Call us names if you want but we had no idea that GMC had built a special land speed racing version of the S-15 truck to take to the Bonneville Salt Flats and chase records back in 1989. Like so many OEM efforts, not only were the records chased, they were completely obliterated. Weirdly chasing one mark set by Jeep and another by Porsche, the weapon of choice was a 4.3L V6. The engine was bored and stroked by Katech in Michigan to five liters and the overall project management was assigned to the great Gale Banks.
Not shockingly, the effort was a success and this film was made about it’s exploits on the salt. We’re guessing Jeep didn’t really give it much mind but the thought that a record held by a Porsche was smashed by a GMC pickup truck does make our hearts sing a little bit. But there is another angle to this.
1989 was stil two years before the epic Syclone would be produced and sold. Yes, that GMC pickup with the turbocharged 4.3L V6, clean aero looks, and performance for days. So we’re wondering what influence this project had on the development and green-lighting of the Syclone as this rig was every bit it’s boss. As the film was made in 1989 no mention is made of upcoming models but there doesn’t seem to be any way you can pull either of the very fast S-15s away from each other!
