SyTySoGT FAQs
The Sportmachine trucks have a unique past that has led to interesting stories, information, and misconceptions about the trucks. We commonly see information posted online that is inaccurate and based upon opinions mainly from non-owners. One of our goals with ISTR is to ensure that the most up-to-date correct data is available for those to learn and share. A list of frequently asked questions (SyTySoGT FAQs) for new owners or enthusiasts of SyTySoGT is compiled here. This list has been verified by both official documentation and years of ownership.
Would you like to see a FAQ added? Contact us with your submission!
The total number of PRODUCTION trucks are as follows:
1991 Syclones - 2995 TOTAL
All production GMC Syclones were black
10 production black Syclones were converted to Marlboro Syclones
Roughly 150 were converted to Saudi Syclones for exportation (31 returned to the US)
1 production black Syclone was converted to the PPG Syclone Pace Truck
First Production Syclone Built: January 4, 1991
Last Production Syclone Built: July 2, 1991
1992 Pilot/Preproduction Syclones - 3 TOTAL
Black/Black, VIN #0001 used for crash testing, located in a private NY junkyard
Black/Gray, privately owned in South Carolina
White/Gray, repainted by PAS to Red/Red, privately owned in Ohio
1992 Typhoons - 2500 TOTAL
Apple Red/Argent Gray - 345 Total
Aspen Blue/Argent Gray - 28 Total
Black/Black - 1262 Total
Black/Argent Gray - 130 Total
Bright Teal/Argent Gray - 132 Total
Frost White/Argent Gray - 518 Total
Forest Green Metallic/Argent Gray - 82 Total
Radar Blue/Radar Blue - 1 Total, test color
Raspberry Metallic/Raspberry Metallic - 2 Total, test color
1993 Typhoons - 2200 TOTAL
Apple Red/Argent Gray - 101 Total
Apple Red/Apple Red - 77 Total
Black/Black - 1,008 Total
Black/Gray - 98 Total
Forest Green Metallic/Argent Gray - 210 Total
Frost White/White - 532 Total
Frost White/Argent Gray - 115 Total
Garnet Red/Argent Gray - 24 Total
Radar Blue/Radar Blue - 1 Total, test color
Royal Blue Metallic/Argent Gray - 35 Total
1992 Sonoma GTs - 806 TOTAL
Apple Red/Argent Gray - 179 Total
Aspen Blue/Argent Gray - 15 Total
Black/Black - 406 Total
Black/Argent Gray - 30 Total
Bright Teal/Argent Gray - 54 Total
Frost White/Argent Gray - 107 Total
Forest Green Metallic/Argent Gray (15 Total)
The accepted method among the community and how our database of trucks is built is to use the last 4 digits of your VIN.
Example: 1GDCT14Z2M8800001 – This would be considered #0001
While the Typhoons were not built in VIN sequence, it it still accepted to use the last 4 digits of your VIN and consider that your truck number.
Yes, the 1992 and 1993 Typhoons have many differences, mostly cosmetic. Aside from color availability (see color breakdown FAQ question), here are the major differences between the 92 and 93 models:
For a full list of differences on the 1992 and 1993 GMC Typhoons, CLICK HERE.
BODY
- 92s have escutheons around the door handles, unpainted
- 93s feature NO escutcheons
- 92s Typhoons have silver colored decals
- 93s Typhoons have gold colored decals
- 92s have two tone grille – gray headlight buckets & center with matching body color
- 93s have full colored grille that matches body color
- 92s have a “square” style roof rack (if equipped)
- 93s have a more “rounded” style roof rack (if equipped)
- 92s tailgate latch are thinner
- 93s tailgate latch are thicker
- 92s EARLY production trucks will have black GMC letters. This was later changed back to red.
- Recent info has lead to the information that PAS wanted to use Black GMC letters to distinguish the trucks from the standard GM line (since it was PAS who built the trucks). GM did not agree to this and forced PAS to go back to the standard red lettering.
