{"id":83,"date":"1992-03-01T13:21:03","date_gmt":"1992-03-01T18:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportmachines.com\/wp-index.php\/?p=83"},"modified":"2024-07-01T20:22:39","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T01:22:39","slug":"car-craft-march-1992","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportmachines.com\/wp-index.php\/1992\/03\/01\/car-craft-march-1992\/","title":{"rendered":"Sonic Muscle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Car Craft<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GMC<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some uninformed braggards may refer to the Chevy 454 SS as the “pickup from hell,” but it’s obvious they’ve never seen Kenne-Bell’s GMC Syclone. Merely compare horsepower (230 for the Chevy; 580 from the GMC) and quarter-mile eta (15.85 sec. 006 mph versus 11.55 sec. \u00a9 117 mph) and then tell us who’s the baddest animal in the truckin’ jungle. Hint: it ain’t wearin’ a Bow Tie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s even more impressive about Kenne-Bell’s project truck is that essentially only the engine was modified. The factory all-wheel- drive system (including the potentially fragile viscous coupling) and four-speed automatic were untouched. Only a higher 3000- rpm-stall-speed (2100 rpm is stock) K-B converter and shift kit were added. Even the stock street tires were retained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 4.3-liter turbo\/Intercooled Syclone V-6, in stock form, produces 280 horsepower. Its quarter-mile times are a Corvette-challenging 13.6-sec. \u00a9 98 mph. These are strong numbers for a factory-spec Street truck, but not quick enough for a veteran drag racer like Jim Bell. With his years of experience in modifying turbo Buicks, Bell set about creating a kick-tail turbo truck. The stock turbo unit and top-mounted water-to-air intercooler went into the scrap bin, and were replaced with a larger Garrett turbo and huge air-to-air intercooler (centered under the front bumper for best airflow). A scoop under the right side of the bumper ducts air to the turbo itself. The weak link in the Syclone, according to K-B, is its fuel delivery system. The fuel pump and pressure regulator must be upgraded. The stock 28-lb\/hour fuel injectors are sufficient for most applications, but Kenne-Bell will soon offer 35-lb\/hour injectors (they’ll also fit V6 Buicks) for even more power. Bell now runs up to 25 psi of boost in this pickup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The factory-cast pistons are reliable only to about 17 psi, and Kenne-Bell recommends installing forged slugs for up to 25 psi of boost The stock, fast-burn heads must be replaced for best results, however. This truck wears a set of “229” iron heads, but aluminum Chevy heads returned 10.99-sec.\/125 mph passes. A K-B 0.450-inch-lift\/205\u00b0 duration cam replaces the mild-grind bumpstick installed by the factory. The exhaust system comprises an intricate set of custom headers (‘the only part of this truck that came from Hell,” Bell says) and 3-inch stainless piping feeds a pair of K-B “Big Box” mufflers. Kenne-Bell is hoping to emissionize the whole package and sell it as a kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its healthy horsepower and all four wheels grabbin’ at the ground, this Syclone launches hard enough to cause neck injuries just watching it Its also got a raspy exhaust blat that serves as a warning not to provoke. Maybe they should call it the Psych-Clone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n