H3 Questions about engine swap

[tgomes78]

The timing chain/belt broke in my 2006 h3. From what I understand I need to pull the motor to do the job. I've been thinking about replacing the motor with a 5.3 or 5.7. What kind of mods will I need to do?


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[GreatDaneHummer]

I would suggest reading some of the forum posts about engine swaps on the H3. The problem I see is each one is a little different and the only 3.5/3.7 to a V8 5.3 that has been done was 06H3? If I remember correct he used a donor Envoy to get all the needed parts then had a custom wire harness made by one of the guys over on the Colorado/Canyon website.

 

[tgomes78]

OK thank you I'll deathly do some research. I saw her in one of the forms that somebody swapped out a 3.5 L with the LS three and the only my day had to make was for the airbox to Connect air tube to the intake. And I needed to make a bracket for the alternator because it was in the way of the power steering pump. I don't know what they did for the wiring but that would be my biggest issue as well. And I also need to find out if I can use existing transmission and what it has for a tranny in it


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[GreatDaneHummer]

The 4l60e is still used on many 5.3l,6.0l and 6.2l swaps. I cannot remember if anyone has moved to a 6l80e on the H3 platform. I plan on using my same PATC built 4l60e when the day comes to swap.

 

[High Five H2]

adventr did a 6L80 swap, but he's been AWOL for a while. I think he sold it and got an H1 afterwards. I remember it being an good swap.

The 4l60e is still used on many 5.3l,6.0l and 6.2l swaps. I cannot remember if anyone has moved to a 6l80e on the H3 platform. I plan on using my same PATC built 4l60e when the day comes to swap.

Tgomes, try looking up 06 H3. He did a 5.3 swap and he's still active on the forum. he has a detailed swap thread. I know the frame and firewall are different in 06-07. They modified it in 08 for the Alpha. It's still a feasible swap, though. And this is just me... but I'd totally do a 6L80 swap since you can't reuse the 4l60 that comes with the I5.

 

[GreatDaneHummer]

You can't use the 4l60e that comes on the Hummer H3 3.5/3.7? I thought if you had the correct adapter plate it would still bolt up? Isn't an Alpha using a 4l60e?

adventr did a 6L80 swap, but he's been AWOL for a while. I think he sold it and got an H1 afterwards. I remember it being an good swap.



Tgomes, try looking up 06 H3. He did a 5.3 swap and he's still active on the forum. he has a detailed swap thread. I know the frame and firewall are different in 06-07. They modified it in 08 for the Alpha. It's still a feasible swap, though. And this is just me... but I'd totally do a 6L80 swap since you can't reuse the 4l60 that comes with the I5.

 

[whiteie3]

https://youtu.be/PB-3M6kV0kA this guy swapped a six speed into his 5.3 and apparently has a website where he makes the parts for others to do it

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[GreatDaneHummer]

Do you have a link to the website? A 6l80 would make a real difference in the H3 imo.

 

[tgomes78]

Thanks for the info... I really dislike the 3.5 that comes with the truck. I have a 5.3 liter sitting in he garage as we speak and it's looking for a home so I'm thinking why not. If other people were able to do it so can I


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[tgomes78]

Do you have a link to the website? A 6l80 would make a real difference in the H3 imo.

Ya how do I find this website and the forum... I'm new to this forum? Thanks


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[amrg]

Humvee swapped the 3.7 on his truck to the 5.3 that was on my alpha.
He has a build thread that details everything. The swap is straight forward, but it requires alot of parts, V8 specific and some of them Hummer H3 Alpha specific.
The trans will need to be modified to work on the LS/LT engines (I5 ---> V8)
Exhaust will need modifilying
Wiring harness specific for the V8
Reprogram the pcm for the V8.

His swap was an 09 I5 to an 09 V8.

The other swap mentioned that required relocation of alternator etc was a H3 5.3 swap to 6.2 LS3. I have followed it and its abit more complex than shown.

2009 I5 to V8 swap

http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10639


2009 5.3 to LS3 swap

http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?p=203838

 

[speedy]

The timing chain/belt broke in my 2006 h3. From what I understand I need to pull the motor to do the job. I've been thinking about replacing the motor with a 5.3 or 5.7. What kind of mods will I need to do?


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There's several V8 swaps out there now. Search the builds forum a couple will pop up
We're in the process of doing 6.0 swap into Bebe's H3 right now.
Here's the info that Wiring Guru sent.
Not sure how current these prices are and how many apply only to a 6.0 swap but it will give you an idea of the cost
This is not a cheap modification:giggle:

Hi Rick,
Thanks for your interest in my products and services! Chris is great he's recommend a few swaps to me now, and If I were to get your business You'd be my 4th H3 swap, to help with! I have done about 10 Colorado/canyon swaps, and 3 H3s, including one 2009 overseas south African H3 swap!


