Throwback Thursday: Appreciating the 1991 GMC Syclone and a look at a tuned example putting out 617 lb-ft of torque at all four wheels

[Sticky]

The GMC Syclone along with the Typhoon SUV were ahead of their time. Way, way ahead of their time. It can be argued that GM has yet to produce a better sport truck than the 1991 all wheel drive V6 twin turbocharged Syclone. You may think this is exaggeration but back in 1991 the truck was famously put up against a Ferrari 348ts in a comparison and it gave the Ferrari all it could muster.

I was just a kid at the time but I remember going for a test drive in a Typhoon with my dad. I had no idea what the hell the thing was. All I remember is the salesman accelerating and it pinned me to the back seat like nothing I had ever experienced to that point. My father did not know what to think either other than it was not for him. It took a special kind of person to want one of these 4.3 liter twin turbo 280 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque stoplight monsters. Suffice it to say, they did not exactly fly off dealer lots and the Syclone only was produced for a year.

The Syclone and Typhoon have gained a cult following since then though and for good reason. The LB4 V6 is very, very tuneable. Just take a look at this example below pushing 356 horsepower and 617 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels courtesy of 21 psi of boost from a 64mm turbocharger and meth injection.

Awesome? You bet it's awesome. It's absolutely absurd. It makes you wonder why GM has not been able to build a more impressive sport truck and sport SUV since.

It's unfortunate that GM peaked well before the turbo tuning crazy hit. Just bad timing but they deserve all the respect in the world for building this beast.

[fieldysnuts8]

Both the Cyclone and the Typhoon were beasts. I suspect unmolested examples will start to appreciate a-la Buick Grand Nationals.

I guess the question becomes, would you rather buy one of these or a Grand National? I think I'd rather have a Typhoon.

[onisyndicate]

Grand nationals are beasts. Beat the ZR1 corvette of its time. It'd be a tough decision but id take the national over the cyclone.

[Sticky]

Both the Cyclone and the Typhoon were beasts. I suspect unmolested examples will start to appreciate a-la Buick Grand Nationals.

I guess the question becomes, would you rather buy one of these or a Grand National? I think I'd rather have a Typhoon.

Syclone with an 'S' damn it. WITH AN S!!!

You are definitely right on the appreciation factor. I kind of want one myself. Maybe it finally is time to ditch the Frontier? Maybe.

[Sticky]

Grand nationals are beasts. Beat the ZR1 corvette of its time. It'd be a tough decision but id take the national over the cyclone.

Everyone knows the Grand National though. Who knows about the Syclone? It's more under the radar IMO.

Plus destroying a car while you have a bed full of stuff is just awesome.

[fieldysnuts8]

Everyone know the Grand National though. Who knows about the Syclone? It's more under the radar IMO.

Plus destroying a car while you have a bed full of stuff is just awesome.

I agree. Grand Nationals are too hip now, too well know.

I also think I prefer the Cyclone (with a C) to the Lightning as well.

[Sticky]

I also think I prefer the Cyclone (with a C) to the Lightning as well.

It's SYCLONE damn you!