Sportmachines | International SyTy Registry

SyTySoGT Cladding Removal

SyTyRegistry — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:01:07 +0000

One of the most distinguishing features of the Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT is the aggressive style cladding that appears on the trucks. The cladding gave the trucks a much wider and lower stance compared to the rest of the S-Series lineup. The trucks use a variety of mounting pucks, support brackets, rivets, washers, and screws to fit and hold the cladding to the body.

Some pieces are interchangeable between the three trucks. These pieces are the front and rear bumper cover and support. For both the Syclone and Typhoon, the only pieces that are interchangeable between the trucks are the front fender arches and door cladding. The remaining pieces on the Syclone and Typhoon from the under door cladding, rear arches, rear quarter and rear corner pieces are all unique to either the Sy or Ty and cannot be swapped. This is due to the pickup vs SUV body style and how the mounting tabs are located on the cladding. The Sonoma GT has less aggressive styled cladding that differs from both the Syclone and Typhoon altogether. It is held in place mostly with brackets, C-clamps, and screws.

With the trucks being over 30+ years old, the cladding is well known to have become brittle and easily broken. If you plan to fix or replace your cladding, the following schematics give a detailed view of the location of all of the mounting pucks, support brackets, rivets, washers, and screws.

If you plan to replace or fix your cladding and it still has the stock rivets, you WILL NEED to drill them out to remove the cladding. Sportmachines offers a complete cladding replacement kit for both the Syclone and Typhoon.

Due to how the cladding is attached to the trucks, some bolts are hidden behind other cladding pieces. This is mainly the front fender arches and rear corner pieces on all 3 of the trucks. If you are planning to remove all of the cladding, the best method is to start with the front and rear bumper assembly for any of the trucks. For the Sonoma GT, the remaining cladding can now be removed in any order.

For the SyTys, with the front and rear bumpers removed, you will want to remove the front fender arches. Then move to the rear quarter panel pieces (everything behind the door), starting with the arches and then the lower front quarter and corner pieces. Lastly, the lower door skirt and door cladding should be removed last.

SYTYSOGT FRONT & REAR BUMPER CLADDING

SYTY FRONT FENDER ARCH & SGT BUMPERETTE

SYTYSOGT REAR QUARTER PANEL CLADDING

SYTYSOGT CAB AND DOOR CLADDING

NOTE: GM did not provide schematics for the door cladding piece. To remove, open the door. There are 5 rivets on the bottom of the cladding piece you will need to drill out. With the rivets removed, you can now remove the door cladding by sliding it in an upward motion and GENTLY pulling the bottom out so it will clear the mounting bracket.

The post SyTySoGT Cladding Removal first appeared on International SyTy Registry.

SyTy Center Cap Bolt

SyTyRegistry — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 14:33:00 +0000

When GM designed the Syclone and Typhoon, the turbine-style aluminum wheels were part of the package and looks of the truck. The wheels are unique to the Syclone and Typhoon only, and feature a front and rear design with the major difference being the offset measurements. The rims are stamped with FRONT and REAR on the backside.

A shared feature between the SyTy wheel and another vehicle is the center cap design. This same design can also be found on the 1988-89 C4 Corvette “Salad Shooter” and Callaway Mag alloy wheel. The SyTy and 1988-89 Corvette caps are interchangeable. During the development of the Syclone, trucks such as the 4.3SS Chevy Syclone Prototype used the Corvette center caps. To cover up the lugs, a large cap with an o-ring gasket is used and is held in place by a single screw with a uniquely styled head. This required a matching-style tool to remove the bolt. The bolt head was manufactured with more than one style of design. The reason for the unique design was to offer a sense of “security” knowing that to get to the lugs, you had to have the bolt removal tool that matched with your truck.

It’s common to see the SyTy center cap bolt get destroyed due to the design. Over time, if the bolt becomes stuck due to dirt and grime, it is easy to strip both the bolt and the removal tool, making it almost impossible to loosen and remove the bolt. Another issue we see is the tool gets lost and many will resort to hammers, screwdrivers, and other tools to remove the bolt. We do not recommend this due to the risk of damage that could be caused by not using the correct tools for the job.

