02-27-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 02-27-2013

MORE BUICK MINI BOOKLETS -

Another mini Buick booklet I have in my private collection is dated 1986. The title is, “Engine Straight Talk.” As the title suggests, it covers all the engines Buick offered in their models for 1986.

In case you're wondering, Buick offered 11 engines that year. Of those 11 offered, 4 featured the 3.8 engine. They also offered a turbocharged 1.8 litre engine. Three of the 3.8 engines had sequential-port fuel injection (SFI). One was the 3.8 litre with standard carburetion.

Of the other two 3.8 SFI versions, one was simply listed as a 3.8 litre V-6 and the other one was a 3.8 litre V-6 with roller lifters.

Last, but not least, was the 3.8 litre turbocharged V-6 with intercooler (which was new for 1986 model year).

The booklet goes on to define the meaning of the various injector systems. It also explains Turbocharging. It says that horsepower is increased on the 3.8 when a turbo is added from 142 to 235 and torque jumps from 200 to 330 pounds-feet. Under the intercooler explanation, it claims about a 10 percent power increase.

PHOTO 1 - The left photo shows the mini Buick booklet entitled, "ENGINE STRAIGHT TALK" for the 1986 Buick models. It measures 3-7/8" x 7-11/16" and is only 11 pages long. The right photo shows two of the pages and descriptions; one page gives the "FUEL RAIL AND INJECTORS" and "TURBOCHARGING" definitions and on the other gives the "INTERCOOLER" and "ROLLER LIFTERS" definitions. Keep in mind, this was fairly new technology for Buick sales people, so they had an understanding of the product and be able to answer questions for the potential customer.

Probably equally as rare is the same informative mini booklet for the 1987 Buick engine line up. I also have one of them.

For the model year 1987, Buick only offered 10 different engines. The 1.8 turbo charged was replaced with the 2.0 turbocharged engine. The difference is for 1987 only two of the 3.8 engines had the SFI option instead of 3 like in 1986. As one might expect, the word "improved" was added in front of some of the engine choices for 1987 as well.

In the 1987 mini booklet, it states that for the 2.0 turbocharged engine water is used for cooling the turbo body.

PHOTO 2 - In the left photo we show the cover of the 1987 mini booklet, "1987 Engine Talk from Buick." This cover art is slightly different from the 1986. It also measures 3-7/8" x 7-11/16" and is only 11 pages long. In the right photo we show the 2-page spread with a chart listing the engine choices and what each engine option has for its unique related parts.

These booklets served as a quick refresher course for the sales staff.



THE NEW 2014 CORVETTE -

By now most of you have seen photos and reports on the new upcoming C7 Corvette due out this coming fall. In the meantime, GM has put out what amounts to a teaser color brochure on the new Corvette. One of our customers, John Kapp, was at a recent auto show and picked me up the brochure. This is probably the first brochure on this new model and in years to come, may be difficult to find.

PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows the slip envelope with a cut out on the front and the front of the brochure. Once the brochure was inserted into the folder, it exposed the Corvette emblem through the opening, shown in the top right photo. The center photo shows the new 2014 Corvette spread once the brochure is open. The lower photo shows the back of the 4-sided brochure.

So, since the new Corvette is not available until this fall, this gives you time to calculate how much of your paycheck you need to put aside each week to either meet the down payment or to pay for the Corvette in full!

As every car collector realizes the more original related brochures you have with your car, the more it adds to the value of your car.

We are quite fortunate that we work with a company that can produce a high-quality reproduction of your Turbo Regal Window Sticker. Outside of the booklets you may have collected in your glove box, the Window Sticker is one item most prospective buyers want.

Here is a link to the Window Stickers on the website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=window+stickers&submit_button=


Unfortunately today it's very difficult to find any Buick literature specifically for the Turbo Regals. I was lucky enough to collect original brochures and literature back when the cars were still virtually brand new.



POST OFFICE NEW MUSCLE CAR STAMPS -

The new "Muscle Car - America on the Move" postage stamps are now available. According to our local post office, the first run is sold out and the second run is already in the works.

This series of stamps have proven to be one of the most popular that the post office has printed in recent years. Of course, where they really turn a profit is with the buyers that will simply collect them and never use them!

Rumor has it they are planning to do other U.S. muscle cars for this series. One can only hope the Grand National is one of them!

PHOTO 4 - One of the popular formats they offer is available on a sheet of 20 "Muscle Car - America on the Move" postage stamps. What is neat about this is they put each row of five in a different order when you buy the entire uncut sheet of 20 stamps.



NEW CARTOON COMING NEXT WEEK -

We will have another "Tommy Turbo" cartoon by Fred Boatman in the next Inner Circle. Watch for it.



ARTICLE ON INTERNET ABOUT MOLLY -

We were recently informed about an interesting article about Molly, who Gary Bryson worked for when they did a Turbo Century Buick. As a youngster Gary's son worked for Molly too.

Interesting enough, Dan also worked on the 1983 Street Regal, which was one of the two T-Type Regals commissioned by Herb Fishel to develop what would become the Grand National.

Here is the link to the article from Junkyardlife, Tuesday, February 5, 2013.
http://www.junkyardlife.com/?m=1



HERE IS A PRODUCT THAT IS UNIQUE -

Like many of you, I wash our cars frequently using a 25- or 50-foot hose. It's always a pain to roll up the hose and, in the cold, it is next to impossible to roll it up.

I don’t know if this is a new idea or an old idea, but there is a hose available called the "Pocket Hose." Basically, it shrinks up when it is not in use. For example, I can put the 50-foot hose they sell inside my standard size plastic water bucket when I am done.

It looks like the skin shed from a snake. It's available in four different lengths from 25 to 100 feet. It may be available in major stores or it can be ordered on the internet by going to their website site - pockethose.com.

