Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

[ShuggsRR]

I figured I post my build thread on this site as well. Its always good to have extra input.

Back in 2006 I started my greatest automotive project yet! I have had a 99 S10 Xtreme with Powerdyne supercharger, 84 ext cab S10 with 350, 95 S10 ext cab "SS", 02 Crew Cab S10, etc etc I have always wanted a Typhoon but they were always too expensive and not always as reliable as I would like.

Here are the specs...

ENGINE
- 1996 Cadillac LT1
- 1997 Camaro Z28 SS heads & intake, ported, gasket matched, valve job
- Crane Cams - CC502 cam
- MSD blaster coil, MSD 8.8mm wires, NGK plugs
- MSD fuel pump
- Cleaned injectors
- 1LE intake
- TB mod, MAF de-screened, AIR removed
- New GM timing chain and gears
- OBD1 ECM, cable, software, and knock sensor
- Oil cooler w/ remote oil filter
- Tranny cooler
- "Tyclone" CNC’d throttle body plate
- Aluminum coolant bottle
- Air conditioning (frame notched to accommodate compressor)
- Corvette fuel rail covers painted to match exterior
-stock 4.3 4x4 pan modified for the lt1 (lengthened, oil sending unit bung welded to the side)

EXHAUST:
- Single 3” exhaust
- DMH 3” electric exhaust cutout w/ dump
- muffler yet to be purchased/installed

TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN
- 1996 4L60-E completely rebuilt to stock specs
- Borg Warner 4472 all wheel drive transfer case
- 2000 stall converter
- 3.73s, rear posi, front open diff
- Typhoon driveshaft
- Heavy duty custom front prop shaft

BRAKES
- 2000 LS1 Z28 big brake conversion, dual piston front calipers, single piston rears, 12” rotors all around
- New brake lines all around

WHEELS AND TIRES
- 1999 18 x 9.5” Corvette C5 "wagon wheels" painted black
- 275/40/18 Falken tires

SUSPENSION & STEERING
- 3” Bell Tech leaf springs and 2” blocks
- Bilstein shocks in rear
- Bell Tech torsion keys in front
- KYB Monomax shock in front
- ZQ8 steering box - 12.1:1 ratio
- Xtreme Blazer rear sway bar
- Rear C-notch by SuicideDoors.com
- Energy Suspension sway bar bushings
- Complete front end/steering rebuild: Upper & Lower Ball Joints, Idler Arm, Pitman Arm, Inner & Outer Tie Rod Ends, Adjusting sleeves

EXTERIOR & BODY:
- Typhoon front bumper cover (fiberglass replica from Paul's Select)
- Sonoma GT factory original bumperettes
- Goodmark 2” cowl hood
- Grant Kustoms weld on rollpan
- Phil Chivers hood strut kit
- 92 Typhoon core support (modified to house radiator)
- Handles shaved (ditched doors, for sale)
- 2nd gen blazer door handles in 93 doors
- Roof rack shaved
- Upper body lines/roof seam shaved
- Shaved antenna
- Shaved emblem holes
- Tailgate handle shaved and handle relocated inside
- 1992 GMC grille
- 91-94 GMC grille top cover filler (for sale)
- Door hinge pins and bushings
- New seals and weather stripping
- Black aluminum hood pins from HoodPins.net
- Stock Blazer fender flares

PAINT and EXTERIOR APPEARANCE:
- 1996 Corvette Grand Sport replica
- Admiral blue paint overall
- Arctic White stripe
- White pinstripes down sides of center stripe
- Left fender hash marks in vinyl
- Painted Corvette fuel rail covers

LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL:
- Crystal clear blinkers and corners up front
- H4 headlight conversion
- LMC heavy duty headlight wiring harness
- Smoked/black aftermarket eBay tail lights
- 92 Typhoon power mirrors

INTERIOR:
- Full 1992 Typhoon interior (dash, seats, panels, headliner, etc)
- Power driver’s seat frame (from 2nd gen blazer power seat)
- Typhoon rear seat cushions/covers with 85 Jimmy seatbelts (no shoulder belts)
- Over head console with compass and thermometer
- Sonoma GT gauge cluster
- Power windows, locks, mirrors
- AutoMeter full 3 gauge pillar pod
- AutoMeter 1 1/16” Trans temp, Fuel pressure, & (one more to buy gauge)
- ACC charcoal cut pile carpet
- Remote door popper kit w/ emergency release
- Grant 1470 Club Sport Steering Wheel w/ Matte black grip and center pad
- GMC horn button
- Relcated battery to trunk with Summit Premium Battery Relocation kit

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

This is where the story begins!

Ill start this thread off with the whole story of how this truck arrived in my garage. (short version)
I was selling my bike, a Honda CBR900RR, and looking to buy a project S10. preferably I wanted to build a 2 door blazer with an LT1, shaved handles and roof rack, vette wheels, etc. I have always wanted a Typhoon but could never afford one in decent enough shape for me. The thought of an AWD V8 truck would be great but shoot I could never afford one.
Then there it was... http://s-seriesforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76031&highlight=sold
I sold the bike, loaded the family and drove on out to NC to pick it up. Just so happens that my sister lived about 80 miles from the truck and the kids had never traveled to that area of the country. hehe
I met the owner, Jeff, at is house and he was very helpful and informative. He pointed out about everything he knew about the truck and showed me all the good and the bad. We BSed for a more hours than my family would have liked, but they knew how excited I was so they didn't mind much. Jeff loaded the Jimmy with loads of goodies and helped me get it situated on the trailer. Off we went!

