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What is the difference between GMC Syclone and 454 SS?

The GMC Syclone and Chevrolet 454 SS were two high-performance vehicles produced in the early 1990s, but they differed significantly in their design, performance, and target audience. The Syclone was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive pickup truck, while the 454 SS was a rear-wheel-drive, full-size V8-powered sedan.


GMC Syclone


The GMC Syclone was a limited-production, high-performance pickup truck produced by GMC in 1991. It was powered by a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine that produced 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the fastest production vehicles of its time. The Syclone featured an all-wheel-drive system and a sport-tuned suspension, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Only 2,995 Syclones were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item today.


Chevrolet 454 SS


The Chevrolet 454 SS was a high-performance version of the Chevrolet C/K full-size pickup truck, produced from 1990 to 1993. It was powered by a 7.4-liter (454 cubic inch) V8 engine that produced 230 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the Syclone, the 454 SS was a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, and it was designed more for straight-line performance than handling. The 454 SS was marketed as a muscle car for the truck enthusiast, with a more aggressive appearance and a focus on raw power.


Key Differences



  • Powertrain: The Syclone had a turbocharged V6 engine and all-wheel-drive, while the 454 SS had a naturally aspirated V8 engine and rear-wheel-drive.

  • Performance: The Syclone was significantly faster in acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds compared to the 454 SS's 7.0-second 0-60 mph time.

  • Handling: The Syclone's all-wheel-drive and sport-tuned suspension gave it superior handling and cornering capabilities compared to the 454 SS.

  • Rarity: The Syclone was a much more limited-production model, with only 2,995 units made, compared to the 454 SS, which was produced for four model years.


In summary, the GMC Syclone and Chevrolet 454 SS were both high-performance vehicles from the early 1990s, but they catered to different audiences and had distinct design and performance characteristics. The Syclone was a more advanced, all-around performance vehicle, while the 454 SS was a classic American muscle truck focused on straight-line speed.

What made the GMC Syclone so fast?


The Syclone traversed through a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine, producing a remarkable 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with an all-wheel-drive system, gave the Syclone unprecedented acceleration and handling capabilities for a pickup truck.



What does 454 SS mean?


The venerable 454 SS nameplate denoted a 454-cubic-inch 7.4-liter V8 making 230 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. It spun the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Steering clear of the four-wheel-drive system on other Silverado variants helped keep the weight to 4,662 pounds.



How much HP can a 454 handle?


In general, a properly tuned production automotive engine produces 1.0-1.5 hp per cubic inch. Where a particular engine falls depends on many factors, so we'll use 1.3 hp per cubic inch as a middle figure. That means a 454 can support almost 600 hp (454 x 1.3 = 590.2). Indeed, many do.



What is the Chevy version of the GMC Syclone?


The Typhoon, based on the aforementioned GMC Jimmy/Chevrolet Blazer, was essentially a Syclone from the B-pillars forward and used the same PAS-developed powertrain.



What is the fastest stock truck?


The rho delivers 521 lb feet of torque providing excellent pulling power for hauling. And towing the high performance version of the Chevy Silverado EV can accelerate from0 to 60 mph. In around 4.5.



How much is a 454 SS worth today?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $28,400 for a 1990 Chevrolet C1500 454 SS in good condition with average spec.



What truck beat the Syclone?


Trucks on the planet at the time this was actually compared to Corvettes. And a Ferrari 348 TS. And a car and driver review where they found the tarcos capable of doing 0-60.



What year was the most powerful 454?


1970
The most powerful variants of the 454 were in the year 1970 because this was before the oil embargo and tightening emissions restrictions.



How much horsepower does a 454 SS have?


230 horsepower
Under the hood Chevrolet simply diverted a drivetrain from its heavy-duty pickup assembly line, a 454 cubic inch V-8 rated at 230 horsepower and a whopping 385 lb-ft of torque.



How much is a 454 SS worth?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $28,400 for a 1990 Chevrolet C1500 454 SS in good condition with average spec.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.