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Hummer H3 Alpha 5.3 Headers fit question!

Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain
Hello All!

Recently bought a 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha 5.3 that I am right now reaconditioning and build!

I want to put all the bolt on that is possible on this truck, that is: Airdoc Intake, Shorty headers, Afe pro dry S filter, Aero turbine exhaust (removing the resonator and installing it in that part), muffler delete, efan conversion (with 2 pullers and 1 pusher), Jet Ported Throttle body and of course a PCM tune from PCMof Nc...so my main question is regarding headers:

There isnt almost any option about shorty headers that is a direct install and fit for Hummer H3 alpha (disgusting, because in the i5 (less popular and common engine than 5.3) there are some options over there.
The problem with the 5.3 v8 headers in the h3 is that in driver side area, the exhaust manifold have a specific part number not being share with other 5.3 platform (except 5.3 v8 colorados)....so the problem is the fitment between engine and steering shaft column...

I recently see that best option is the BBK Headers with part number #40050 (ceramic coated)...hoonigan website tell that is a fit for a Hummer H3 but emailing bbk, they say that #40050 (or 4005) are not being tested in a Hummer H3 alpha, so they cannot guarantee direct fitment..

So my question is:

Has anyone installed a BBK Headers on his/her H3 alpha? If not, there is another shorty option out there for the Alphas?

Hope anyone can help me out....after all of these mods I will continue with offroad mods (Front and rear locker oem install, Fox shocks, Outfitter design kits, Tranny cooler, refurbishing every bushing, wheel bearing, etc...)
(Thinking about doing a Thread Build)
Thanks!
Guerrero
 

amrg

Well-Known Member
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2,317
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One guy has a video of his alpha with headers on facebook. Says he had dough thorley build them for him, sounds nice with his cam amd exhaust setup

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Hello All!

Recently bought a 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha 5.3 that I am right now reaconditioning and build!

I want to put all the bolt on that is possible on this truck, that is: Airdoc Intake, Shorty headers, Afe pro dry S filter, Aero turbine exhaust (removing the resonator and installing it in that part), muffler delete, efan conversion (with 2 pullers and 1 pusher), Jet Ported Throttle body and of course a PCM tune from PCMof Nc...so my main question is regarding headers:

There isnt almost any option about shorty headers that is a direct install and fit for Hummer H3 alpha (disgusting, because in the i5 (less popular and common engine than 5.3) there are some options over there.
The problem with the 5.3 v8 headers in the h3 is that in driver side area, the exhaust manifold have a specific part number not being share with other 5.3 platform (except 5.3 v8 colorados)....so the problem is the fitment between engine and steering shaft column...

I recently see that best option is the BBK Headers with part number #40050 (ceramic coated)...hoonigan website tell that is a fit for a Hummer H3 but emailing bbk, they say that #40050 (or 4005) are not being tested in a Hummer H3 alpha, so they cannot guarantee direct fitment..

So my question is:

Has anyone installed a BBK Headers on his/her H3 alpha? If not, there is another shorty option out there for the Alphas?

Hope anyone can help me out....after all of these mods I will continue with offroad mods (Front and rear locker oem install, Fox shocks, Outfitter design kits, Tranny cooler, refurbishing every bushing, wheel bearing, etc...)
(Thinking about doing a Thread Build)
Thanks!
Guerrero


The problem doesn't seem to be with shorty-style headers, it's with long tubes. You'll have to go custom or get a set and modify the longtubes to fit. Here are the JBA shorties that I purchased for my in-progress LS3 swap. They fit with no clearance issues evidently. I have a buddy that runs them on his H3 Alpha and have videos of them clearing.

https://pertronixbrands.com/product...v-4-8-5-3-and-07-13-6-0-6-2l-titanium-ceramic
 

Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain
The problem doesn't seem to be with shorty-style headers, it's with long tubes. You'll have to go custom or get a set and modify the longtubes to fit. Here are the JBA shorties that I purchased for my in-progress LS3 swap. They fit with no clearance issues evidently. I have a buddy that runs them on his H3 Alpha and have videos of them clearing.

https://pertronixbrands.com/product...v-4-8-5-3-and-07-13-6-0-6-2l-titanium-ceramic

Thanks so much both of you about answers!!

About the Headers, I only want shorty headers, I dont want to deal with custom long tubes and here in Spain we have problem with inspection going custom

About the JBA shorties, I can see that the primaries seems less in diameter than the BBK ones: https://www.bbkperformance.com/gm-truck-suv-4-8-5-3l-1-3-4-in-shorty-headers-ceramic-99-07.html

So I emailed BBK about some measures to assure fitment, because between cylinder head and steering shaft column we in the alpha only had 4 inches of clearance (is more, but need to be a little separate considering heat and engine movement in offroad and jumps)
Hope they answered me back and will write here when I have a answer!
Thanks! :)
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Thanks so much both of you about answers!!

