Ok, so here we are, smack dab in the middle of our lowered suspension special issue and we've got a 4x4 Hummer H3 Alpha with enough ground clearance to straddle your average mini truck. What gives? Well, man cannot live on lowered suspensions alone, and when it comes time to back down a slippery launch ramp you'll need all the traction you can get. When Vortec Engines was planning the build of their truck and boat combo, they knew they wanted to keep the music and fun going from the road to the water, and they wanted to do it all on a reasonable budget. That's right, no 1,000hp cigar boats here.
Since the goal for the duo was to enhance the looks without impeding the function, the H3 received a host of IAG billet accessories, including door handles, marker bezels, and a hood vent panel. Lighting upgrades include HID headlights and foglights, Euro corner lenses, and smoked taillights. All of the bolt-ons were applied over a three-tone paintjob with black on the bottom, green on the pillars, and a broad silver stripe in between. The final touch was a set of 22-inch Helo HE835 wheels and 305/45R22 Nitto Dune Grapplers for all-season and all-terrain traction.
Because the H3 started its life as an Alpha, it was already equipped with an Eaton electric locking rear differential and a 300hp 5.3L Vortec V-8. Definitely potent enough for towing the Lund 1700 and launching it without any drama, but House of Boost had other ideas. A Procharger supercharger and IAG dual exhaust vastly increased the breathing, and with it, the power of the V-8. You'll hardly even notice whatever you've got hitched up behind.Inside the Hummer is an upscale interior with a suede headliner, black and silver leather Katzkin seats, and IAG stainless steel trim. The driver gets the vital information from the supercharger via Prosport gauges in the center of the dash, while the main gauge cluster got an upgrade from US Speedo. Also at the driver's disposal is an audio system headed by a Clarion touchscreen unit in the dash that controls Rockford Fosgate components and the twin 10-inch Rockford Fosgate subs in an inconspicuous enclosure in the cargo area.
The Lund 1700 Pro Sport was given a matching paint job and its trailer was upgraded with matching Helo wheels and Nitto Dune Grapplers. Like the H3, the Lund is capped with a black rack, this time it serves double-duty to mount rodholders as well as its original function as a wakeboard tower. A MerCruiser Vazer stern drive, powered by a compact 1.6L Vortec four-cylinder, allows for more cargo and passenger room because it's canted 50-degrees to the port side. Think of it as a slant 4. The efficient engine is good for 100 hp and weights under 400 pounds, almost 175 pounds lighter than a Mercury 90hp outboard. Combine the light, nimble boat with Garmin electronics, and the fish have nowhere to hide. When the fishing is done, a Rockford Fosgate audio system keeps the excitement going all the way back to the dock.