(FAQ)

 

Acknowledgements Legal mumbo-jumbo Frequently Asked Questions The (in)famous Dealer Warranty Checklist Engine specifications Upgrade Sources Videos and Information Packets Posters and other Merchandise Clubs, Owner's/enthusiasts Groups

Kind stuff we want to say

First of all, a BIG thanks to Mike Jeffers. Without his Web site and disk space, you wouldn't be reading this page.

A just-as-big thanks to the members of the Syclone/Typhoon mailing list. Without them this document would not have been possible.

Legal stuff we have to say

This page was generated from the "official" Syclone/Typhoon mailing lists's FAQ, which is (c) 1994 Scott "Digger" Bartholomay, All Rights Reserved.
Further updates and revisements by Mike Kutchey and Richard Tomlinson.
No commercial reprint without permission from the author(s).

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

• So what's a Syclone anyway?


The GMC Syclone is a turbocharged, AWD pickup truck that has the distinction of being the quickest and fastest truck ever produced. They were manufactured by Production Automotive Services, Inc (PAS), who also did the '89 Turbo Trans Am.



• Oh, yeah, that's that nasty little truck with the Buick GN motor.


Not quite. The Syclone has a 4.3L Vortec (Same motor as the Chevy) V-6 that pumps out 280 HP in stock form. The Syclone has a liquid- cooled intercooler, whereas the Buick's is air cooled. The Buick also has Sequential fuel injection, the Syclone has multi-port. Although unconfirmed, there has been talk on the mailing list that the actual horsepower rating of the Syclone engine is 330; however due to the 280 HP rating of the transmission, the lesser figure was used in promotions. But, as mentioned, no data or evidence can support this theory.

• Ok, so what's a Typhoon then?


The Typhoon is essentialy the same chassis/powertrain, but with the "Jimmy" (Blazer) bodystyle. It's also a little more plush than a Sy, with leather seats, power mirrors, and nicer interior trimmings, such as a CD player. They also had a rear air-ride suspension to take some of the harshness out of the road bumps. The Typhoon seats five, whereas the Sy will only seat two (but the Sy has more cargo space!).

Interior of Syclone

Interior of Typhoon

• There weren't very many of them made, were there?


Nope, only 2998 '91 Sys were built, 2500 '92 Tys and 2200 '93 Tys.

• Weren't there some '92 Syclones built?


There were only 3. One is reported to be in a museum in Michgan, and the whereabouts of the others are currently unknown. Two have been confirmed to be white with gray cladding, and the third black. The black '92 Syclone is visible in several magazine publications. In addition, there have been unconfirmed reports of one 1992 green Syclone which was used in crash testing, however without any proof (at this time), nothing more can really be said. You can distinguish the '92s by looking for an "X" shaped steering wheel and the power mirrors that the Ty had. Click on the link above to view the history of all known Syclones (and Typhoons).

• What about 1991 Typhoons?


Only Four. These were sold from the PAS showroom floor when PAS went out of business; each are salvage titles. The color schemes are Black with Gray cladding, Aspen Blue with Gray cladding (with a cloth interior), White with Black cladding, and Black without any cladding. The Blue one was the Typhoon that was featured in Lethal Weapon III for a brief 3 seconds. The Black/Gray Typhoon is currently in Bloomfield Hills, MI; the Blue Typhoon was in Lansing, MI with only 500 miles on the odometer; but it's current whereabouts is unknown.
 
 

• I've only seen black Syclones, but I see a bunch of different color Typhoons. What's the deal?


The only color Sys came in from the factory was black. GMC used 2 white ones in some of their promotional events, but they were custom painted by an outside party. The Typhoons came in many colors, including Apple Red, Royal Blue, Forest Green, White, Black, and sort of a Teal Green color that was said to have been applied to only a few units. Click on the history section for more in-depth information on color combinations.



• I heard something about some "Marlboro Syclones". What's up there?


