4 spd (actually 3 spd + OD) hobbles it badly. The 5.3 has enough oomph to be decent with the same outdated trans.

 

[amrg]

Alpha!

 

[skeptic]

It may be difficult to find an Alpha with off-road package (I think that's what they call the Adventure package in the V8 version), but if you don't care about that then it's a no-brainer. If you care about Adventure/off-road package then it's still worth it if you are willing to be patient (or get lucky off the bat).

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

or, if you see one you like on here - offer up... everything is for sale.

 

[Ghostbuster]

Get an Alpha with adv pkg.

 

[USMC_315]

Well today was my lucky day, found an H3 Alpha not too far out and I may be taking a trip out to it this weekend to get a better look. Thanks for all the input!!

One question that kinda got answered but I'd like to refine is, what's the largest tire size I can run on the 3? (w/o a lift or spacers)

 

[USMC_315]

Also please correct me if I'm wrong, but want to also double check that the Adv. Package is indicated with the rear locker button above the radio, correct?

 

[ABNTROOP]

315/75R16's, and yes, adv pkg will have buttons top right above stereo on same button bar as the 4high, 4high lock, and 4 low lock( on top left)

 

[ABNTROOP]

Or

 

[SedonaBound]

You can run 35s, but it'll largely defeat the benefit of the 5.3 on the street.

 

[taylorblake831]

I run 35s just fine with no rubbing and I just have the 1" daystar lift but the i5 is a little sluggish I wish I had gotten the alpha but the just leaves room for an ls1 in the future

 

[RamRod]

You can run 35s, but it'll largely defeat the benefit of the 5.3 on the street.

37's with my 5.3 isn't bad at all


......



Wait, that must be due to the Supercharger



......



Sorry just had to rub it in haha

 

[derian06]

Or

2008 will have the rear 2009-2010 will have front and rear buttons

 

[derian06]

37's with my 5.3 isn't bad at all


......



Wait, that must be due to the Supercharger



......



Sorry just had to rub it in haha

Mine gets up and goes with 37's 4.10's and no supercharger.