About the Headers, I only want shorty headers, I dont want to deal with custom long tubes and here in Spain we have problem with inspection going custom

About the JBA shorties, I can see that the primaries seems less in diameter than the BBK ones: https://www.bbkperformance.com/gm-truck-suv-4-8-5-3l-1-3-4-in-shorty-headers-ceramic-99-07.html

So I emailed BBK about some measures to assure fitment, because between cylinder head and steering shaft column we in the alpha only had 4 inches of clearance (is more, but need to be a little separate considering heat and engine movement in offroad and jumps)
Hope they answered me back and will write here when I have a answer!
Thanks! :)

Sounds good, looking forward to hearing the response.
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Thanks so much both of you about answers!!

About the Headers, I only want shorty headers, I dont want to deal with custom long tubes and here in Spain we have problem with inspection going custom

About the JBA shorties, I can see that the primaries seems less in diameter than the BBK ones: https://www.bbkperformance.com/gm-truck-suv-4-8-5-3l-1-3-4-in-shorty-headers-ceramic-99-07.html

So I emailed BBK about some measures to assure fitment, because between cylinder head and steering shaft column we in the alpha only had 4 inches of clearance (is more, but need to be a little separate considering heat and engine movement in offroad and jumps)
Hope they answered me back and will write here when I have a answer!
Thanks! :)


Thinking over it, the difference between the 1 5/8" primaries and the 1 3/4" BBK primaries aren't going to be that drastic between the two. We aren't talking about racecars here, these are heavy girls.

Increasing the diameter would increase airflow and push the power curve slightly to the right. So, we're talking a tiny loss in tq downlow and small gain in hp in the upper rpm band due to less backpressure. Even if BBK doesn't get back to you, I can tell you that for our engines and weight, it probably won't make too much of a difference because you most likely won't be taking full advantage of the increased flow capability by porting heads or adding a cam to fully utilize the additional flow. And most importantly, you probably won't be revving the motor that high, that often in the RPM range to be able to see where the larger diameter primaries truly shine. Just food for thought.

Probably would sound nice though!
 

amrg

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I agree, esp on a 300 hp engine. An aggressive cammed 5.3, a 6.2 or a supercharger setup then maybe it matters.

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Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain
Thinking over it, the difference between the 1 5/8" primaries and the 1 3/4" BBK primaries aren't going to be that drastic between the two. We aren't talking about racecars here, these are heavy girls.

Increasing the diameter would increase airflow and push the power curve slightly to the right. So, we're talking a tiny loss in tq downlow and small gain in hp in the upper rpm band due to less backpressure. Even if BBK doesn't get back to you, I can tell you that for our engines and weight, it probably won't make too much of a difference because you most likely won't be taking full advantage of the increased flow capability by porting heads or adding a cam to fully utilize the additional flow. And most importantly, you probably won't be revving the motor that high, that often in the RPM range to be able to see where the larger diameter primaries truly shine. Just food for thought.

Probably would sound nice though!

Thank you so much GPCalero and amrg for answer!

I agree with you, I think the best route is your JBA Shorty headers, that you refer previously, because BBK responds me yesterday that their headers will not fit as they are 2 inch further in width than oem manifolds (maybe they could fit because in the exactly critical point (steering shaft column) their headers could have enough room....but without any other member testing them, is risky for me to buy those bbk headers, bring them to Spain and try to fit them...

And because of that, and the fact that you perfectly write before about the no problem with primaries, I will go with JBA headers route....but that is only because you have those installed (or a friend) in a 5.3 v8 H3 alpha, and they clear....you can say that 100% sure?? And please, tell me for sure that the part number is the one that you linked before (I dont want to go wrong in selecting the correct headers), could be amazing if you can post the videos of your buddy with those headers in the alpha!

I super appreciate your feedback about this because without your feedback probably I will not consider the JBA headers and they are made of 409 stainless (better than BBK) and finished with ceramic too...so perfect!

Here is a picture about differences between the two (JBA #1850S-2JT (left) and BBK #40050 (Right)):
JBA  vs BBK Headers.jpg
 

amrg

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Keep us posted! A video with the sound after the header instal would be gr8!

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Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Thank you so much GPCalero and amrg for answer!

I agree with you, I think the best route is your JBA Shorty headers, that you refer previously, because BBK responds me yesterday that their headers will not fit as they are 2 inch further in width than oem manifolds (maybe they could fit because in the exactly critical point (steering shaft column) their headers could have enough room....but without any other member testing them, is risky for me to buy those bbk headers, bring them to Spain and try to fit them...