Marlboro Cigarettes purchased 10 Sys for a promotional gimmick in which they raffled off 10 customized Sys to folks who sent in a card. The customizations were done by Larry Shinoda (Corvette and Boss 302 Mustang designer) with the help of the American Sunroof Corporation (ASC). They had T-tops, Recaro seats with 5-pt. racing harnesses, a electric slide-down rear window, CD changer, and a fiberglass tonneau cover. They were painted bright red. Current asking price for these is around $50K, and when new they were appraised at $100K. Horsepower on these were a reported 325. A couple pictures of these can be viewed by clicking here or here.

• So what did a normal Sy/Ty cost?


The Sy's sticker was from $25,970 to $26,120. The Ty cost $29,530 to $29,790 in '92 and $29,320 to $29,580 in '93. Used, the Sy can run from about $15K to about $23K. The Ty goes for $20K to $28K used. Prices of course depend on the truck's mileage, condition, etc. Check out the Trucks for Sale for some current Syclones and Typhoons for sale.

• I heard something about a Syclone being able to beat a Ferrari. True?


True. In 1/4 mile tests done by Car and Driver and other mags, the Syclone would beat a Ferrari 348ts. The Syclone would also win the 0-60 battle too. The computer in the Sy limits it to 126 MPH, whereas the 348 would go 166. One such test occurred in Colorado at the Bandimere Speedway near Emich GMC. The dealership pitted the Syclone vs. the Ferrari Testarossa, with a 385-horsepower boxer 12-cylinder engine, and in two 1/4 mile test, the GMC Syclone won hands down both times. The ET was 14 seconds flat but it has to be noted that Bandimere is located at an elevationof 5,800 feet.

• I heard that a Syclone went 200 mph at Bonneville?


Yep. A specially prepared Sy reached a top speed of 210.069 with a flying mile average of 204.145, on Sept 14, 1990. However, the Syclone Land Speed Record (LSR) was a bored-out 4.3L to a 5.0L normally aspirated engine. Horsepower was 545 with similar Torque figures.

• So, how quick is the Sy/Ty?


Really quick. To be more specific, stock Syclones will run from 13.4 to 14.3 in the 1/4 mile, and Typhoons will run from 13.8 to 14.7, depending on the day's weather and the tuning of the vehicle. 0-60 Times for the Syclone and Typhoon vary from 5.0 to 5.5 seconds. These kind of times made the Syclone and Typhoon the fastest production trucks in the world. They handle pretty good too, pulling about .8 g on the skidpad.

• I heard they come standard with ABS. True?


Yep, it's a three channel, 4WABS.

• What's a Sy/Ty weigh?


Curb weight for the Syclone is about 3500, for the Typhoon it's about 3800 pounds.

• Was a manual transmission an option?


Nope. The only transmission available is the TH700-R4 4-spd Automatic. This transmission is the same as found in the Chevrolet Corvette. Gear ratios are as follows:

• 1st 3.06
• 2nd 1.63
• 3rd 1.00
• 4th 0.70
• Final drive ratio is 3.42.
• What kind of gas milage do they get?


The Sy was EPA rated at 14/17, and the Ty at 15/19 miles per gallon.

• I need new tires. What should I get?


Consensus on the net seems to be the Goodyear GSC 245/50s. Dunlop D40M2s have also been rumored to be a good tire. Discussions are ongoing as to which is the "best" tire, and a better answer will be submitted here soon.

• Didn't GMC have a Drag Racing promotion a while back?


Yes, the Syclone Drag Challenge was a travelling show that pitted a spectator from the crowd vs. Don "the Snake" Prudehomme. Both Competitors got equally prepared white Syclones. No, you didn't get one if you won. GMC also put on the "GMC Truck Sport Machines Performance Challenge" which was a promotional gimmick that allowed selected prospective buyers to Take a ride with a professional driver in a Typhoon and then take a crack at the road course themselves in a Syclone. These Syclones have been found out to be specially modified S-10's with "Syclone" internals; their location has been rumored to be in California with one in Michigan.