The trip was a good time. We stopped and saw the sights like the National Corvette Museum, and drive straight through. They were a few incidents, as always....
We stopped at a gas station and I checked the truck over. I guess someone forgot to screw in the left taillight. lol Opppsss... Luckily it doesnt have nice new paint and didnt break, scratch or dent anything.

Jeff tried to show me how to tie up the excess strap on the tie-downs. I guess I didnt get it right as one strap came undone and was dragging. Good thing I noticed it before any real damage was done.

I wont even talk about the rain... No trip is complete without some rain!

The rain was ok because when we got back to Texas Im sure the 70mph driving mixed with 101 degree temp was alike a large hairdryer for the Jimmy! lol

But through it all... 2,500 miles later, about 150 gallons of gas, lots of fun, hours of not sleeping, and a memorable experience for life... We made it home!

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

I also picked up an LT1 intake w/ fuel rails and injectors from CragsList for $70. It also came with the Corvette LT1 fuel rail covers! I blasted the intake and sold it on eBay for $125 and kept the corvette motor shrouds as well as the spare injectors and have 1/2 polished the fuel rails for sale on eBay.
The pass side Vette cover fits great, but the driver side needs some Dremmel notching as the braided fuel lines are in the way.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

I got a wrecked Typhoon for parts! What a deal! MINT truck that just had a head on collision. Can you believe it still ran??!

The wreck donated the rear driveshaft to me.
Now that the drivetrain is complete. Time for a test drive!
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fga2PrDV-oE&mode=related&search=
And the launch!!

Down the street

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

So the "Christmas gifts" have started arriving in the mail! WEEEEE!!
Lowering keys, 3" rear springs, clear corners and markers, all front end fastners, 3 gauge pod....

Even my dog wants to see whats going on with the cool parts in the foyer!

Yup! My new hood! Got it from Summit">http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=GMK%2D4112%2D200%2D821&N=700+4294908216+4294922838+4294924927+115&autoview=sku"]Summit Racing for $349.95 plus I think it was $75 frieght to my house! Sweet!

Ok I got some more goodies in.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

So I can really start working once I get another project out of the way.
My compressor needs to be hooked up at the house here. I can then use my air tools and im sure it would make life much easier to work on the trucks. I can also use the blast cabinet, that I havent even brought home yet, to clean all the parts when I'm putting the truck together.
Here are the specs...
- US General 220v 60gal 12.8cfm @ 90psi
- 25 ft of 10/2 wire
- elec box
- 30a breaker
- wall outlet
- power wire and plug
- shut off valve kit
- 3" pipe
- air filter
- connector
- air regulator
- connector
- 50ft roll up air hose/reel

Yeah the bikes got booted out of the garage once the trucks came home... sniff sniff

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

I got in the last of my wheels. I now have a set of 18" C5 wheels. So I went to my local Discount Tire and ordered a set of 275/40/18 Falkens
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fi...alse&cs=275&pc=18557&rd=18&ar=40&ct=&rf=false

I also just hopped in on the Turbo Trans Am guy's group purchase for electric exhaust cutouts.
http://www.dmhperformance.com/ecutout.htm

Add in a c-notch from the back end. heh
http://www.suicidedoors.com/BlazerBolt-inC-Notch.php#

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Belltech 3" drop leafs and Bilstien sport shocks. Next will be the Belltech lowering keys and Xtreme Blazer sway bar. I have them just need the time to do them.
On the top is the Belltech 3" lower leaf spring.
On the bottom is the stock 1985 GMC Jimmy 4x4 leaf

My buddy fcame by last night to help me play with the Tyclone. We finished lowering the rear of the truck tonight. 3" Bell Tech drop leaf springs and 2" blocks. We put in Bilstein Sport shocks all around. 5" total rear drop. Junior started on the front and after bustin a couple cheap c-clamps, gave up till I buy him some real tools. hehe Meanwhile I was strippin the wrecked Typhoon and gettin ready to move all the good stuff over to the Tyclone.
Pictures here
http://www.sclusivetexas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4059&postcount=37

So we got the front lowered with my Bell Tech lowering keys. had to make a cutom ground c-clamp for the job, but it worked out ok. Looks MUCH better now!
Stock and Bell Tech

My buddy Junior makin me a tool

The new stance with the 17s.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Just got my tires in today! WEEEEE!!
275/40/18 Falkens on C5 18"x9.5" wheels..