- 93s ALL production trucks came with red GMC letters.
- The exhaust hangers differ between 92 and 93.
INTERIOR
- 92s have NO overhead console
- 93s have an overhead console
Door Panels:
- 92s leather inserts have a pleated/bunched up look
- 93s leather have a smoothed look with single horizontal seam (same concept is carried into the side panels in the rear seating area)
Seats:
- 92s have leather fronts, but cloth sides and backs. Typhoon logo embroidered into the headrest. Manual lumbar via hand pump bulbs. 93 have full leather “Fat Man” seats with electronic controls
Cargo Net:
- The 92 Cargo Net mounts directly onto the tailgate.
- The 93 Cargo Net mounts onto the body next to the tailgate.
The Marlboro Syclone was the grand prize for ten winners of The Marlboro Racing ‘92 Contest held by Phillip Morris, Inc. These were production Syclones which all started as standard black trucks. They were bought directly from GM by Phillip Morris, Inc. and then sent to American Sunroof Corporation (ASC). Under the direction of Larry Shinoda Design Associates, Inc. – the designer behind the Corvette Stingray and Boss Mustang. Each of the 10 Syclones was customized for the contest giveaway. The Marlboro Syclone custom features include:
- ASC converted the roof to a targa-style roof panel with mounts in the pick-up bed
- ASC installed a slide-down rear window assembly
- Guidon hard tonneau cover
- Boyd Coddington “Cobra” wheels with Marlboro emblem center caps and Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires
- PPG “Hot Licks” Red paint, with white strobe stripes provided by Graphik Concepts
- Recaro leather seats with Simpson 5-Point racing harness
- Custom Momo “Evolution” steering wheel
- Sony sound system
- PROMPaq performance chip and Borla stainless steel exhaust
- Bell Tech suspension dropped 3 inches
For a detailed overview of the Marlboro Syclone, its history and more details on the trucks, CLICK HERE.
During production, roughly 150 Syclones were officially converted and exported by GMC. These trucks became known as the 1991 GMC Saudi Syclone Editions. Out of the 150 trucks, there were an estimated 113 destined for resale in the Middle East. These trucks became known as the Saudi Syclones. Externally the Saudi Syclone looks identical to its US counterpart with no apparent outward changes. The only item that appears different is when you look in the cab and notice the dash and see a different gauge cluster. Before being exported, some changes were required mainly due to the leaded fuel used in the Middle East.
For full details and history of the Saudi Syclones, CLICK HERE.
Production Colors are as follows:
1991 GMC Syclone
Black / Black - 2995 Total
1992 GMC Typhoon
Apple Red/Argent Gray - 345 Total
Aspen Blue/Argent Gray - 28 Total
Black/Black - 1262 Total
Black/Argent Gray - 130 Total
Bright Teal/Argent Gray - 132 Total
Frost White/Argent Gray - 518 Total
Forest Green Metallic/Argent Gray - 82 Total
Radar Blue/Radar Blue - 1 Total, test color
Raspberry Metallic/Raspberry Metallic - 2 Total, test color
1993 GMC Typhoon
Apple Red/Argent Gray - 101 Total
Apple Red/Apple Red - 77 Total
Black/Black - 1,008 Total
Black/Gray - 98 Total
Forest Green Metallic/Argent Gray - 210 Total
Frost White/White - 532 Total
Frost White/Argent Gray - 115 Total
Garnet Red/Argent Gray - 24 Total
Radar Blue/Radar Blue - 1 Total, test color
Royal Blue Metallic/Argent Gray - 35 Total
1992 Sonoma GT
Apple Red/Argent Gray - 179 Total
Aspen Blue/Argent Gray - 15 Total
Black/Black - 406 Total
Black/Argent Gray - 30 Total
Bright Teal/Argent Gray - 54 Total
Frost White/Argent Gray - 107 Total
Forest Green Metallic/Argent Gray (15 Total)
The Syclone and Typhoon both utilize a turbocharged and intercooled 90-degree 4.3L V6 engine. The Sonoma GT utilizes the standard CPI (central port injected) 4.3L V6.