• Is PAS (Production Automotive Systems) still in business?


Nope. Once based in Troy, MI, PAS went out of business shortly after GM failed to renew their contract. Much of this was due to the issues of electric vehicles GM had to face, not to mention the fact that the Syclone and Typhoon were poorly marketed. The Syclone and Typhoon were intended to be limited vehicles; however, there were plans for the Syclone to be made yearly with a production of roughly 15,000 per year. When PAS went out of business, their "showroom" stock of prototype Syclones and Typhoons were sold to the public, which included the four 1991 prototype Typhoons.

• I heard Clint Eastwood has a Typhoon. True?


True. In fact, rumor has it that he has three of them. Below is a small listing of "famous" people that are proud owners of either a Syclone or Typhoon:

• Late Bill Bixby - Black Typhoon
• Tim Allen - Typhoon
• Eddie Van Halen - Syclone
• Jay Leno - Syclone
• John F. Kennedy Jr. - Typhoon (Stolen and recovered in 1997 by New Jersy police)
• Randy Travis - Syclone
• Clint Eastwood - 93 Typhoon Green/Silver skirts
• Shawn Kemp (Seattle Super Sonics) - Typhoon
• Stephan Johannson (Indy Racer) - Typhoon
• Ken Griffey, Jr. - Typhoon
• Latrell Sprewell - Typhoon
• Royce Clayton (St. Louis Cardinals) Typhoon black.
• Bubba McDowell (Houston Oilers) Midnight blue Typhoon.
• Keenan McCartle (Cleveland Browns) White '93 Ty. Runs High 12s.
• Where can I find a copy of the definition for the ALDL scan data format?


This is GM proprietary information, and they're not telling. You can always try to reverse engineer it, but informed sources tell us it's difficult. The Sy/Ty uses a P4 ECM, FYI.

• If I modify my Sy/Ty, will it void the warranty?


Depends on what you modify. The following is the actual list of things dealers are supposed to check.

The (in)famous Dealer Warranty Checklist

If you plan on modifying your GMC Sport Machine and your vehicle is still covered by the factory warranty, here are a few things that your dealer may check to determine if you have been abusing your vehicle.

                TAMPERING/OVERBOOST CHECK LIST
                        SYCLONE/TYPHOON

VIN #           CASE #                  DEALER CODE

-Does vehicle have complete exhaust system?
-Is boost control system intact with clamps?
-Is ECM label intact?
-ECM Label Number?
-Is Prom ID Number 3051, 3961, or 3971?
-Does wastegate still have original retainer?
-Is wastegate adjustment at 7/8 hole?
-Is wastegate sticky?
-Does vehicle have stock fuel pressure regulator?
-Does vehicle have stock air filter?
-Are ECM wires under dash pinched or broken?
-Is timing set at 0 degrees?
-Has vehicle been lowered?
-How much fuel is in vehicle?
-Does wastegate actuator hold 10 psi?
-Does wastegate solenoid have 12v w/key on?
-Is wastegate harness elbow bottomed on turbo charger?

        Return fax to GMC Techncal Assistance

The above answers are faxed to GM where it is kept on their computer as reference.

Engine Specifications

Here's the master spec sheet from the manuals:

GENERAL

Type:             V6
Disp.:            262 C.I. (4.3L)
Horsepower:       280 BHP @ 4400 (Syclone) 285 BHP @4400 (Typhoon)
Torque:           350 lb-ft @ 3600 (Syclone) 350 lb-ft @ 3600 (Typhoon)
RPO:              LB4
Bore:             4.00
Stroke:           3.48
Comp. Ratio:      8.35:1
Firing Order:     1-6-5-4-3-2
Oil Pres. (Min)   6 psi@ 1000 RPM, 18 psi@ 2000 RPM, 24 psi@ 4000 RPM

