Re: (long) Homemade Syclone

[Dan Estes <dan@icct.net>]

I hear they're pretty good with mustangs, but don't trust them with your Sy/Ty,
if my experience is any indication.  If you want to hear about my 6-month ordeal
with them I'll email you privately because it's just too long to post to the
list.
RPM Performance is located at:
2627 So. Shaver in Pasadena, TX

Flinn, Mike wrote:

> I live in Houston and am interested in what you said about RPM ...
>
> Can you provide a street address for RPM so I can tell exactly who you are
> talking about?
>
> Mike Flinn
> Voyager Fleet Systems
> 281-754-1509
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Dan Estes [SMTP:dan@icct.net]
> > Sent: Monday, June 29, 1998 7:53 PM
> > To:   Bill Harrison; SY/TY List
> > Subject:      Re:(long) Homemade Syclone
> >
> > Bill,
> >
> > I'm with you.  I love the syclones and typhoons.  They are an amazing feat
> > considering that next to zero of the parts were ever intended to be used
> > in a
> > high-performance application, but when combined, make one mean ride.
> > Sometimes,
> > chemistry takes second place to alchemy.  I no longer own one of these
> > machines.  My syclone fell prey to poor workmanship by a race-shop who
> > failed to
> > make good on their word.  I blew a whole in a piston due to detonation and
> > took
> > it to RPM Performance in Houston, Texas. Several thousand dollars and a
> > few
> > months into a black hole to make my Sy slower (yes, it actually ran better
> > with
> > a dinked piston).  As my only means of transport, and no money to make it
> > right,
> > I had to sell it.  I've sued them and won, but now comes the long process
> > of
> > trying to collect.
> >     I share the experience for two reasons: 1) don't go to RPM Performance
> > with
> > your Sy/Ty's.  2) There's a lot to be said for doing it yourself.
> >     Although great machines, and the most fun I've experienced by far,
> > mine was
> > a constant battle to keep on the road performing as it should
> > have.....very much
> > unlike other high-performance vehicles I've had experience with (Buick
> > Turbo T,
> > Firebird Formula, for example.)  Before I buy another one, I will try to
> > build
> > my own as well.  There was an article in Hot Rod (I think, maybe Super
> > Chevy) a
> > few years ago about a prototype that Chevrolet built around the same time
> > GMC
> > was working on the Syclone.  It was an AWD S-10 with a SB V8 using
> > off-the-shelf
> > parts from other GM vehicles.  The article highlighted many of the parts
> > used.
> > I then dreamed of building my own.  This time I probably will.  I will
> > find that
> > article for you and try to find someone who can scan it in for me so you
> > can
> > check it out, too.
> >     Also, you're not bothering me with your questions.  I'll only rarely
> > have
> > the answers, but when I do, I'll tell you what I can.
> >
> > Later,
> > Dan Estes
> >
> > Bill Harrison wrote:
> >
> > > >You are NOT going to be able to piece one together for your low budget.
> > > >The engine is NOT a standard 4.3.  The turbo engine has heavy duty main
> > > >caps, different head gaskets, etc.  The intake stuff alone is over
> > $3000.
> > > >Turbo $650. Intercooler $900  I'm sorry but if you don't have the money
> > and
> > > >a lot of knowlege you just can't play.   Why do you think they cost
> > over
> > > >$10,000 more than a standard truck in the first place? The body
> > cladding is
> > > >over $3000.
> > > >       I am afraid you have not even scratched the surface when it
> > comes to
> > > >the parts needed.  I haven't been able to figure it all out and I OWN
> > > >ONE!!!!
> > > >       Please don't bother us with your questions;  I for one will not
> > > >respond to you.  I'm NOT trying to be mean;  I think your only viable
> > > >alternative is to find one used and if you buy a used up POS you will
> > be
> > > >sorry.  Buy a BUICK instead;  they last longer and go a lot faster with
> > > >fewer headaches.
> > >
> > >     I appreciate your comments,  however, I did not know that asking
> > > questions pertaining to a sy/ty on a sy/ty list was bothering someone.
> > If I
> > > had realized that, I never would have posted.  I apologize.  (NOT!!!)
> > >
> > >     Really, Gm is very good at cross platforming.  Just look at the
> > Chevy
> > > Cavalier/ Pontiac Sunbird/ Buick Skylark/ Cadillac Cimmaron/ Oldsmobile
> > > firenza.  All basically the same car.  It is just too expensive to make
> > a
> > > custom limited edition car from the ground up.  The longer the assembly
> > line
> > > stays the same, the cheaper it is to produce.  Everywhere it branches,
> > it
> > > gets more expensive.
> > >
> > >     I could never build and EXACT syclone duplicate, nor would I try.
> > As
> > > you said, it would get rediculously expensive.  But, if I could get
> > close, I
> > > would be happy.  It probably would be possible to get the engine/ wiring
> > > harness for 1000-1200 dollars, a tranny for about 800, shove it all in a
> > > rear wheel drive beater, lay on some huge rear tires, and go fast.  For
> > that
> > > matter, I could just shove in a built 350, and leave it at that.  But,
> > the
> > > turbo appeals to me, thats what I like.
> > >
> > >     As you said, why not just buy one already made?  Why not just buy a
> > > sy/ty with all the mods done, running 10's, in mint condition.  One
> > reason
> > > is money, and another reason, is I for one get a certain satisfaction
> > from
> > > doing something myself.  Sure, if I had plenty of money, I would buy a
> > > Porsche 911 AWD twin turbo, and run 11.9 stock.  But would I truly
> > > appreciate it as much as if i poured my own sweat into it, and made it
> > fast?
> > > I for one would rather drive something I worked on myself, and built
> > myself.
> > >
> > >     I'm NOT trying to be mean, I'm just letting you know where I am
> > coming
> > > from.
> > >
> > > Bill Harrison
> > > Mazdaguy@Lek.net
> > > 86 Mazda  Rx-7 turbo (which I hand built from the wrecking yards)
> >
> >