I just installed my 275/40/18 tires and my new C5 wheels. Had to take it out for a test drive. hehe
Driving
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8l_45vvjgE
hehehe
baby chicken launch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc4zfsEqtW4
Excuse the new camera man I had and his 1 second clips. These were the longest ones he took... uggg

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Got in some more parts today from LMC Truck...
- side door window seals
- side window moldings
- 4x6' insullation
- spray adhesive
- 2 door hinge pin and bushing sets
- chrome blinker bulbs
- chrome marker bulbs
- heavy duty headlight harness

Just ordered my ACC charcoal carpet through ACCMats.com
Also ordered my Sanderson CS114x4 headers through JTR.com
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/
Just got in my electric exhaust cut-out from the Turbo Trans Am board.
The group purchase was through DMH Performance Awesome guys to deal with by the way.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

While searching for parts I found a real Typhoon for sale that didn't run. Figured I could pick it up and put my wrecked Ty drivetrain in and sell it to fund my Tyclone. Well... It turned into a year long project in itself!

Here are the pics of 92 Typhoon #2344 that I bought in January 2007.

Here is a re-cap of the story of my new 92 Typhoon that I found while searching for parts to finish my Tyclone.
I found the truck on eBay back on October and the guy wanted more tahn I wanted to pay. I kept his number and emailed him a few times throughout the next few months till he said that he would sell it for just what I wanted to spend!!! DONE! MINE!
So here is the WHOLE story on this truck...
The guy is a 66 year old man and is the original owner. He looked all over DFW to find one and one dealership had one. It was out on a test drive with a Dallas Cowboy. The Cowboy didnt buy it and the salesman called to say "Its here come get it now!"
The Ty was his daily driver. Just to the office and back. Never raced, or beaten much at all. One day it was in the dealer for service. One of the porters liked Typhoons and took it for a test drive. The truck had no oil in it and he blew the engine. The dealership replaced it with a new short block. About 100 miles later the check engine light came on. He parked it out behind his buddy's warehouse one day. Then the next time he went to start it, the truck cranked over but didnt fire. There it sat for almost 1 1/2 years.
It has 86,397 miles.

Comes with window sticker, all 4 glove box manuals, all original dealer paperwork, 3 factory service manuals, wheel lock key, etc
Here is the current status and damage assessment.
- It has badly worn paint and needs a re-paint. Some surface rust where paint is peeled off

This is how it sat when I found it.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Typhoon front bumper test fit

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Summit Racing got ahold of my card again today... DAMMIT!!
Energy Suspension control arm bushings and sway bar bushings

Grant Steering Wheel

Grant install kit

KYB Monomax shocks for the front

Battery relocate kit

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

New Throttle Body plate! Now I need to clean everything else under the hood! lol
Thanks to Mich Ty over at SyTy.net for creating it for me.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

I just got in my complete front end/steering rebuild kit and Energy Suspension bushings.
2-Upper Ball Joints
2-Lower Ball Joints
1-Idler Arm
1-Pitman Arm
2-Inner Tie Rod Ends
2-Outer Tie Rod Ends
2-Adjusting sleeves
Energy Suspension control arm bushing kit
Energy Suspension sway bar bushing kit

Got a 1992 Typhoon core support with Typhoon factory stickers still intact and attached. heh

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Just got in my new Grant 13" steering wheel and GMC horn button. Its SOO comfortable! Im so excited now, I cant wait to test it out!

I also got the mounting hardware to mount the Corvette fuel rail covers.

I got an original Sonoma GT instrument cluster today! one of 806 made!!!
Its identical to a Syclone/Typhoon cluster except it doesnt have the boost gauge. Works for me cause I dont have a turbo.

I sold the Typhoon cluster and bought the SoGT one. SWEET!

- Aluminum coolant overflow bottle.

- steering wheel horn button and install kit
- KYB shocks
- ball joint tool

- battery relocate kit

I also have the window channels, new felts, back glass seals, inner fender rubbers and clips, H4 conversion headlights, new GM sill protectors and screws...

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Here is my shop. At the far end is the donor Typhoon which is creating the Tyclone. in the middle is my Typhoon loaded up and going for paint. And then the Tyclone. resting.
See those shelves in the background? Thats the whole Tyclone in boxes and bins. All my parts gathering sits right there.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

So I was swapping over the wiring from the typhoon to the Tyclone. Lots of small differences between the 85 and 92.

The back roof light inside by the hatch. You see the 92 has an extra clip which is recessed in the roof for the washer lines.

The 92 has an extra hole, where the 85 has a divet for the rear window defroster.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

I got in some new cladding pices. I went with Pauls Select for fiberglass cladding. Clone cladding for the Tyclone.
Front bumper cover and support in fiberglass. Comparison with a stock piece.

Right rear corner cladding. Stock and my new fiberglass piece.

This is a picture of test fitting the fiberglass front bumper cover. Notice the full cladding on the floor beside the truck?

The Tyclone wanted to pose beside Turbodog's Typhoon. Here it is.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: Project Tyclone SS: 85 Jimmy, LT1, AWD, etc

Here are some of the colors I have been thining about. I decided blue is the way to go. Maybe C6 vette blue, or S10 Indigo blue... not 100% sure yet there. But blue with grey cladding. Cladding I like either stock argent grey or a darker gunmetal/charcoal grey.
But the wheels will need to be powdercoated black, or gunmetal as well.