The original manufacturer of the center cap bolts and removal tool is still in business today – McGard. They are located in New York. If you need a replacement bolt or removal tool for your truck, you can contact McGard, and send them pictures of the bolt and/or tool and they can match and be able to provide you with a new set.

3875 California Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127-4198
Customer Service: 1-800-444-5847
Ph: 716-662-8980
Fx: 716-662-8985

If you would rather update your center bolt caps without the stress of having to keep up with a tool, SyTy specialists Sportmachines offers a center bolt kit with an allen head screw and even comes with brand new o-rings for your center cap. PURCHASE HERE

This kit includes (4) New O-rings and (4) Stainless allen head bolts for the center caps of the stock Syclone or Typhoon wheels. Everything pictured is what is included. *New – Now includes (1) 8mm allen wrench to tighten down the bolts

The post SyTy Center Cap Bolt first appeared on International SyTy Registry.

Viscous Clutch Test

SyTyRegistry — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:37:32 +0000

The Syclone and Typhoon’s AWD drivetrains utilize a Borg Warner transfer case which does the 65/35 power split to the front and rear wheels. This is the same transfer case that can be found in the Chevy Astro, GMC Safari, and Oldsmobile Bravada trucks. While these transfer cases are strong and can handle a substantial amount of power, they are not fully bullet proof and are prone to failures. The most common failure that results in broken front axles, split boots, exploded prop shafts, busted front differentials, and low-speed “parking lot jumps” is a LOCKED viscous clutch.

What is a viscous clutch?

The viscous clutch is a type of limited-slip differential that’s designed to control the amount of torque (rotational force) sent to each wheel. It uses a thick fluid (“viscous” means “thick and sticky”) that’s located between a set of plates inside the clutch. When the plates rotate at different speeds (such as when the front and rear wheels are turning at different speeds), the fluid resists the motion, causing the plates to lock together.

Once the plates are locked, the clutch connects the front and rear axles, sending power to all four wheels. This helps to distribute the torque evenly, providing better traction and control on slippery surfaces like ice, snow, and rain.

The viscous clutch isn’t always engaged, though. In normal driving conditions, when all four wheels are turning at the same speed, the fluid inside the clutch doesn’t resist the motion, allowing the differential to function normally. However, as soon as there’s a difference in speed between the wheels (such as when one wheel slips on ice), the viscous clutch engages to lock the plates, transferring power to the wheels with better traction.

BAD VISCOUS CLUTCH TEST
Originally written by Dave Perry

This test can be run with the transfer case installed in the truck or loose on the ground. What is being checked is the torque required to make the viscous clutch slip. While this test is not scientific, or even to a manufacturer’s specification, it will identify whether a V-clutch is “Locked” or “Open”.

Here are the conditions for the test:

– Input shaft on T-case is free to turn. If installed, put transmission in Neutral.

– Rear output shaft Locked. If testing on an installed T-case, put a bar through the u-joint, and lodge it against the floor or frame to keep it from turning

– The front output shaft is where you will apply the torque for the test. Use a socket on a torque wrench on the front output flange nut. If installed you can guess to applying 40 ft-lbs to a bar to turn the front shaft. One front wheel must be free to turn. Work safely under the truck.

With the socket or torque wrench on the front output flange, begin to turn it:

Count to 12-15 seconds to turn the front output 90º from starting point with 40 ft-lbs torque applied.

Remember: There should be resistance between the front and rear outputs.

If it is very loose or breaks away quickly after torque is applied, the viscous clutch has failed OPEN.

If you can’t budge the front output with the rear locked (trans is in Neutral if T-case is in the truck), the viscous clutch has failed LOCKED.

Here’s a great video also showing how to test with the transfer case OUT of the truck:

REBUILD KIT

Sportmachines provides a rebuild kit for the BW4472 transfer case for both Syclone and Typhoon trucks. A full rebuild kit is available or the viscous clutch can be bought separately. To see availability and pricing for both kits along with various other drivetrain parts, CLICK HERE.

The post Viscous Clutch Test first appeared on International SyTy Registry.