And because of that, and the fact that you perfectly write before about the no problem with primaries, I will go with JBA headers route....but that is only because you have those installed (or a friend) in a 5.3 v8 H3 alpha, and they clear....you can say that 100% sure?? And please, tell me for sure that the part number is the one that you linked before (I dont want to go wrong in selecting the correct headers), could be amazing if you can post the videos of your buddy with those headers in the alpha!

I super appreciate your feedback about this because without your feedback probably I will not consider the JBA headers and they are made of 409 stainless (better than BBK) and finished with ceramic too...so perfect!

Here is a picture about differences between the two (JBA #1850S-2JT (left) and BBK #40050 (Right)):
View attachment 27278

No problem! I will look for them in a little bit and ask for the owner's permission before I post them. But yes, as far as I know, they clear his rig with no issues. Part number looks good, you can get the same part in different material though for cheaper. This one just is better material and ceramic coated.

Even though the headers may clear, I can't be sure if the rest of the stock exhaust will bolt up to them without modification but I will ask. Just a heads up. I will be using these to start building a custom dual exhaust from the headers back.
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Exhaust Porn

Okay here you go boys...

I received permission from the owner, Mitch, to post these. I have a couple more that are really great too, but unfortunately they involve his plate which he doesn't want shared which is understandable. He may even register to contribute in the future.

Fitment vids:



[FONT=&amp]
gxaac1m.mp4

[/FONT]




[FONT=&amp]
VxdLGdb.mp4
[/FONT]




Sound from engine bay, open header:

[FONT=&amp]
7UXJabl.mp4

[/FONT]



No caption necessary :flag:



KFkOpRk.mp4
 

Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain
Okay here you go boys...

I received permission from the owner, Mitch, to post these. I have a couple more that are really great too, but unfortunately they involve his plate which he doesn't want shared which is understandable. He may even register to contribute in the future.

Fitment vids:



[FONT=&amp]
gxaac1m.mp4

[/FONT]




[FONT=&amp]
VxdLGdb.mp4
[/FONT]




Sound from engine bay, open header:

[FONT=&amp]
7UXJabl.mp4

[/FONT]



No caption necessary :flag:



KFkOpRk.mp4


Hey Gpcalero!

Amazing! but....is not possible to see them!!

I dont know what the problem is, but dont even appear the link or whatever....just a empty space where the video should be

Thanks!!
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Hey Gpcalero!

Amazing! but....is not possible to see them!!

I dont know what the problem is, but dont even appear the link or whatever....just a empty space where the video should be

Thanks!!

Interesting... I can't see them at work or on the Tapatalk app but when I go to the website on my phone or computer I can see them. Can anybody else see them? Or have issues viewing them?

Thanks
 

Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain

Interesting... I can't see them at work or on the Tapatalk app but when I go to the website on my phone or computer I can see them. Can anybody else see them? Or have issues viewing them?

Thanks

I checked in differents platforms and cannot see them either :/

Its a link of youtube or a video uploaded to the forum?

Thanks again, Gpcalero!
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
JBA Shorty Headers Fitment & Sound Clips --- FIXED

Sorry guys, I'm not sure why they don't want to show so here's the tried and true method with YouTube...

I received permission from the owner, Mitch, to post these. I have a couple more that are really great too, but unfortunately they involve his plate which he doesn't want shared which is understandable. He may even register to contribute in the future.

Fitment vids:


[video=youtube_share;7tQR4K25IME]https://youtu.be/7tQR4K25IME[/video]


[video=youtube_share;EmBFWAWGDMg]https://youtu.be/EmBFWAWGDMg[/video]



Sound from engine bay, open header:

[video=youtube_share;QkPZZU00xS8]https://youtu.be/QkPZZU00xS8[/video]




No caption necessary :flag:


[video=youtube_share;xNU1Xw-948o]https://youtu.be/xNU1Xw-948o[/video]




Let me know if you guys can see them this time!
 

Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain
Sorry guys, I'm not sure why they don't want to show so here's the tried and true method with YouTube...

I received permission from the owner, Mitch, to post these. I have a couple more that are really great too, but unfortunately they involve his plate which he doesn't want shared which is understandable. He may even register to contribute in the future.

Fitment vids:


[video=youtube_share;7tQR4K25IME]https://youtu.be/7tQR4K25IME[/video]


[video=youtube_share;EmBFWAWGDMg]https://youtu.be/EmBFWAWGDMg[/video]



Sound from engine bay, open header:

[video=youtube_share;QkPZZU00xS8]https://youtu.be/QkPZZU00xS8[/video]




No caption necessary :flag:


[video=youtube_share;xNU1Xw-948o]https://youtu.be/xNU1Xw-948o[/video]




Let me know if you guys can see them this time!

