1992 GMC Typhoon: A ‘Blessing’ of 1,500 HP LS V8

Plenty of Power for 90’s SUV

In an attempt to reinvigorate a 1992 GMC Typhoon, Westen Champlin has embarked on a journey to transform the already mighty 1990s traditional SUV into an extreme tire shredder akin to the highest-performing SUVs currently available. Simply for the pleasure of it.

Widely hailed as the first sport utility vehicle to be built for performance, the GMC Typhoon was a diminutive SUV containing a turbocharged V6 engine of 280 horses power, famously capable of surpassing certain Ferraris, when it first made its debut. Rumours were swirling around at one time of a revival of the Typhoon on the GMC Terrain platform.

Fast forwarding to the current time, Champlin has elected to extend the realms of this renowned moniker. Allegedly created due to sheer tedium, the scheme had its sights trained on the Holley LS Fest East, slated to commence only 17 days after Champlin pulled the trigger on constructing the automobile.

I Built a 1500HP AWD Sleeper for Street Racing

The goal was understood: To build the Typhoon to go even faster. This resulted in the V6 powertrain being stripped out, making way for an LS motor from Texas Speed.

The refurbished Typhoon has been equipped with a Tick Performance intercooler, Hellion 64mm turbochargers, larger camshafts, an ICT billet aluminum package, tailored coils, a Holley accessory apparatus, and an expanded intake manifold. As could be expected, making it all fit together posed some difficulty; however, the outcome makes the endeavor worthwhile, seeing as the two-turbo LS Typhoon emits up to 1,500 horsepower which is delivered through a 4WD configuration that engages in an intermittent manner.

As seen in the video, it is evident that just the rear tires were participating during the burnout.

Despite not yet having been completely assembled, the revised Typhoon took part in an engine burn exhibition at the Holley LS Fest East gathering. The auto experienced difficulties, such as fluid leakage from the transmission and a shattered gearshifter, which is to be expected since the motor was only set-up in the car a mere six days before.

Despite the unfavorable conditions, the Typhoon still managed to put on an impressive performance, coming to a climax when fluid from the vehicle’s radiator suddenly began leaking. Though the show had to finish prematurely, it was still a memorable display.

We’re hazy whether this Typhoon really clocked 1,500 horsepower on the testing machine, given that the footage hasn’t revealed it, yet we’ll have to take Champlin’s word for it. We can’t delay witnessing this assignment come to its fruition and witness it run on the drag racetrack with all components functioning flawlessly.