It just hit me today D'ouh the GMC Cyclone and Typhoon..Uh Hello...
They have the 4.3 TURBO... If you can actually find a good donor you have a real screamer to swap in...

 

You're correct on that call.
I've been mentioning that "package" several times.
Those rides are very desired and very sweet rides. Then, in production and now, outta production
"Finding" one is quite a hunt.
Wonder if it would be worth the "effort" to install. Best part is the AWD system.
Imagine a F-body, AWD, w/200+ HP!
UNFORTUNATLY, a snowballs chance in hell of being "smog" legal, probably anywhere. Totally different platform (truck verses car).

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

#1)i coulda swore those were supercharged (how often does GM use turbo's??? buick and pontiac have s/c's up the wazzoo) EDIT: nevermind, you're right...turbo/intercooled 4.3L.

#2)i see a syclone/typhoon about as often as i see a grand national. not likely you'll find one.



[This message has been edited by CaliCamaroRS (edited May 17, 2001).]

 

Back then, manufactures were trying everything to "recreate" the power from the golden days.
Just as Chrysler "reinvented the convertible" with the LeBaron K-car in the early 80's, just as Ford "Reinvented Horsepower wars" with the 302 Mustang topped with a Holley carb, just as GM went one better, "reinvented the manufactures horsepower wars" with the TPI Camaro/Firebird.
Next, after that "public market acceptance test" were the "special" power plants (and making them work! with computers) - SuperChargers and Turbos.
Turbos had no gas penalties. It ran off the engine going faster, powering the turbo.
Superchargers had gas penalties, it dragged on an engine. Turbo examples-Buick Turbo Regals & Monte Carlos (yes, true, check it out), Corvettes (Callaway). All these, which lead to Kyles 1989 Turbo Trans Am (lets forget about the 1980 Trans AM, shall we, even GM/Pontiac does!).
Ford, figured out how to incorporate the Supercharger & make it fuel efficent & powerful on the lowly V-6 & get it past the EPA regs. But, first they had the turbo's also (T-Birds, Mustangs & Mercury Capris).
GM, then went to the larger engines & better drivetrain of the AWD version (Syclones & Typhoons). But it took the aftermarket manufactures (SLP, ASC-McClearn (sp?)) to do what GM could not, that is to get the supercharger & the computer programs to cooperate & be able to pass the EPA regulations (ie, it was more cost efficient to farm out the work!). Examples- the Grand Prix of the early 90's.
Now, we are back to more reliable power of larger powerplants & multiple cams & better cylinder heads, to make up, for what was a necessary engine add on power device, to satisify the customer in the marketplace.
Or another way... those "special" packages were all loss leaders for the mass produced cars.
Think of quarts of oil sales at the parts stores. They are loss leaders to entice you into the store and buy more "stuff".
Did it help?
It sure was fun, while it lasted! We still desire those golden days cars (I sure do!) and some still desire the "new" golden days cars (ie, they are now dirt cheap old cars, but, lots of work to fix & "lucky you" get to find those "parts of the magic power pills" that are no longer made).
And those 80's/90's cars made great press articles!
Who ever wanted to read about a GMC truck, anyway?
But, we desire/lust after info on the Syclones & Typhoons.

As Dan said, happy hunting.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

well I was just think about it and thught that would be one hellova swap...I mean these things could hang with vettes of the same year! Thats one hellofa engine. it wold fit I know and should be able to pass emissions cause turbos do not effect emissions...they run off of exhaust gasses and take alot less power to make power. I mean this swap should get the car into the 10's with an intercooler easy.
Oh well it was just another random thought I had throught out a day last week. Thought I would put it out to you all and see what ya thought of it.

 

IF you can get that combo past emissions, in your area, start hunting.
Look in Hemmings and ask in the local yards.
You live in a snow belt area, and things do wreck and rust. They are 10 years old!
But, engines are always in great shape.
LA, is great bodies (Don't I KNOW !), but, worn drivetrains. We keep them until the wheels fall off.
START HUNTING!
This is a great idea!