The common misconception is that the trucks came with the 3.8L Turbo V6 engine from the Grand National. While there is evidence of prototypes using the 3.8L engine, the production trucks all featured the 4.3L engine. Another misconception is the trucks were 350 V8s with superchargers. While many have done V8 swaps into their trucks, the PRODUCTION SyTySoGT only came with a 4.3L engine.
For the most part, the 4.3L V6 used in the Syclone and Typhoon is the same as you would find in most all pre 1993 S-Series trucks with a non-balance block. The camshaft is same as the naturally aspirated 4.3l V6.
The main differences in the SyTy 4.3L V6 are as follows:
Compression is 8.35:1
Nodular Iron Main Caps
Upgraded Head Gaskets
Hypereutic pistons
Per the Syclone / Typhoon Master Technician Overview:
The piston in the Syclone and Typhoon engines was specially designed to handle the added stress of turbocharging. These are Hypereutectic Aluminum alloy with a T6 heat treat and have a redesigned skirt contour to handle the high thrust forces from turbocharged firing pressures. Validation was done on these pistons using the GM 300 hour Durability test and the GM 300 hour W.O.T. tests, passing both at production level calibrations. THESE PISTONS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE WITH ANY OTHER GM SERVICE PISTONS.
These pistons are currently not available through SPO because all engine failures are replaced on an exchange basis through TAC. Al Syclone and Typhoon engines are to be returned to the Romulus Engine Plant to have a Failure Analysis completed.
NOTE: Syclone and Typhoon connecting rods are identified by a pink mark on the end of the rod bolt.
First and foremost, realize that these trucks are over 30 years old now. Common parts such as suspension (tie rods, ball joints, idler arm, etc.), hoses, and bushings may be worn out or prone to breakage if they are still original or haven’t been changed/maintained on a regular schedule. These items are no different than if you were looking to purchase any other well-aged vehicle. However, the SyTySoGT (mainly the Syclone and Typhoon) do have some unique, if not quirky, issues and problems that seem to plague both new and long-time owners.
These issues often include:
IGNITION SYSTEM
These trucks are hard on ignition parts and require a strong ignition to run correctly. Making sure you use the correct plugs, high-quality wires, and a brass cap/rotor is crucial. Many owners upgrade from a 7mm plug wire (stock) to an 8mm. The best and most popular spark plugs are AC Delco CR42TS which is best for stock trucks, NGK UR5 for stock to mild modded, and NGK UR6 for heavily modded trucks.
VACUUM LINES
Everything from your boost, EGR, fuel pressure, cruise control, and more, the SyTys vacuum system is a maze of vacuum lines running from one side to the other. Over time, the vacuum lines, "elbow" fittings, and bypass valves in the hot engine bay environment can dry out, leading to cracking or complete breakage. Even the most minor leak in the vacuum system can disable a truck or hinder its performance. There are now vacuum line kits available on the market that are made from high-quality platinum-cured silicone that are pre-assembled complete with instructions for replacing your entire vacuum system and are highly recommended as a necessary upgrade.
FUEL PUMP
The stock fuel pump was considered barely adequate to handle fuel delivery for our boosted motors. It is recommended to upgrade the original pump in your truck to a Walbro or Racetronix brand 255 lph pump. This is considered a common preventative maintenance modification.
DETONATION
With 8:35.1 compression and hypereutectic pistons, our 4.3L motors are sensitive to detonation (knock). Unlike the popular 3.8L engines, the 4.3L, when allowed to detonate, does not blow head gaskets and typically will lead to a catastrophic failure. Our trucks require 91 octane or higher. DO NOT use low-grade gasoline. Ignition can also play a factor in detonation (see above for needing strong ignition components) as well as fueling.
