Getting started

[Redhawk110]

I have a found a 92 Typhoon with about 170000 miles on it. My mechanic bought and will sell it to me for around $5000. The body is solid and the interior is about an 8 out of ten. I suspect the engine and or turbo is tired. It runs but it feels a little doggy if I put my foot in it.

I just retired. I am 64. I know enough about cars to change the oil. I would like to cherry this truck out to and use it as an every day driver. I am in know hurry and I can spend a total of about $15,000 on upgrades. I envision myself learning as I go and doing most of the work myself. My mechanic is willing to mentor me and he knows his stuff.

Any thoughts on the sequence of the these upgrades?

Brakes - upgrade to disc all around
engine - rebuild or new long block
turbo - upgrade for a bit more power
suspension - upgrade for better handling and comfort (this is an important issue for me)
things I have forgotten

Also does anyone have any literature on rebuilding a 4.3? I'm not having any luck finding it on the internet.

Thanks for your feedback.

Mike R.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Getting started

What's the truck number?

$5500 for the truck + $15k in "refurb" puts you at $20k, and you can find a DAMN nice low mile truck for under $20k.

 

[blackty]

Re: Getting started

http://m.ebay.com/itm/GMC-Typhoon-Sport-Utility-2-Door-/262069914200?nav=SEARCH
It's even in Florida...Jim

 

[Redhawk110]

Re: Getting started

I'm aware that I could buy one for that amount but I want the experience of doing a lot of the work myself. When I was working I never had the time to devote to a project and now I do. Working and learning is as important to me as the finished product. Thanks for your input.

Mike R.

 

[SYO237]

Re: Getting started

Assuming you're in Miami?

There are a few owners who can help out who have plenty of experience of doing mods/upgrades and standard mechanics.

You may also want to check out SS Performance Automotive as they have experience with SyTys. http://ssperformanceauto.com

You can also visit the site HowTune and learn how to do some various mods yourself: https://howtune.com

 

[blue83z]

Re: Getting started

Miami university as in Oxford, ohio, just north of Cincy I believe. I forgot his screen name, but Matt h is in Oxford.

 

[Redhawk110]

Re: Getting started

Thanks for the suggestions. I live in rural Iowa. I'm about 100 from Des Moines. The Redhawk is for Miami of Ohio, where I went to school.

 

[Redhawk110]

Re: Getting started

Yeah, we called it "Mother Miami". Id love to touch base with Matt sometime. My sister lives about 25 miles from the campus.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Getting started

If it feels like its down on power,it probably is. These trucks have a lot of torque, so they should feel fast. I would not jump to replacing the motor immediately. I would try to troubleshoot the motor and work out the bugs first, which most syty have. Even if the motor is shot, you can fix some of the problems, so you are not troubleshoot these problem with a fresh motor that your are trying to break in as well.

 

[RealFastV6]

Re: Getting started

I'm aware that I could buy one for that amount but I want the experience of doing a lot of the work myself. When I was working I never had the time to devote to a project and now I do. Working and learning is as important to me as the finished product. Thanks for your input.

You seem like you've made up your mind already, but I have to tell you that these trucks even when in good condition can be a great project just doing minor upgrades.

Trying to rebuild a basket case will wear out even the most ardent and knowledgeable owners. It's like rescuing a 5 year old fighting pitbull as your first dog; not a good idea. I just have to say it; you would be WAY better off with a 15k truck and doing 5k in fun project upgrades.

Best of luck though with whatever you decide to do. :tup:

 

[Redhawk110]

Re: Getting started

I really appreciate all of the feedback and advice. It helps to hear what others with experience have to say. I like what you have to say about working out the engine bugs before thinking about replacing the engine.

This project is meant to be fun, not a death march. I'll keep what you have to say in mind.

Thanks again.

 

[SEL777]

Re: Getting started

You might be able to enlist some local help too. As mentioned these are difficult at times, hell just changing the plugs is not fun w/o a 2' extension going through the wheel well. Does it have the stock crossover to turbo hose? If so take it off, and throw it in the garbage. I just recently had a weird issue where I couldn't drive more than 30mph....the interior of the hose has a fabric liner that was blocking the air. Just weird, search for answers here. Many have been down the road before.