List,
Someone once suggested that I contribute to the list more often. That person
may eventually regret that statement <grin>.
I have a question concerning a certain record in the rule book. It seems
there is a record in E/P/MP for GMC/Banks Engineering from 1989 @ 183+.
(That's Production Mid Mini Pickup for you roadster drivers). I have found
this record to be troubling ever since it appeared in the book. Perhaps some
of you that actually saw this vehicle in 1989 can comment and maybe shed
some light on what class it really belongs in.
>From the urban legends, this competition vehicle (which did have a really
cool paint job) was a 4.3 liter turbocharged V6 which was a precursor or
beta release of the production GMC Typhoon/Chevy Syclone trucks. I have also
found a web site that indicates that the actual competition truck used a 5.0
liter, normally aspirated engine.
OK, here's my beef.
If indeed the truck was a turbo 4.3 with fulltime factory 4-wheel drive, it
does not belong in Production since both the turbo and the full-time 4WD
make it illegal for that class - it should go immediately to Modified for
either or both without stopping at Go or collecting $200. It would also seem
that a turbo would boost (pun intended) it to a 'C' motor since a blower is
supposed to cost two engine sizes. Even so, a 4.3L is a D, not and E.
<Heavens, my head is starting to spin> Regardless of whether it is
Production or Modified, it seems that the E designation is wrong.
Also, if it was indeed a 5.0 liter, it REALLY doesn't belong in that class
since there have never been any production 5.0L S-10/Sonoma trucks built.
BTW, a 5.0L is also a D.
So, what was the real motor???? If it was a 'production' turbo Buick V6 as
delivered in the Syclone/Typhoon trucks, does that mean the same engine
combination can compete nowadays as 'Production' with no penalty for being
blown? And what about that pesky 4WD that was standard on all
Syclone/Typhoons? Was the GMC/Banks truck 4WD?
I'm not looking to throw stones here, just tryin'- to understand. I realize
that when this thing ran, there was no real class for it and it was stuck in
the new truck classes when they were introduced. However, it DOES set a
precedent for future attempts at whatever record it ends up in, so it really
will matter to somebody someday.
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help with this conundrum.
Jim
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