A poorly modified and running truck can be a source of engine issues. Many trucks today have been modified with bolt-on parts. Due to the limited amount of aftermarket support for the SyTys, many owners have done the mods themselves and did not have the proper experience in knowing how to correctly tune. If you're considering buying a heavily modified truck, it's best to consult experienced shops like Sportmachines or SK Kustoms for details. Please be aware that these shops may have a consultation fee.
TRANSMISSION
The 700R4 (4l60) is a great transmission. Unfortunately, they are a challenge to keep together when you couple them to AWD and throw more than 300 lb/ft of torque at them. The SyTys are notorious for transmission failures. Some owners have rebuilt their transmission 10+ times in some cases. Yes, we’ve even heard and read all of the “my trans builder can make a bulletproof 700R4….” claims and we’ve also seen those same people break those expensive builds too. While some successful builds have been completed, the truth is that the likelihood of a transmission failure in a SyTy is very high in both stock or modified environments. Many have gone the route of replacing the 700R4 entirely and replacing it with a 4L80E and have never looked back. This is a costly upgrade, but if you have to have your 700R4 rebuilt multiple times, you basically just paid for one anyhow. If you are new to ownership and plan to drive your truck regularly (and by drive, we mean spirited driving on the street and racing on the track), prepare yourself for the awful day when you suddenly lose gears.
CLADDING
The initial thought is why is cladding listed as an issue? Again, these trucks are pushing 30+ years old. The cladding on the SyTySoGTs was made from injected plastic molds. On the backside of the cladding (excluding the front/rear bumper) are “tabs” used to help bolt the cladding to the body of the trucks. These tabs were poorly designed and are easily broken off. As time goes by, the plastic becomes dry and brittle and these tabs commonly will crack resulting in the loss of cladding while driving. OEM cladding is not produced anymore, and while many pieces are still available both new and used, they do command a price. Fiberglass reproduction cladding is now available and is typically cheaper than OEM parts, however, you can still expect to pay premium prices for various pieces.
INTERIOR
The SyTySoGT like all of the S-Series trucks have a lot of plastic interior parts. It is common to find dashboards and door panels that are cracked. Dashboards are becoming very hard to source however there are companies and other available sources who do dashboard repair or restoration.
Another common issue is the center console lid, which often peels or has a broken locking mechanism due to excessive use or allowing the cover to slam shut.
The glovebox door is also prone to breakage due to use. Typically the hinges on the bottom of the door crack.
NOS interior trim pieces have risen in price over the past few years for the S-Series line of trucks. If you own a truck and the trim has signs of age with worn paint or missing text, prepare to pay a premium price for even standard parts.
The Syclone and Typhoon used a L98 throttle body taken directly off of the LT1 V8.
The open port you see is for a coolant hose, which IS NOT utilized on the SyTy trucks and was left open. You will also notice a port that has been capped on the backside of the throttle body next to the TPS sensor. Many Corvette and Camaro owners prefer to bypass the coolant hose for a cleaner underhood look.
The stock SyTy wheels use different offsets for the front and rear. More than likely, they are mounted backward with the rears on the front and front on the rears. Having them backward would make the front wheels stick out farther than normal and the rears would be farther into the fender well.
The rims are stamped behind the center cap with “FRONT” and “REAR” text to help with the mounting position.
SyTy wheels are interchangeable between both trucks. The only difference would be the center cap with Syclones having red GMC letters and Typhoons having silver GMC letters.
Front Wheel Offset: 41mm
Rear Wheel Offset: 13mm
Corvette wheels from the C4 to C7 have been a popular choice for SyTy owners due to the same 5x120.65 bolt pattern and their wide width. Most Corvette wheels will require a 1.25'1.5" spacer to be used in the rear.
It is important to note, when running staggered-sized wheels and tires on a SyTy, that the overall diameter is no more than a 2% difference. Due to the SyTys AWD drivetrain, running wheels that do not have a close tolerance in diameter will cause strain to the viscous coupling in the transfer case and will destroy it.
