The GMC Syclone is one of the coolest pickup trucks to ever come out of Detroit. A genuine muscle car in a pickup truck’s body, the Syclone is as iconic today as it was in the 1990s. That said, General Motors isn’t really in the business of building muscle trucks anymore. Thankfully for all of us however, Specialty Vehicle Engineering does. Thanks to a recent video uploaded on social media, we can now watch the Canyon-based SVE GMC Syclone and it’s supercharged V8 engine hit the dyno.
The 2021 SVE GMC Syclone is based on the Canyon in Elevation trim, complete with 4×4 and the optional 3.6L V6 engine. Once the donor truck is sorted out and your deposit is confirmed, SVE gets to work turning the Canyon into a modern day Syclone. The build starts with an L83-based 5.3L V8, which gets forged internals and a centrifugal supercharger. The engine is then mated to an 8l90E heavy-duty automatic transmission, which sends power to a permanent 4×4 system. According to the dyno sheet shared by Specialty Vehicle Engineering, the truck produces an incredible 757 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. That is quite a bit more than the 750 horsepower at the crank that they were targeting.
This truck also gets an upgraded suspension system, complete with new springs and dampers better suited for an 800 horsepower machine. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires help put the power to the ground as well, which certainly isn’t a common sight on a pickup. Based on this video clip of the truck making a pull on the street, the sticky rubber is a welcome addition, however.
MC&T was the first to report that the SVE GMC Syclone is limited to just 50 units, with a price of $79,995, plus the donor truck. That is a lot of money to spend on a GMC Canyon, but this might be one of the coolest trucks that money can buy right now. Would you rather take home a genuine GMC Syclone, or this insane machine built by Specialty Vehicle Engineering? Let us know down below.
GM could offer a dialed back version of the Syclone as a Sport Truck package, and sell a ton of them. For example, swap the V8 out for a maybe 400hp turbo V6 for starters- still a pretty potent motor, and a cost savings as well. Keep the all wheel drive and lowered suspension, and include the already available Cat-back exhaust, but reach into GM extensive parts bin for more modest upgrades in place of the other more costly/custom parts on the Syclone. Decent street tires on current 18″ rims would work. It would be critical to provide significant performance enhancements.
I just want to see a V8 in a midsize truck. But apparently that’s too much to ask.
I love V8 engines too, but I think you would be surprised with how much scoot the current 3.6l motor provides in the Canyon/Colorado application. (6.1 sec. 0-60, 25mpg hwy)
At least there are supercharger packages for the V6.
…and GM already builds a twin turbo version of their 3.6 V6- 400+hp. Point being that the stock engine is already pretty quick, and for not a lot of money, ride and on-road handling could be much improved. Skip the engine modifications, and a Sport Truck package could be a dealer installed option. (!)
They sure do. But the irony is that the 3.6L TT V6 – the LF4 – is more costly to build than a tried-and-true small block, and I have heard it may even weigh more than an LT1, while not packaging as well. Having experienced both the TTV6 and the V8 engines in GM products, I know which I’d rather have (just speaking for myself). Ultimately, GM is just going to offer a four cylinder in the Canyon and Colorado for the next-generation: https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/next-gen-chevrolet-colorado-gmc-canyon-will-have-just-one-engine/
But the wrong V6. I agree with your points of LF4 versus LT1; it applies to LGX also. They should max out the pushrod blocks, and have supercharged versions of each above both.
Yes! Why the 4.3L pushrod V6 isn’t in the current Colorado/Canyon is such a headache for me.
This looks like an outstanding vehicle, wish I had the money.
I’m glad the home page here lists recent comments on older articles.
If GM were so inclined, they could reach into their parts bin and come up with a credible Sport Truck package- actual performance and handling enhancements, not just the decals- for a whole lot less than the Syclone. Other than a slight lowering the ride height, most of what you’d want in Sport Truck package is already on the options list. (performance air intake, Cat-back exhaust, 18 or 20″ wheels, etc.) It wouldn’t hold a candle to the Syclone, but you would get a better handling, better performing- and to my eye, better looking- truck.
Yes, an engine swap would be great- just unlikely