Yes!! Now I can see them without problem!
I can see too that is a direct bolt on mod, because clear perfectly fine in the steering shaft column area, so perfect! Thank you so much Gpcalero!
I am going to order them right now, the JBA 1850S-2JT, with titanium ceramic
I suppose that is a direct bolt on with stock cats too :/

Thanks!
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Yes!! Now I can see them without problem!
I can see too that is a direct bolt on mod, because clear perfectly fine in the steering shaft column area, so perfect! Thank you so much Gpcalero!
I am going to order them right now, the JBA 1850S-2JT, with titanium ceramic
I suppose that is a direct bolt on with stock cats too :/

Thanks!

No problem buddy!

So again, I'm not 100% sure that they will bolt up to the rest of the stock exhaust without modification yet. But it might. I still need to clear that up with Mitch who is the one that has them. But so far, I know that they will clear everything and exit cleanly which is a big win.

Looking forward to hearing your rig with them!
 

Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain
Well finally have a conclussion about the JBA Headers, and its NOT (I was advised from you Gpcalero, so thanks again) a direct bolt on....it needs a lot of modification in both sides, passenger side need the Catalytic converter pipe to be shorter and lowered (with modification, cutting and adapting), but the worst is driver side....its almost touching the steering column...so need to be bent the primaries of the cylinder 2 and 3 in order to allow enough distance to be safe about movements...(engine movement, body movement and frame movement interact together), and the end of the Headers is completely turn compared to the OEM manifold, and is a lot lower, more than 1 inch....so needs to be modify the Headers in driver's side and both catalytic converter pipes in both sides..

Hope this help others out...

I think I am going to try and modify everything because its already bought the Headers....but is a lot of work and modifications
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Well finally have a conclussion about the JBA Headers, and its NOT (I was advised from you Gpcalero, so thanks again) a direct bolt on....it needs a lot of modification in both sides, passenger side need the Catalytic converter pipe to be shorter and lowered (with modification, cutting and adapting), but the worst is driver side....its almost touching the steering column...so need to be bent the primaries of the cylinder 2 and 3 in order to allow enough distance to be safe about movements...(engine movement, body movement and frame movement interact together), and the end of the Headers is completely turn compared to the OEM manifold, and is a lot lower, more than 1 inch....so needs to be modify the Headers in driver's side and both catalytic converter pipes in both sides..

Hope this help others out...

I think I am going to try and modify everything because its already bought the Headers....but is a lot of work and modifications


Guerrero! Funny that you had an update for us because I was going to post up an update as well lol. I am a little upset to hear that you stated that you need to modify the headers, that's not what I wanted to hear at all :(

I realized that I never followed up with clarity on it bolting up with Mitch. Sorry about that. I just messaged him and he stated that they will not bolt up to the stock cat/down pipes right off of the stock header, which is what I suspected might be the case (and mentioned above) and we were prepared for. He mentioned that he had to get custom pipes made for the short section from the header flanges to fit to the rest of the stock exhaust. He deleted his cats. Which is fine for me since I'm going full custom anyways.

But he said that his headers fit with no issues by themselves so I'm not sure why yours would be any different? Only thing he had to change was the abs sensors, he flipped the plate for clearance. Other than that, he said his steering shaft was close but didn't rub.


Hoping I don't run into any issues. I just got mine last night! I know the titanium ceramic were on back order for us, I think they overestimated the timeframe for you since we basically got them at the same time lol. Will post up pics tonight.
 

zebra

Well-Known Member
Messages
115
Location
cold & windy
i honestly don't see why people bother with shorties on LS engines... the last 20yrs of testing has shown there just ain't enough more flow over an LS exhaust manifold to justify the cost & hassle involved (especially if it don't bolt right up).

old SBC manifolds - sure, shorties help - but LS moves decent air until you get into long tube territory
 

Guerrero

Well-Known Member
Messages
124
Location
Spain
i honestly don't see why people bother with shorties on LS engines... the last 20yrs of testing has shown there just ain't enough more flow over an LS exhaust manifold to justify the cost & hassle involved (especially if it don't bolt right up).

old SBC manifolds - sure, shorties help - but LS moves decent air until you get into long tube territory

The answer to that question is pretty easy...pass inspection and emissions where one lives

Here in Spain I though that Inspection would be a problem, but since there isnt almost any alphas here, I will delete first catalytic converters (mine are clogged) and let only the rear ones, then put non foulers to rear o2 sensor and call it a day

Maybe If I started from beginning I would choose long tube knowing what I know right now, but hey, this is knowledge to the Forum and investigation to others, not bad

Guerrero
 

Gpcalero

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Location
SW Florida
Any update? Looking to upgrade my headers which one produces the best performance? My Alpha 5.3L is cammed and tuned by the way.


I installed mine. There were no clearance issues (for me) with the headers mentioned above and the frame.

I did have to cut the "stock" exhaust back about a foot on each side and fab them to the new header exit locations though.
 
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