So you want to race your GMC Syclone or Typhoon?

Before you race your truck, you need to make sure it is running upto par, please make sure that you do the reliability mods first. You should expect a stock Syclone with a properly boosted launch to run 13.3-13.7 and a stock Typhoon to run 13.8-14.2 1/4 mile time. Higher Temperatures and Altitude may affect your results. If your way off, you most likely have some tuning issues that need to be resolved.

So now to the fun stuff, you bought a Syclone & Typhoon because of its performance. It was quickest pickup and SUV of its day, and in still holds well when being compared to vehicles 15 years newer. They are quick when normally launched. If boost launched correctly, they are force to be reckoned with at stop lights. Warning: Boosted Launches are fun, addicting, and will eventually break stock parts. I will get into what it breaks later and what can be upgraded to keep that smile on your face.

How to do a boosted launch:

I do not recommend doing 2 boost launches right in a row, because the transmission temperature will get dangerously high especially if you do not have additional transmisson coolers. If you can't hold 5 psi brake torquing with your truck you have a brake issue to resolve. If it pushing through the brakes, its often the front brakes. Often the front brakes fix is as simple as bleeding the brakes or replace the worn parts. If the rear tires are spinning, I would try upgrading to 7/8 wheel cylinders. If you want additional holding power, buy two set of soft non lifetime brake shoes, use both of the longer primary shoes, and give the drums fresh turn.

If your racing at the track. Don't worry about your reaction time, it doesn't affect your ET. The above boosted launch procedure takes time and some track will start the lights lights before you have to time to finish the procedure. This procedure can help your Elaspe Times by 1/2 second. If you have the stock chip, you need to go WOT before you race or you will be boost limited to 9 psi ; you can over ride this while revving in neutral to set the brakes. Slightly modified trucks may need to shift into OD at the end of the track, just remember to do it manually when you hit 4500-4600 rpm in 3rd gear or just before 100mph with the stock motor.

Things that break during a boost launch and how to upgrade them.