CYLINDER BORE:

Diameter:         3.9995-40025
Out of
Round:            .001 (production) .002 (service)
Taper:            .001

PISTONS:

Clearance: .0015-.0030
PISTON RING: Compression: Groove Clearance: .0012-.0032 Gap: .010-.020 (top) .010-.025 (2nd) Oil: GC: .002-.007 Gap: .015-.055 PISTON PIN: Diam: .9270-.9273 Piston Clearance: .0002-.0007 Rod Fit: .0008-.0016 Interference

CRANKSHAFT:

MAIN JOURNAL: Diam: #1 2.4484-2.4493
#2 #3 2.4481-2.4490
#4 2.4479-2.4488
Taper: .001 max
Out of Round: .001 max
MAIN BRG. CLEARANCE: #1 .0010-.0015 #2#3 .0010-.0025 #4 .0025-.0035
CRANK END PLAY: .002-.006
CRANKPIN: Diam: 2.2487-2.2497
Taper: .001 max
OOR: .001 max
ROD CLEARANCE: .0013-0030
SIDE CLEARANCE: .006-.014

CAMSHAFT:

LIFT +- .002 Intake .357 Exhaust .390 Journal Diam: 1.8682-1.8692 End Play .004 -.012

VALVE SYSTEM:

Lifter Hydraulic Rocker ratio 1.5:1
Lash Adj. One turn down from zero Face Angle 45 deg.
Seat Angle 46 deg.
Runout .002 max
Seat Width 1/16 to 1/32 Stem clearance .0010-.0028 Spring length 2.03 Valve Spring Pres. 76-84 lbs @ 1.70 in Closed 194-206 lbs @ 1.25 in
Open Installed height 1 23/32"
Valve Spring Damper: Free Length 1.86 # coils 4

Upgrade Sources

Here's a list of suppliers, in no particular order.

Rockford Racecraft Rockford, IL (815) 874-7223 (815) 231-0135 (voice mail pager) Guy Reffett is an ATR dealer and list member Lambert Buick-GMC 2409 Front Street Cuyahoga Fall, OH 44221 (800) 711-2793 (330) 923-9771 (330) 923-9018 ISTA has arranged for special pricing on GM parts. Contact Dal Slabaugh for details. Applied Technologies and Research, Inc (ATR) 17040 S. Hwy 11 Fair Play, SC 29643 (864) 972 3800 (864) 972 4900 FAX Art Carr Performance Products 10575 Bechler River Ave Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 962-6655 Conley's Performance Plus 1327 S. Houston Ave Humble, TX 77338 (281) 540-3278 Duttweiler Performance 1565 Los Angeles St. Saticoy, CA 93004 (805) 659-3648 Dynotech 1635 Northwood Drive Troy, MI 48084 (248) 362-2777 Kenne-Bell Performance 10743 Bell Ct. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 941-6646 Mechtech Motorsports 1277 Simpson Wy. Escondido, CA 92025 (619) 432-0555

Suspension Techniques 13546 Vintage Pl. Chino, CA 91710 (209) 266-9173 Turbonetics 650 Flinn Ave Suite 6 Moorpark, CA 93021 (805) 529-8995 Turbo City 1137 Katella Orange, CA 92667 (714) 639-4933 Howie Performance Groveport, OH (614) 836-9730 Precision Turbo (708) 418-5227 Christopher Barzman c/o Ferocious Racing 7760 Balboa Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 901-1775 chrisbar@mail.idt.net

• Graphik Concepts

(800) 472-8990

 They are the official OEM supplier of Sy/Ty window graphics

• Luxxus Covers

(800) 284-2142
Specializing in Tonneau Covers
• Helm Service Publications

(800) 782-4356 or (800) 551-4123
For Syclone / Typhoon Service Manuals
• Rim & Wheel Works,Inc. Mark A.Moran

1151 Walnut Street
Newton, MA 02161
(617) 964-0226
(800) 261-0495

Rim/Wheel straightening and repair for cars, most Pick-up Trucks and Vans. Steel, Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy.