The cladding on the GMC Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT is unique to these trucks are did not come on any other S-Series truck. The trucks use a variety of mounting pucks, support brackets, rivets, and screws to fit and hold the cladding to the body.
Some pieces are interchangeable between the three trucks. These pieces are:
- Front Bumper & Support
- Rear Bumper & Support
For both the Syclone and Typhoon, the only pieces that are interchangeable between the trucks:
- Front Fender Arches
- Door Cladding
The remaining pieces on the Syclone and Typhoon from the under door cladding, rear arches, rear quarter and rear corner pieces are all unique to either the Sy or Ty and cannot be swapped. This is due to the pickup vs SUV body style and how the mounting tabs are located on the cladding.
The Sonoma GT has less aggressive styled cladding that differs from both the Syclone and Typhoon altogether. It is held in place with different hardware.
For quite some time, it was considered that driving without the forward propshaft would eventually damage the transfer case (specifically the viscous coupling) and should only be done so in limited distances.
Over time, we have a better understanding of the mechanics of the transfer case and have deemed that you CAN in fact safely drive your truck without a propshaft and not risk TC/VC damage from it.
NOTE – If removing the propshaft, remember to apply your parking brake when not driving!
There have been numerous accounts of owners removing their propshafts and parking their trucks, only to return and find them in a different location than where they were originally parked. If you have an inclined driveway or street you park on, remember to apply your emergency parking brake!
Yes, it is widely known that the factory boost gauge is inaccurate in reading PSI levels, so it is highly recommended to install an aftermarket boost gauge to accurately measure boost. Most owners opt to purchase an A-pillar pod to mount gauges for a clean install and easy reading.
Typhoons were equipped with Electronic Level Control (or ELC), The sound is the air compressor pump running to fill the factory air-shocks back up to proper ride height, which is normal. The pump is activated by the position of a leveling arm located under the truck. This commonly occurs if there is weight in the back of the truck or if someone is sitting on the tailgate.
The air compressor often stops working on the Typhoon. Many owners ignore a non-working pump because it tends to run continuously, especially on lowered trucks.
This is more common in the Syclones than Typhoons. If you experience fuel cut out during a boost launch, it may be due to inadequate fuel in your tank and the resulting "fuel slosh".
The Syclone’s fuel pump is located towards the front of the tank. When you suddenly accelerate, all the fuel in the tank moves towards the rear and starves the fuel pump due to the lack of baffles in the gas tank.
It has been noted that launching with a boost under 1/2 tank of gas, since the trucks came out, is not recommended. This still holds today. Not only is it embarrassing (especially if you are racing), but it can lead to permanent engine damage from fuel starvation if you keep at it. When it doubt, let out!
Yes! The trucks have been spotted or even featured in many movies, TV shows, and music videos. If we have missed a movie or TV show, Let us know so we can add it here!
Lethal Weapon 3 – 1992 Aspen/Gray Typhoon is seen parked on the side of the road in front of a house. In a later scene, a Syclone is also parked on the side of the road where both Gibson and Glover walk by it.
Seinfield – Parking Garage episode, Kramer drops an AC Unit on the hood of a GMC Syclone.
Absolute Power (Client Eastwood) – There is a scene where a Typhoon is used in a nighttime chase scene. The truck used was Eastwood's own personal truck.
Falling Down (Michael Douglas) – During the introduction, a teal Typhoon and Syclone are parked in traffic underneath the bridge after Michael Douglas gets out of his car and starts walking.
Jackass – One of the episodes where Preston is chasing Weeman in their underwear, there is a Blk Ty parked on the side of the road.
Baywatch S03EP06 Part 2/5 – There is a very quick shot of the front of a Syclone or Sonoma GT.
I <3 Huckabees – A Typhoon is parked in the street in the beginning.
Bon Jovi Lost Highway Video – 93 White/White Typhoon is seen driving and in a parking lot.
SuperCars Exposed TV Series – 93 White / White Typhoon appears parked in the background.
