2004 GMC Sierra Buildup - Slalom Tests

After working with Stillen to find a solution to the AP Racing brake clearance, super-thin machined spacers were used to space out the caliper and voila, the GMC was up and running better than ever. Back at the test facility, we blasted new 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile times. Factory, our best time was 9.6 seconds to 60 mph and 17.76 at 88 mph in the quarter. With the Banks gear bolted on, we hit 60 mph in just 8.19 seconds, and hit the 1/4-mile marker at 16.7 seconds at 93 mph. Even with a worn-out, slipping clutch, bolt-ons do work!
After working with Stillen to find a solution to the AP Racing brake clearance, super-thin
This "before" stock shot shows the Sierra's barge-like body roll and slow speed through the slalom. Our best run was 52 mph.
This "before" stock shot shows the Sierra's barge-like body roll and slow speed through th
After we installed the McGaughy's/Hotchkis suspension, the truck was a whole new animal. Body roll was cut, speeds increased, and the Sierra was beginning to show its true colors. We then flew through the cones at 64 mph. Look out muscle cars, here comes Project Novakane.
After we installed the McGaughy's/Hotchkis suspension, the truck was a whole new animal. B

On the dyno, the Banks' Power Pack-equipped 4.8L churned out some impressive gains, with our best numbers of 257 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque. That's 35 rear wheel horsepower from easy-to-install bolt-ons!
On the dyno, the Banks' Power Pack-equipped 4.8L churned out some impressive gains, with o

DRIVING IMPRESSION

As an amateur tattoo artist and semi-professional racecar driver, I was thoroughly impressed with the GMC's driving characteristics.
As an amateur tattoo artist and semi-professional racecar driver, I was thoroughly impress
We overuse the word transform, but in this case, it really did just that. As you would expect from a heavily front-biased truck, the Sierra pushes (or plows) in the front, but once you become familiar with it, the truck will absolutely go where you want it to, when you want it to.
We overuse the word transform, but in this case, it really did just that. As you would exp
Give it some gas and understeer is the norm, but it's easy modulated and controlled. With new A-arms being fabricated, new Energy Suspension bushings ordered, along with ball joints and tie-rod ends, Project Novakane has a bright autocross and track future ahead of it.
Give it some gas and understeer is the norm, but it's easy modulated and controlled. With

FROM THE DRIVER SEAT
OK, editors are known for exaggerating and even I can be convicted of pumping things up a tad too much. But, when it came time to fire the ignition and go do some slalom runs, the Sierra went from work truck beater into Project Novakane. With a deep rumble from the Banks Monster exhaust and bulldog-like looks from the lowered suspension, our truck was ready to have some fun. Throttle response was instant, we could hear the throttle body actually sucking air into the intake, and what may have impressed us the most- the Nitto NT05 tires were completely planted. With a treadwear rating of 200, the tires are much stickier and literally eliminated tire spin during hard launches. Despite being designed for lifted and leveling kit-equipped trucks, the BMF wheels fit our lowered GMC perfectly and the deep lip gives the Sierra a unique, race-style look. Handling was impressive, as the slalom times show, we went through the cones 12 mph faster (an incredible feat for just basic bolt-ons). Hotchkis and McGaughy's lowering components worked very well together and combined to give the 4,300-pound GMC a compliant (though for some it may be too stiff for a daily driver) ride with sports car-like turning abilities. We spent just shy of six grand and considering the improvement, we can't think of anything that can transform your truck overnight better than these mods. Next month, check out how well the track-installed AP Racing big brakes, from Stillen, brought the Sierra to a halt from 80 mph.