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

well fourtunately I live in a non emissions area so ....but I did find the headers and exhaust so far but not the entire motor...they still want 600 for that so I told them I will think abut it. I was thinking some more and recalled hearing that the early 90's 4.3 was the modular motor and everything minus the crank and cam from the 350 will swap in...I imagine that a regular 4.3 with the beefier bearings and such would take it...I know they make 4130 canks for it...that will deffinately take the 30 plus PSI LOL...Anyway just tring to keep this thing alive...

 

Hope you don't expect this project to be a snap 'cause it won't be. I checked into to this a bit and found it to be more of hassel than what it's worth. If you do happen to come across a Typhoon/Syclone motor better make sure you have the computor and harness that goes with it. The Camaro system won't work. A new fuel management system is needed! Expect to also change the stock hood since the intake will be in the way when you close it. Since you don't live in area concerned with emissions you have one battle won, although you may have a problem selling that car to another in a different county with stricter emission regs. Remember also that with all the effort involved in doing this that it'll be a lot cheaper just to stuff a v8 like a 383 for example, and still run as quick or faster. If you want to be different, great, go for it. I had the same notion, but emissons in my area rules with an iron fist.

 

dam(n) my friends,
I sit here with a '88 V6 maro, and 2 of my best friends 17 and 18, pick up two awesome cars.
the 17 year old sold his Talon TSI and bought a beautiful Syclone. the other sold his '87 350 IROC and bought a MINT '85 IROC w/ a 406. haven't ridden in the Syclone, but the camaro scares me. waaaaaay TOO fast. low 12/high 11 sec quarter miles times. he hasn't gone to the strip yet, but that's what the previous owner was running. and he's now the second owner, the thing was hardly ever in the rain. the paint is perfect, no dents, dings, or rust. and I have to live with my slow, dented, dinged, rusted, 17 sec. quarter mile v6.

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1988 Camaro Sport Coupe
2.8 V6, TCI 3200 Stall TC, B&M Transkit, 80 Series Flowmaster & Catback,'83 CFI Z/28 Hood,
'87 16" IROC Wheels on Kumho Ecsta Supra 712's, '92 Z/28 Bowtie Grille, IROC Gauges, IROC Taillights,
IROC Foglamps w/ retrofitted 9005 hi-beam headlight bulbs
*NEW* Just Painted -- Heritage Style Hood and Decklid Stripes -- *NEW*

 

are you tring to tell me that the typhoon/cyclone run 17's in the 1/4...I think not. I know they are a **** load faster than that. A local car lot here (Weeks Chevy) paired a typhoon and a vette of the same year and the V6 beat it every time with that engine and the AWD(which is why it won I know but still...)
I know it is not the simple to do swap too..It is something both different and gas friendly to deal with the rising gas prices...And for the simple bragging rights os I just beat you 383 with a 6...
I have seen GN's with the smaller version the 3.8 run 11's easy with an intercooler and fuel work. Though looking at the turbo set up of the GN's I think they only run 1 bank to power the turbo, I plan on using both to help wth spool up. I plan on spending quite a bit on this to make sure it gets done right the first time. I will be happy and leave it alone after I get into the mid 10's...I think thats plenty fast for a 6er and will be happy with that. I also do not think it will take much to get it there either.
I have already spotted the exhaust for it a 4 inch flowmaster setup the ehaust will be entirely custom fabbed from j bends from hooker and carparts.com...yes from the turbine down will be 4 inch.

 

Umm..no hes not saying the cyclones run 17's...hes said his car runs 17's.

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1989 Firebird
2.8 v6, t5 swapped in

Ram Hi-po clutch, Cold Air, 1.6 rockers,Lakewood LCA's, Lakewood Lift bars, Wonder Bar, 3" y-pipe, Random Tech Cat, 3" I-pipe, Flowmasters, MSd 6a, MSD Coil (Fireball in future) Accel 8.8 wires, MSD Ignition Module, Auto Meter Gauges (Water, Clock (needed one) Fuel Pressure, and 5" monster tach) 4th Gen Seats
--For Sale--
(Who says drumsets are cheap? selling my car to get a new one..) EMAIL ME!

