GM may have decided to stop producing the Hummer in early 2010 due to diminishing consumer interest, but it’s still a great base for a custom SUV. The Hummer is widely loved for its size and fuel-mileage-be-damned attitude and is a favorite among buyers who want to make a big impression in traffic. It also takes well to customizing, thanks to its aggressive, military-inspired styling and proportions.
Install larger wheels and tires. The H2 already comes with some pretty generously sized wheels, but installing aftermarket rims is one of the first steps that many owners take when modifying their Hummers. Stallion Customs (see Resources 1) offers a line of larger alloys designed to work well on the Hummer lineup. You can get the larger tires you will need for the wheels from a variety of sources, including the Tire Rack and Discount Tires.
Have a body shop apply a custom paint job. This is one of the most expensive paths to customizing an H2, but a custom paint job is also one of the most effective methods of making your Hummer stand out from the other examples roaming the streets. From lime green Hummers to Hummers with wild tribal graphics emblazoned on their flanks, when it comes to a paint job, the only obstacles are your wallet and your imagination.
Customize the interior. No custom is complete without a redone interior, and an individualized H2 is no exception. Somo (see Resources 2) offers a selection of billet aluminum interior accessories that can replace everything from the window switches to the stock pedal pads and which will brighten up the interior considerably. Beyond that, a custom stereo is another common addition. While you’re at it, have a DVD system installed for the back seat occupants.
Modify the engine for more horsepower. Here, you can start by installing a more free-flowing exhaust system, which will help your H2 sound better and make more horsepower and torque. Combine that with a cold air intake and reprogrammed ECU (engine control unit). For the truly power hungry, there’s only one real solution, and that is forced induction via supercharging. Magnacharger (see Resources 3) offers a bolt-on supercharger that will add about 120 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque to the H2’s motor.