Joey Fatts feat. Nhale - "Better Days" Music Video - Video has been turned to Private
Jay Leno's Garage - Jay has done a full episode on his personal GMC Syclone. He has also had an episode where he "races" against Tim Allen in a modified Ford F-100.
My Classic Car TV - A GMC Syclone owned by the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne, Florida goes head to head with a 1989 Shelby Dodge Dakota.
Since the Syclone and Typhoon were introduced, many celebrities are known to have owned and still currently own a Sportmachine truck.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! If you have further ownership details on the trucks listed below or know of a missing celebrity not on this list, please contact us to help us keep up to date!
This list includes both current and past owners of SyTys.
- Clint Eastwood – Has owned multiple GMC Typhoons (1992 red/gry & two 1993 green/gry). Currently still owns a 93 Green/Gray Typhoon
- Jay Leno – 91 GMC Syclone #1133. Currently still owns, featured on Jay Leno’s Garage Show and regularly on IG feed
- Tim Allen – 1993 Black/Black GMC Typhoon (sold). Owned by Steven W. located in Michigan
- Sean Kemp – 1993 White/White GMC Typhoon (sold, last owned by Richard Le)
- Rob Vanwinkle (Vanilla Ice) – GMC Typhoon (sold)
- Randy Travis – GMC Syclone #0003 (sold), privately owned in Kentucky
- JFK Jr – GMC Typhoon. Stolen and recovered in 1997. Sold in estate auction after death?
- Ken Griffey Jr – GMC Typhoon
- Allen Houston – GMC Typhoon
- Brian Cox – GMC Typhoon
- Jimmy Spencer – GMC Syclone
- Rohan Marley – 2 GMC Typhoons
- Ziggy Marley – GMC Syclone
- Bob Adam – GMC Typhoon
- Sterling Sharpe – GMC Typhoon
- Steve Yzerman – GMC Typhoon
- Shawn Palmer (Motocross and Snowboard Athlete) – GMC Syclone, Pikes Peak Syclone. Currently owned by Randy Mitchell, located in AZ.
- Michael Strahan – 93 GMC Typhoon
- Rik Smits (Indiana Pacers) – GMC Typhoon
- Stephan Johannson – GMC Typhoon
- Bill Bixby (Dr. Banner – The Incredible Hulk) – 92 GMC Typhoon #2364
- Eddie Van Halen – GMC Syclone
- Royce Clayton (St. Louis Cardinals) – GMC Typhoon black.
- Bubba McDowell (Houston Oilers) – Midnight blue GMC Typhoon
- Keenan McCartle (Cleveland Browns) – White ’93 GMC Typhoon. Runs High 12s.
- Ali Afshar (Actor - Bennett's War, "Cyrus") - 2 GMC Syclones, sold 1, currently still owns 1.
- Casey McManus - (Former Captain of the Cornelia Marie, Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch) - 1993 GMC Typoon
Unconfirmed Ownership claims:
- Michael Jordan – Syclone or Typhoon ?
- Scottie Pippen – Syclone or Typhoon ?
- Tim Hardaway – Syclone or Typhoon ?
- Latrell Sprewell – Typhoon ?
- Yancey Thigpen – Syclone or Typhoon ?
- Sammy Sosa – Syclone or Typhoon ?
The aftermarket industry for Syclones, Typhoons and Sonoma GTs have always been very limited on vendors and resources on where to purchase. While many parts are sourced from the S-Series trucks (S10, Sonoma, Jimmy, and S10 Blazer) there are many parts that are specific only to the SyTySoGTs.
SPORTMACHINES - Located in Central Florida, SM sells both stock parts as well as aftermarket upgrades. They also do work on trucks. They do not list all of their inventory on the website, so if you do not see something you need, email them with your request!
SK KUSTOMS - Located in Chicago, Illinois, Sean Krupa offers tuning services along with general maintenance and parts modifications on trucks.
SYTY APPAREL - Purchase shirts, keychains, stickers and other SyTySoGT / S-Series items.
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