The H3 is a bit more fussy, compared to its little brother 355 (canyon/Colorado) Due to the sophisticated traction control, and transfer case interfaces and factory controls we are limited to using only a H3 operating system for full factory integration. This means using a Alpha PCM/TCM, I use 2008 for non VVT applications, and 2010 for VVT application's. Both require a 58x engine and Transmission with I.S.S sensor. If you want to retain reverse lights you also need a transmission with external range switch. In 2009 GM went to an external range switch, basically this limits you to a 2007-2008 4L60E 4wd transmission. I'm not sure if all 4wd output shafts mate to the H3 T-case? You will need a trans that mates to a Gen III or Gen IV GM V8. You can reuse your existing 2006 H3 3.5L atlas 4L60E, and just have a trans shop (or if you know how) swap in a 07 and up V8 4L60E input-shaft/drum with I.S.S reluctor, and add the I.S.S sensor plus 07-08 trans internal harness. Note some 2006 4L60Es had the location for the I.S.S in the pump, others did not, if yours does not have it you will also need a 07 and up pump body. Lastly you will need a V8 torque convertor and bell-housing. You should upgrade to a corvette shift servo and maybe mild shift kit, rebuild the trans if it has high miles. a 2008 H3 V8 alpha 4L60E would be a direct bolt in!


Engine wise you want a 58x motor so you'll be looking for a late 2007 and up truck or 2008 and up van motor. 58x usually has the grey crank shaft sensor, and 24x has the black crank sensor. You do not want a 58x direct injection motor, so stay away from them (2014 and up??) Also DOD, isn't great makes cam swaps more difficult, and the lifters often fail, we don't have a H3 tune that works with Dod, but a DOD motor will run on a non DOD tune. Most of the Gen IV 58x 6.0L motors are VVT (variable valve timming) delete kits are cheap, and easy to do, or I can for more money provide a VVT PCM, and VVT harness. Aluminum blocks are nice they are 80lbs lighter then a cast iron block, and are not much more then a I5 3.5L. The truck accessory's fit nicely in a H3, and the truck intake will fit with a body lift, or denting in the firewall maybe necessary. Swapping to a car intake is necessary if you don't have a lift, or do not want to hammer in the firewall. (in 2008 GM notched the firewall for the V8) Swapping on a car intake is a lot of work and would require cutting the truck alt bracket, relocating the idler pulley, bending the coolant crossover lines, and a different PVC setup (recommend LS3 valley cover and PVC) Also if you want to use a Volant intake and or V8 intake with a car intake you will need a LS2 water pump, and to pull its pulley out, 3/4" or get a water pump spacer. Then use a custom S fit upper rad hose. Stock alpha lower V8 hoses can be used in all cases, and alpha V8 upper hose can be used if you are able to run a 2007 and up truck V8 water pump. If using a car intake you will need its matching fuel rails and injectors, the truck ones won't easily fit. You can reuse the Gen IV 58x truck 4 bolt 88mm TB with a car intake. LS2 intake would be a direct swap (for cathedral port heads) , LS6, LS1 would need a 4 bolt TB to 3 bolt intake adapter. (also only for cathedral port heads). L92 6.0L would have square ports and require a LS3 intake. My standard new custom wiring harness is a heavily modified GM unit, and is designed to only fit truck motors, So using car accessory's or a car intake will make the wiring not fit as factory, and if you wanted to make it fit perfectly for a car intake, it would cost more.


Your stock H3 rad will work or a Alpha will as well, factory alpha a/c lines will work, your 06 condenser should be the same part number as a V8 one Your stock ground cable can be reused, and the harness comes with a new positive battery cable. The Alpha and 355 power steering hoses are on national back order for a year now!! Plus they only work with a Type 2 Saginaw pump only used on the LH8/LH9 Colorado/canyon H3 factory V8s. So you will likely need to make new hoses. LH8/LH9 factory cast manifolds seem to be the only exhaust that clears 4x4s? They are getting hard to get! The LH8 pan kit would also be required. Current performance engine mounts. Factory LH8/LH9 mechanical fan and shroud probably fit with a truck water pump, or use electric fans. Some 355 guys use the LS1 e-fans, and I use a xtreme 180 black magic fan, both likely fit the H3 as well??


The best drop in motor would be a LH8 5.3L, but you wanted a 6.0L right?