1992 GMC Sonoma GT

SyTyRegistry — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 16:06:18 +0000

The 1992 GMC Sonoma GT is a truck often forgotten when the topic is focused on the much more famed GMC Syclone and Typhoon. The production numbers of the Sonoma GT would turn out to be significantly less than the SyTy would see, and with only 806 trucks ever produced, the Sonoma GT holds the crown of the rarest truck from the Sportmachines ring. While it didn’t have the gut-punching power of a turbocharged V6 and the handling performance from an AWD drivetrain, it still was given the attention of GMC and PAS to be placed among the sport truck ranks. In more recent years, the Sonoma GT has gained more attention and momentum with examples being restored and selling for substantially more than for more than 20 years. We hope to see this trend continue!

To keep accurate history and information on the Sonoma GT, the ISTR team has been working to put together a dedicated SGT page under our Sportmachines section in the main menu. On the page, you will find an overview of the Sonoma GT, color options, video promotion clips, and a copy of the official GMC press release kit given to dealers and the media for education and sales purposes.

We will continue to add more information to the page as we publish and update details about the Sportmachine trucks. If you have information that is not yet available on this site and would like to submit it to the registry for scanning, photographing, and documentation, please contact us for instructions on where to send your materials. Please provide your contact information so that we can return your items and materials.

The post 1992 GMC Sonoma GT first appeared on International SyTy Registry.

SyTys Carlisle 2020 Review

SyTyRegistry — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 14:52:52 +0000

For 8 years now, SyTys@Carlisle hosted by Sportmachines has been a mainstay at the Carlisle Truck Nationals held every August. Even with the interesting year that 2020 has been so far, it wasn’t going to stop those determined to make the show and have a good time….and a good time was most certainly had. Here’s the SyTys Carlisle 2020 Review!

In typical fashion, the SyTy group was one of the first clubs at the fairgrounds and promptly loaded up Building Y with a colorful array of trucks for display. From a 1 of 15 Aspen blue Sonoma GT to a 1 of 24 Garnet Typhoon, some of the rarest of the rare were there to showcase and represent the SyTySoGT community. Even one of the new GMC Canyon Syclones made by Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) was on display courtesy of Carlisle Cadillac Buick GMC owned by local Syclone owner Conrad Aschenbach.

Certainly one of the biggest highlights this year and the truck to steal the show was the famed 1989-90 Syclone LSR (Land Speed Record). Best known for its record-breaking speed of 210.067mph in the standing mile, the Syclone LSR piloted by Don Stringfellow became the first ever and fastest gasoline pickup truck in the world. It was also the truck that helped kickstart and helped market the production Syclone in 1991. Having been in storage and “lost” out of the public eye for more than 15+ years, the Syclone LSR was only recently found again 2 weeks before the event. Displayed front and center of Building Y, the chance to walk around and get an up-close look at a piece of truck history was a special moment for all who saw it.

It goes without saying that SyTys@Carlisle wouldnt be the event that it is without the people who attend. In usual SyTy Fashion, our area had the arrangement of tents, blow up couches, pool, and what seemed to be a never ending supply of food and beverages. A big thank you to Noelle and Gary Lidner who cooked most likely a few hundred pounds of food throughout the weekend and making sure that absolutely not one single person went hungry. Harmon once again played his role as bar tender with his famed “Harmon Bombs” (Crown, Redbull, and a dash of grenadine) and it was more than once during the weekend that glasses were raised in celebration of everything and anything SyTy.

Carlisle Nationals awards clubs each year for various categories. The SyTy group was happy to take respectable 3rd place this year for club attendance with S10 Nation coming in 2nd and OBS Addicts taking 1st.

Special thanks goes to Tom Mandrov, owner of Sportmachines and his crew Nathan, Zain, and Carolyn for their tireless efforts and coordination of SyTys@Carlisle each year.

We look forward to The 2021 SyTys@Carlisle with the focus of taking both 1st place in club attendance and coolest club! How can we do that? Register to attend and make plans NOW.

