From Wild to Wilder – John Gerber
Quick question – how many GMC Typhoons have you ever seen? Did you know such a vehicle even existed? Well, it did, even though this muscular big brother to General Motors Corporation’s ubiquitous Jimmy was only on the scene for a brief span of two years, 1992 and 1993. During that time a grand total of 4,697 units were built, and it’s hard to say how many road-worthy examples survive today. Two of the best of this relatively rare breed are alive and well in Fort Wayne, Indiana, both proudly owned by John Gerber. And even though they look similar at first glance, these Frost White beauties are polar opposites under the skin.
From the factory, the Typhoon featured a Mitsubishi TD06-17C/8 cm2 turbocharger and Garrett Water/Air intercooler attached to a 4.3 L LB4 V6 intake manifold, fuel system, exhaust manifolds, and a 48mm twin-bore throttle body from the 5.7 L GM small block engine. Today, both of Gerber’s Typhoons are still V6 turbo powered, but that’s where the similarity to anything bolted together in Detroit ends. There’s little doubt that wild to wilder best describes these two fantastic hot rods. The existence of these superb vehicles is a true testament of the skill, vision and meticulous attention to detail lavished on them by their owner and by everyone who participated in both builds.
The first GMC Typhoon that Gerber bought was this pristine example, used primarily for car audio competition in the ‘90s. He eventually decided to beef up the drivetrain by making a number of significant modifications. While still utilizing the original all-wheeldrive, Gerber’s rolling sound factory runs through the quarter-mile timers in the 10.60s at over 130 mph, all while weighing in at 4,300 pounds! The engine is a 266-cubicinch GM Bowtie V6 NASCAR Busch Series piece topped by Brodix 23-degree heads. The combo includes a F.A.S.T. Classic EFI system and a PTE BB 76mm turbo. The transmission is a custombuilt GM 4L80E unit that transfers the power to Nitto tires mounted on polished 17-inch ZR1 wheels. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood 4-piston disk brakes. In the cabin, the original leather interior is complimented by Auto Meter gauges and, of course, a killer sound system. The whole package is set off by the factory original GM Arctic White paint. John thanks Bill Davis Chassis, Hires Speed Shop, Stephens & Hull Racing Engines and RPM Transmissions for their help with the project.
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Category: FEATURES, FEATURES - PAST
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