photos by: Sportmachines
We Sit Down with Thomas from Sportmachines, Once Again. This Time, to Spec the Right SyTy Components for Performance, Reliability, and Longevity
If you’ve been following along with GMEFI Magazine in recent months, you’ve been noticing a bit more content focusing on the turbocharged GMC compact trucks from the ’90s. The haloed Syclone, Typhoon, and to a lesser extent, their naturally-aspirated sites truck, the Sonoma GT, have been gaining a bot more adoration and following in recent years.
This resulted in skyrocketing values, and a new breed of enthusiast looking to dip their toes into the niche. Thing is, these trucks are very unique, and a much of the mechanicals are unique to the trucks themselves. So, we wanted to sit down with the owner of Sportmachines, the go-to for SyTy and Sonoma GT performance and restoration. Its owner, Thomas Mandrov, knows these trucks inside and out and was willing to lend us some insight on what a first-time SyTy buyer needs to know.
ENGINE
GMEFI: Common issues; things like engine leaks, weak point of the engine, etc. Also, what kind of bang-for-the-buck bolt-ons and simple engine upgrades that can free up some easy horsepower? Even if the truck is stock, what are some “gotta-haves” that EVERY SyTy should be equipped with? Things like fuel system upgrades, etc.
Sportmachines: First thing is making sure the engine is healthy; including doing a compression check and leak down. also, check the motor mounts for sure. Between the age and the torque of the engine, there’s a reason why we only offer solid replacements. Gaskets leaking now with age are very common; valve covers, rear main seals, intake gaskets, etc.
These days the weak point is the fuel system and tune. Modern fuels lack the octane needed for these motors and that’s what causes most of the failures. Also proper monitoring, to a Scanmaster is priceless these days and I would put one in every truck if I could. Maintenance updates and making it run correctly is the best bang for the buck and require if you want to make more horsepower. So fluids, filters, fuel system and a tune. Tune up kit. Vacuum line kit. Making sure the intercooler system is working properly and keeping temps down, then you can turn the boost up for more easy HP. A cat delete, 3-inch cat back, Forge wastegate, and a Batmowheel would round it out.
GMEFI: Any faults with the stock turbo? What are the limitations of it? What are some direct-fit options currently being offered for the Sy/Ty? Likewise, the intercooler. What are the horsepower limits of the OEM components?
Sportmachines: A good running stock truck will max out the limits of the stock turbo and intercooler. Stock turbo is fine, but the crossover intake usually causes damage. Also now with the age, oil seals getting brittle and making sure there is enough oil flow is important. Limitations are the size compared to the engine size so it peaks around 16-17psi and is all done around 70 -80mph. Thats where our Batmowheel upgrade comes in. Faster spool up, with more top end — and keeps it looking stock. The intercooler is a limitation especially with the stock or non working pump, so a bigger better pump, an ideally our bigger lower heat exchanger really helps things. Combined with rubber lines instead of the stock metal lines that heat soak.
DRIVETRAIN
GMEFI: The 700R4 is about as well-known transmission, and the options are endless for rebuilds. But does it make sense to go with a more modern alternative (4L80E?). What are some quick tips or simple upgrades that can be had with the 700R4, the factory driveshaft, and axle upgrades? What are the limiting factors for these?
BRAKES
GMEFI: What are some simple upgrades that can be done to one of these trucks; budget-friendly swaps (F-body, C5?), and some higher-scale option from Wilwood or Baer. Any weak points in the OEM brake systems?
Sportmachines: The stock brakes aren’t great to begin with. The ABS unit is a known failure and safety issues. Our ABS delete helps with that. Also, the stock rubber lines are over 30-years old, and are way overdue for replacement. We make a braided stainless kit to replace them with. Adjusting the rear drums can go a long way in helping the braking, but no one ever does it. There are many brake upgrade options, but it comes with needing bigger wheels for clearance. A rear disc conversion is the most budget-friendly update.
SUSPENSION
Sportmachines: No real weak points. Most issues are lack of maintenance and the use of cheap parts. Rehabbing the bushings and mounts even with stock OEM components goes a long way. All the rubber mounts, torsion bar mounts, sway bar, bump stops. Not sexy or exciting, but change them all, new steering components, and a good alignment and the truck will drive and feel like new.
These trucks eat idler arms, they wear so much more and fast than the rest of the components. The steering box and ratio leaves a lot to be desired, and the bolt in Borgeson box is one of the best upgrades someone can do. Good shocks, OE Bilsteins or better, single adjustable shocks make a huge difference. Also the addition of a rear sway bar really helps feel and confidence.
GMEFI: Anything else our readers should know?
Sportmachines: All of the above and more is available from us. Most of the stuff is things we designed and make. The rest is stuff we have figured out and test and now stock. For all of your Typhoon, Syclone, and Sonoma GT needs, feel free to reach out, or visit our online store at Sportmachines.net.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
