{"id":1620,"date":"1991-03-01T13:43:06","date_gmt":"1991-03-01T18:43:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportmachines.com\/wp-index.php\/?p=1620"},"modified":"2024-07-01T17:52:57","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T22:52:57","slug":"gmc-makes-another-assault-on-the-salt-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportmachines.com\/wp-index.php\/1991\/03\/01\/gmc-makes-another-assault-on-the-salt-2\/","title":{"rendered":"GMC makes another assault on the salt"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Turbo & Hi-Tech Performance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Syclone<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1989, GMC set a new world record when the Gale Banks-managed S-15 pick-up, powered with a 5.0-liter V-6 engine, attained 194.770 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats. The team returned again in 1990 with the same pick-up to try and break the 200 mph barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the 1990 assault, GMC Truck commissioned Vehicle Research and Development to prepare the Syclone LSR. Based upon the 1991 GMC Sonoma Club Coupe, the extended cab compact pick-up is equipped with a Katech race-ready, gasoline-fueled, naturally aspirated 90 degree V-6 engine, enlarged from 4.3 liters to 5.0 liters to meet FIA displacement limits in class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The reason we are going back to Bonneville is simple,” says Mike Kramer, Manager-Compact Pickup and Variants Product Line. “We want to validate work being done on the 4.3-liter V-6 as well as perform aerodynamic studies (on the ground effects and suspension) as we look forward to the January 1991 introduction of the high-performance GMC Syclone street machine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the BFGoodrich Comp T\/A, a street legal radial tire shaved for the special conditions of the Salt Flats, was used for all record attempts. New technology from Delco Electronics, including a new ECM and a Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects information optically on the windshield at the driver’s sight line, also aided the attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They achieved success. The truck went over 200 mph. Then GMC hit on a great idea. Why not invite a small number of the automotive press to a special, second attempt? To that end, the team gathered in the salt to watch as history was made–again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the familiar timing truck from the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) on hand to make it official, several two-way runs were made, but they didn’t break the 200 mph barrier for the two-way average. Finally, with direction from Gale Banks, a rear gear change of only three percent was performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was just enough time for one more two-way pass. Could they do it? Could driver Don Stringfellow overcome the failing light and increasing wind? The truck was off. The one-way time. . .198 and change. The final mile (and final chance) began. The truck buzzed past the anxious onlookers like a bullet. Then came the cheers. He did it: 210.069 on the second leg, making a two-way average of 204.145 mph for the flying mile. It was awesome!<\/p>\n\n\n\n