1991 GMC Syclone 

The GMC Syclone is a high-performance version of the GMC Sonoma pickup.  Produced in 1991 by GMC along with PAS - the same company credited with building the famed 1989 Turbo Trans Am.  The Sylcone spawned the 1992-1993 GMC Typhoon based on the Jimmy platform and retaining the Syclone drivetrain.  The Syclone was only available in black.  In total 2,998 Syclones were built.  Ten were modified by Larry Shinoda, painted PPG Hot Licks red, and given away as Marlboro promotions.  

Despite a small but enthusiastic group of owners who have clung together like a secret band of brothers all these years, Syclones have recently seen a surge in interest and collectability.  Even this group didn't anticipate the growth in interest and value.  Today finding a stock, unmolested one-owner truck for sale is like finding a unicorn…and that's what we have for consignment. Coming to our Hallowed Halls showing a mere 45,922 non verifiable miles as the title reads exempt, and sporting its correct 4.3 liter turbocharged V6 and classic good looks, it's time you step up your mini-truck bucket list and do it in all wheel drive sinister black style. 

Exterior
GM is known for their mediocre paint during this period and this Syclone does not veer from the reputation.  From ten feet, it is spectacular.  Up close it does have a bit of hazing and orange peel but with a truck this rare, it's more than acceptable.  All cladding is in place…and these pieces are Syclone-specific and appropriately unpainted.  All Syclone decals appear original and are in the right place, one clue that indicates the truck has not been wrecked.  The black vinyl tonneau is not original but very nice.   A peek under the bed cover shows a cargo area that hasn't seen much cargo, (they had a 500-pound payload limit!); it has a few minor scuffs and plenty of dust, but otherwise nice.  Machined and natural finish aluminum alloy wheels fill the wheel openings and are wrapped in 245/50R16 tires.  As is mostly typical for a truck that's been driven, some minor clear coat checking can be seen on the wheels.  Imperfections in the body include some blemishes and scuffs on the cladding and some bubbling above the wheel arches.  

Interior
With a swing of the door, we are greeted with a blend of colors and materials; black cloth, charcoal carpeting, charcoal vinyl, and gray plastic.  All of this holds the armrest, power window switch, and power lock switch.  Bucket seats in black velour have a very wide tuck and roll insert pattern with long smooth bolsters.  Red piping breaks up the sea of black and Syclone is embroidered into the headrests.  These buckets flank a center console that holds an oversized storage compartment along with the gear selector, (borrowed from the Corvette), and a pair of cupholders that are better employed as earbud storage.  A two-spoke, Syclone-specific leather wrapped ergonomic steering wheel fronts a rectangular panel that holds the gauge layout, (borrowed from the Pontiac Sunbird Turbo of the era!).  Headlight and HVAC controls flank this cluster and to the right is the factory AM/FM/Cassette player.  A common defect, the headliner is sagging but aftermarket companies produce a “plug and play” replacement, (or the original can be fixed).  

Drivetrain
Crammed into the engine bay is the now legendary 4.3L turbocharged V6.  This engine is fed by EFI and has an air-to-water intercooler feeding chilled air through a throttle body and into the Syclone-engraved intake, (to save money, GM used the same manifold in Typhoons!).  All is complete under the hood while showing some patina on the litany of hoses, wiring, and ducting.  The crossflow air pipe over the radiator is a coveted piece of originality and it's nice to see it intact and in place.  A 4L60E 4-speed automatic, also swiped from the Corvette, is on the back.  This transmission feeds power through a Borg Warner 4472 transfer case and then to the front and rear axles which weigh in at a 3.42 ratio with limited slip.  Yes, the Syclone is notably AWD with 65% going to the back, 35% front. 

Undercarriage
Frame, axle, suspension parts all show some advanced surface rust as do the driveshafts, (both main and short).  Independent coil spring suspension is up front and leaf springs are what softens the ride along with the original Bilstein shocks, their yellow still gleaming.  The stock exhaust, another Syclone-specific and desirable remnant, appears to be in good shape.  The pinion seal is leaking, but the oil pan is dry. 

Drive-Ability
Known for their grip, Syclones from a “dig” are some of the most impressive vehicles ever to come out of GM.  You'll have to take our word for it because we babied the truck rather than engage in the infamous “power braking” the SyTy crowd has mastered.  The bucket seats are comfortable and the cabin itself is cozy.  Acceleration was good as we brought the truck into boost and then it snorts like a horse when you get off the gas as the wastegate expels pent up air.  Those fat tires help with handling but the truck experiences some yaw in turns, (again, the aftermarket is your friend and upgrades are available if that's the direction you want to go).  The automatic transmission shifted firmly, especially 1-2, and all functions were working as they should, although the air blows warm and the rear brakes do stick when the brake pedal is released.   

Syclones are only getting more valuable and stock examples more rare.  Here's a stock, drivable version, truck #2548 of 2,998 made.  It's a compact little rocket now recognized as the grandfather of sports trucks, no doubt lending inspiration to the Ford Lightning, Dodge SRT-10 and a myriad of other “fast” trucks.  But none were as quick as the Syclone from a red light.

1GDCT14Z5M8802548

1-USA
G-General Motors
D-GMC
C-4001 To 5000 GVWR
T-Small Conventional Cab 4X4
1-1/2 Ton
4-2 Door
Z-4.3L V6 Turbo 280hp
5-Check Digit
M-1991
8-Shreveport, LA Assy Plant
802548-Sequential Unit Number

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