SyTys@Carlisle – Carlisle Truck Nationals
August 6-8th, 2021
2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Syclone. So let’s make SyTys@Carlisle 2021 the biggest year yet! Registration is already open and discounted for next year. Lets get the pre reg up to 60+!

Make sure you select SyTy Sportmachines for the club!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SyTys@ Carlisle 2021: Hotel Information

Once again we have worked with the good folks at the Comfort Inn to lock in our room block for next year. We currently have 30 rooms for Thursday night, and 40 for Friday and Saturday nights. They will give us more, if we book these up. So book early and lets fill the hotel and parking lot with SyTys!

Comfort Inn PA Turnpike 81
77 Shady Lane
Carlisle, PA 17013

Group Name: Sportmachines

To book online: www.choicehotels.com
Or call the hotel directly: 717-706-3400 ask for front desk/reservations.
or email our contact Lily: lmaurer@centrehotel.com
or Aliya Constant aconstant@centrehotel.com
Rate: $139 per night – Make sure to confirm the group rate

The post SyTys Carlisle 2020 Review first appeared on International SyTy Registry.

Sportmachines Super Stock Wheels

SyTyRegistry — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:39:04 +0000

The Sportmachines shop has some exciting new developments! They released a sneak peek of their updated “Super Stock” wheel, which is a modernized version of the stock design SyTy wheel.

The Super Stock rims were released by Sportmachines some years ago and even the original design were pieces of art. With the version 2 update, the rims still are being produced in 18″ but now the rims are 3-piece and most likely that means possible options of colors available – yes SM offers powdercoating! These wheels do have matching billet center caps. Oh, man. That’s going to be a whole lot of sexy in all 4 corners!

For those who love the iconic and unique look of the original design but always want a bigger diameter than 16″ and do not have to settle on the standard Corvette rim, the Super Stock rims fulfill and surpass those requirements. We can’t wait to see the final production wheels dressed in rubber and sitting under a truck!

Sportmachines hasn’t released details on pricing or when exactly they will be available to purchase, so for now we must wait. Recently Sportmachines relocated their shop located in New York to Florida and is still in the process of setting up their new facility. Once ISTR has more information, an updated post will be made.

*Photos courtesy of Sportmachines, LLC.

The post Sportmachines Super Stock Wheels first appeared on International SyTy Registry.

SyTys Carlisle 2016

SyTyRegistry — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 15:57:26 +0000

It’s a gloomy morning with rain clouds looming in the skies as we roll onto the Carlisle Event grounds for the Truck Nationals and SyTys Carlisle 2016, a fitting scene when the metal doors to Building Y begin to crack open and reveal the storms that await. Take your choice. Prototype? There’s the 4.3 SS Chevy Syclone. Production? There’s a Typhoon or Syclone on either end of the building that are brilliantly clean. Want to go racing? The 2 LS-swapped Syclones will have no problems taking down most any sucker….uh, or opponent…that dares to try.

With attendees arriving from all corners of the compass rose, SyTys@Carlisle had on display a large selection of trucks ranging from pre-production, rare 1 of 14 color combinations, to over-the-top modified with every last detail finished off. The SyTy section was adorned with plenty of action as Harmon’s Tiki Bar was open for business with plenty of drinks for everyone to enjoy along with what seemed to be endless BBQ being thrown on the grill and devoured by all. The crew at Sportmachines came prepared with their display of endless shirt choices, posters, and of course engine candy with a variety of choice parts they offer for the trucks. Activities offsite were also planned with a truck photo opp and group dinner held at Appalachian Brewing Company.

This was the 3rd showing for SyTys@Carlisle held on August 5-7th and hosted by Sportmachines and was an event to remember. With over 40 trucks registered and displayed among the grounds and display building, the SyTys took 3rd place in the group category. ISTR encourages all SyTy owners and enthusiasts to make plans to register and attend the 2017 event in which coordination plans are already underway. For those who have never been to a SyTy event, it is truly an experience to stand among a community of owners who not only can be considered friends but also family.

VIEW MORE PICS HERE

Look for details of SyTys@Carlisle 2017 closer to the end of the year and into January 2017.

The post SyTys Carlisle 2016 first appeared on International SyTy Registry.