For replacement engine parts, body cladding, etc., contact

• Ray Moore (831) 476-7643 between 6pm and 9pm PST.


Also look at SY/Ty merchandise for prices on Sy/Ty parts.

Videos and Informational Packets

Videos!

Syclone and Typhoon Informational Packets!

To obtain a HUGE (about 450 pages) informational packet of Syclone and Typhoon documentation, contact Alex Green. For a price of $45.00, the packet contains information on Syclones, Typhoons, Sonomas, Kenne-Bell newsletters, newspaper press releases, and magazine reprints. Alex will kindly photocopy the entire packet and mail it off to you. Send your letters to:

Alex C. Green

419 Briar Creek Drive

Hockessin, DE 19707-1412

All orders will be processed immediately on a first come, first served basis and will be shipped out within two or three days of receipt of payment, depending on Alex's busy schedule.
 

Posters and Miscellaneous Merchandise

There have been a few posters and other merchandise made of the Syclone and Typhoon. Here is as complete of a listing as possible regarding this merchandise.

Posters

Pegasus III Prototype Syclone Syclone Land Speed Record - A Pic of the LSR Sy, with Record Times (2 or 3 Different) 1991 Syclone Dealership 22X30 Photo, showing a Syclone on a reddish background - made from a hard cardboard stock. 1991 Syclone Intercool Poster 1991 Syclone Press Release, 8.5x11 b&w glossy photo with spec sheet 1991 Syclone Promotional Pamphlet, folds out into a poster (2 different versions) 1991(2?) Indy Poster; Features a '91 Syclone with the NHRA Schedule on the Side 1992 Syclone Dealership Poster 1992 Typhoon Dealership Poster 1992 Indy Typhoon Pace Truck Lithograph 24x36, featuring the Indy Dates 1992-3 Typhoon Promotional Pamphlet, folds out into a poster w/ specifications 1993 Typhoon Dealer Poster

Replica Models

Lindberg 1/20th Scale Plastic Revell 1/25th Scale Plastic Both are no longer in production.

Electric R/C Vehicle

Http://www.towerhobbies.com/listelec.html For ~$50, a Syclone body and rolling chassis is available.

Merchandise

Jacket - White Golf Shirt - Black Quilted Jacket - White Keychains Hat Pins Hats T-Shirts - Ash, White, or Black License Plates Fanny Packs Gym Bags 1992 Syclone Floor Mats Syclone Gym Shoes (Embroidered insignia on side) Clockwise Wall Clocks There are a few (L only) Syclone golf shirts left, plus a few Syclone and Typhoon hat pins and key chains. In addition, 'Clockwise' wall clocks have been newly added. Contact Curtis Clark for prices and availability of the shirts, pins, and key chains; phone and address is listed below. For the clocks, use this link for more information, including images of the clocks. Note that these are the only merchandise that is left!

Curtis Clark

(512) 883-1585 Phone

(512) 883-3711 FAX

P.O. Box 6467

Corpus Christi, TX 78466-6467

Sy/Ty Clubs and owner's/enthusiasts groups

This is a (rather small) list of the somewhat organized groups of GMC Sport Machine lovers. If you know of any other groups, please inform the management at your leisure.

• There is a mailing list for those with access to electronic mail. Folks exchange information about various Sy/Ty topics, from performance/racing to stereo systems and cosmetic improvements.
• A Quarterly newsletter for Syclones, Typhoons, GN's, and Turbo TA's can be subscribed to. 1 year (4 issues) is $20.00; 2 years (8 issues) is $36.00. For more information, contact Curtis Clark at the Winstorm Advisor.

 

 

Curtis Clark
Winstorm Advisor
(512) 883-1585 Phone
(512) 883-3711 FAX
P.O. Box 6467
Corpus Christi, TX 78466-6467