Stuff from me:
-Modified non VVT Brand new (GM harness while supplies last, GM is already sold out of the Colorado ones) $975.00USD I add a plug to integrate it to your 2006 H3 4wd system, I also add a custom inline plug that will mate with the new body to pcm plug (see below) GM keeps raising its prices, so prices subject to change


-Custom inline plug to engine harness, integrated with newer style E67 plug (your 06 H3 is a P12 PCM, different plug) This will replace your current blue 56way body to J3 pcm plug. It will come with pigtail wires labeled for you cut off your old 56 way plug and solder in mine (about 36 wires) Plus 2 wires into the cab to the OBD2 port. The cost for this is 75.00USD using a good used 56way plug. For a new plug and wires add 75.00USD Note, that for new, not all wire colors will match.


-PCM used E67 non VVT 75.00-100.00 USD depends on shape
-TCM used T42 50-75.00 USD depends on shape (the E67 uses a TCM in addition to the TCM)
-100.00USD for PCM and TCM base GM flash, still requires tuning. Note if customer supplies the computers instead of buying mine, GM flash will be 25.00USD more.
-07-12 355, and H3 battery RVC module (to turn off battery light) 75.00-100.00 used. I have 1 left.
-New Factory Alpha plastic PCM bracket with TCM slot. No longer in production, I have only 2 left. 50.00 USD each. Bolts to existing firewall studs.
-75.00 USD single PCM controlled integrated e-fan relay (up to 40amps)
-150.00 USD PCM controlled dual fan, dual speed three relay, setup with LS1 fan plugs.
Due to the popularity of V8 swaps a lot of this stuff is getting harder to come buy!


Shipping is up to the customer orders over 1500.00 USD are free shipping, there is a 30.00USD boarder crossing fee to take advantage of cheap US rates (I live in Canada, but have a US address also) On average shipping is about 75.00USD


All harnesses require a minimum 500.00 USD deposit to get started. Generally it takes 6-8weeks to build and program everything. Keeping in mind I'm a small home based business, with a full time job, on top of this! I currently have to orders to be done before I can do yours, but ones almost done If its dire need to get it faster, sometimes I can push off the other customer, and give them free shipping or we can pay a bit more for rushed shipping. All harnesses include free unlimited tech support, via email or text. I only due H3, and 355 swap harnesses, this allows me to focus my knowledge and special tools, to these platforms! I enjoy it, and love to see progress pics, or threads as my customers progress with there builds! Happy hot rodding -Jamie


P.S tuning by mail order or dyno will be needed for the 6.0L, a stock 5.3L would not need a tune. my H3 pcms/tcms are not tuner locked and can be tuned wih any tuning program or by any tuner.

 

[whiteie3]

Do you have a link to the website? A 6l80 would make a real difference in the H3 imo.

http://tbmsport.com/6l8090econversionfaqs.html

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[High Five H2]

I never heard anything about an adapter plate. I thought the bellhousing and internals were different. I could be wrong though, this is all off the top of my head.

You can't use the 4l60e that comes on the Hummer H3 3.5/3.7? I thought if you had the correct adapter plate it would still bolt up? Isn't an Alpha using a 4l60e?

 

[amrg]

I think he meant bell housing.
You can bolt a 4l60 from an I5 to a V8, but you will need to replace the input shaft to a one that works with the V8 engine as the shaft that goes into the torque converter is off a different length.

 

[4speedfunk]

So to condense this info...sell your L5 H3 and buy an Alpha. Lol

Seems like a huge amount of work to get something that is already available, easy to find, and relatively cheap. Even if you want to upgrade to a 6.0 or 7.0 (Vette) motor, it would be so much easier to start with a factory Alpha. At first an Alpha looks like nothing more than an H3 with a V8. But the more I learn about the swap, the more I feel a couple FOR SALE signs are a better solution.


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[amrg]

What he said!

 

[tgomes78]

Well the issue is that I still owe a substantial amount of money on this truck... like about $7500. And I'll never get enough to pay it off with the motor not running. So in order for me to even think about selling I have to at least put a new motor in it. I thought it would be a beast with v-8


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[atvspeed4]

Well the issue is that I still owe a substantial amount of money on this truck... like about $7500. And I'll never get enough to pay it off with the motor not running. So in order for me to even think about selling I have to at least put a new motor in it. I thought it would be a beast with v-8


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What state are you located in?

 

[tgomes78]

Massachusetts


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[atvspeed4]

Us too. Let us know if you cannot locate an engine. We might be willing to sell the engine in our 2006 H3

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[tgomes78]

Ok great... if your willing to sell it let me know what your price is. And if it needs repairs. Engines are available but they are expensive. The only upside to buying a rebuilt engine is you get somewhat of a warranty


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[tgomes78]

And most places are willing to shop for free as well.


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[tgomes78]

And where are you located?


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