" I'd rather run last in a full out race, than to NOT run at all ".

 

Camaro_hunter_d

I believe that the Typhoon/Syclone had a crosspipe going to the other side in order to use both banks. This is the basic design principles of using a single turbo. It would be quite inefficient not to take advantage of both exhaust banks.

Regarding using the Typhoon/Syclone in the Camaro, I thought it was a neat idea and almost dove into it but for various reasons that involved the type of setup I wanted, I decided to use the 60 degree V6 instead. The 3.4L has some advantages that the 4.3L has and visa versa. As to fuel economy, don't expect too much. I dropped a 4.3L in my '83 Malibu wagon some years back (still running strong!) but gas mileage is not much better than a 350. The 262 is much better performer than the 229 though so it was worth the sacrifice.

If you want to find an engine, you can try looking hear:

http://syclone.missouri.edu/ads/index.shtml

click the 'Search ' link and type '4.3' and see whats available. On May 18th, 2001 a guy posted this:

i have for sale from my 91 syclone with 29000 miles
4.3 engine with turbo charger and intercooler system $2700

 

CHD is seeking the "Unique" factor.
I'll bet gas milage has no real thought in his engine bay.

BUT, putting a 4.3 into a "big" wagon, I assume a 350 wasn't handy!

One needs TORQUE for better gas milage.
I'll bet your swap of the 3.4 into the Camaro, did show a respectable gas milage gain for the effort. My 2.8-3.4 swap sure did, except for around town milage. Kinda stayed the same.

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

yup already been there...2700 bucks... I think I will just get the headers and such and build the 4.3 with HP 350 bearings and such...
And yes I am concerned about milage, but I also want decent power to take on 8ers... the 3.4 just does not have it...thats why I am looking at the 4.3. I am looking to make it a big HP motor but keep in tuned down in the city and street untill a ss/or a z gets a wild hair ups its a$$...then stomp it's lowly a$$ into the ground and laugh.
anyway I think I will just buy the headers from GM and build up a 4.3 from the ground up...probly be easier..Now just need the money LOL but don't we all?...

 

another thing happened today...a damn yellow vette thought it was all big and bad and kept cutting me off so close to where I had to slam on the brakes to keep from hitting the dumb a$$...Driving 80-90 in the rain and wet roads.. yeah he was real intellegent. He had to cross 2 lanes not even looking cutting off me and another car so the idiot could get to the turn off on a 2 lane highway...

 

The reason why I didn't put a V8 in the car was because of mileage and the fact that the car never was equipped with a v8. emission inpectors would have flagged it. I nstayed with a v6 configuration hoping that they would'nt make an issue out of it and so far so good. Mileage is diaspointing though!

Camaro_hunter_D, don't underestimate the potenetial of the 3.4 for turboing! On it's own it "dosen't cut it" but it has the capabilites of reving to 8000rpm with no problem with a good set of lifters. Torbos love high reving motors. The 3.4 can do that and more provided you know it's limitations for a stock motor. Mine won't be,as I am beefing up the bottom end to take higher boost. I intend to squeeze out 400hp but it can go higher if I want to go serious racing. The more power the more complicated the system as you well know.

 

Well I am aiming for a 10 second car...Hp I am guessing around 500 plus with all the stops removed and running the T-05 to its limits in boost...I do plan on using an intercooler(from a kenworth rig no less) I looked at the size and it CAN fit with a few cuts to the body...but hey this will be an ongoing project so what the hell why not go all out?.
I want to use pure racing bearings that can handle the T5's total boost level of 32 PSI what a kick in the pants when it spools up huh?...I am looking at 7.5/7.8-1 forged pistons, chromoly rings, complete roller motor with 1.6-1.65 rockers, straight cut gear timing componets and building up the bottom end of course. I will take my time on this one and make sure everything gets done right the first time so I will not have to worry about anything for a while. I amplanning on making my own valve covers and oil pan. I want to make the top of the valve cover removable so valve lash can be checked and so the rockers can be inspected regularly with ease. I found a cyclone motor for 2700 with 30k on the clock but I think thats too much for that milage so I will make this one from the ground up.