I have the 50-foot version and it cost $19.99. I found mine at CVS. The pocket hose only comes in the color green. This hose is great in the winter climates, since storing it requires so little space. I highly recommend it. The 50-foot length is perfect for doing two cars without moving them around.

I tried to become a wholesaler for the product, but they only wholesale to retail stores as they want to retain the mail-order market.



HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY - FATS DOMINO

One of the early rock 'n roll legends turned 85 years old on February 26th; Fats Domino. I never get tired of hearing his music. My wife and I have been fortunate enough to see him several times in concerts over the years.

He had his first rock 'n roll hit record way back in 1950 called "The Fat Man." This recording holds the distinction of being the first rock 'n roll song to sell a million copies, which was not easy to do back in 1950.

Fats Domino also comes in at #11 on the all-time list of popular piano players.

Unfortunately the youth today have missed out on seeing one of his concerts. Not many artists end a show like he did by bumping his piano across the stage.



NEAT NEW PRODUCT COMING SOON -

It is something unique that we can now offer based on one of your favorite photos. We will have several examples on display at our Open House and should have the information in next week's Inner Circle. Technology has come a long way in recent years.



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE ON YouTube -

We did some more filming last week, which will be up on YouTube soon. Our plan is to add a few segments every few weeks.

So, be sure to check out the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/user/KirbanPerformance?feature=guide



URGENT REQUEST FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS -

We badly need original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors as cores to have them be rebuilt. Screens can be missing but housing can't be broken or cracked.

We issue a $25 Letter of Credit for each acceptable sensor you send us. This helps us help others retain their cars keeping them original.



ANOTHER LOW-MILEAGE VEHICLE FOR SALE - A 1996 GMC JIMMY

We are handling the sale of another low-mileage car - A 1996 GMC SLS Jimmy, 2 door, 5-speed, manual shift, option loaded with the Window Sticker. It's been parked since 1996 with a mere 412 actual miles. Inside and out condition is new. Needs some attention to get it running again. $5995. Photos are available. Email me direct for details and photos - [email protected]



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

We now carry the rocker shaft braces, our Part #7478. Another fine product made by RJC Racing out of Utah.

1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
ROCKER SHAFT BRACES (4) SET

This upgrade will fit all Buick iron heads with stock rocker shafts, not just the ones for the years listed.

These braces are made from heat-treated 4140 chromolly and are designed to reinforce the factory rocker shaft. They attach to the end fasteners, and are very easy to install. They prevent the rocker shaft from breaking due to fatigue placed on them by the end rocker on the shafts.

The poor factory design creates fatigue in this area, which can eventually lead to having the rocker fail. All aftermarket roller rockers come with a similar part to prevent failure with their set ups.

If you upgrade your valve springs, we highly recommend you install these at the same time. This is a worthwhile investment on a stock engine to prevent problems later on.

Another specialty product from RJC Racing that we offer.

7478 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Rocker Shaft Braces (4) Set $55 / set

Here is a link to these Rocker Shaft Braces on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44040/ROCKER+SHAFT+BRACES+SET+%237478.html



LAST DAY TO GET SPECIAL SALE PRICE -

On the rear Delco 6 ohm speakers. (Sales ends TOMORROW - THURSDAY - February 28th 2013.

See 2-6-2013 Inner Circle for more details and what Richard Clark says about these speakers.

7469 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers (2) - Retail - $59.95 / pair
SALE PRICE - only $49.95 / pair - Sale ends February 28, 2013 * * * * *

Here is a link to the these 6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44032/6+ohm+DELCO+REAR%E2%80%88SPEAKERS%E2%80%88%282%29+%237469.html



POCI/GTOAA CO-VENTION - DAYTON, OHIO - JULY 9-13, 2013 -

If you are a member of the GTO Association of America or the Pontiac Oakland Club International, you are well aware of the upcoming combined national event held in Dayton, Ohio on July 9th thru 13th, 2013.

This is only the second time in history that both these clubs have combined for their national meet.

This is a huge event. I will be one of the guest speakers at this event, as will Jim Wangers and several others. This is quite an honor for me to be doing a seminar at this national event this summer.



CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS SPRING OPEN HOUSE - Plumsteadville, PA - Saturday, April 13th, 2013 -

Our Spring Open House is Saturday, April 13th, 2013 - 9 am until 3 pm - Rain or Shine Kirban Performance Products, 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949

Besides the usual Yum Yum donuts, Kirban humor, used parts, special prices, and M&M contest, we will have a "No Reserve" auction.

As a special treat, our local Buick owners and baker, Russ and Nancy, will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and who knows what else. Many of you have enjoyed their tasty baked treats at our events and they have agreed to expand their delights by cooking up lunch!

So, if you have never attended any of our past Open House events, this is the one to attend. Bring your appetite.

FREE Yum Yum Donuts & Coffee (while supplies last)

FREE LUNCH -
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Ribs, Sweet Potato Fries, Macaroni 'n Cheese & Goodies - Homemade by Russ and Nancy.

Our newest products will be on display and available for sale.

Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade.

Save 5% on in-stock catalog items - Save shipping on purchases
If you’re planning to come and purchase specific items, call at least one week in advance and have our staff hold them aside for you to be sure we will have what you need that day.

M&Ms GUESS CONTEST & RAFFLES IN THE AFTERNOON - DOOR PRIZES

VENDORS - PETE HOFFMAN - Paul Castle WORLD OF MOTORWORKS

Dennis Kirban and Pete Hoffman will have used parts for sale. A great opportunity to find some of those hard-to-find restoration items.

KIRBAN’S PERSONAL WHITE TURBO-T WILL BE ON DISPLAY

ZDDPlus™ will be on Sale - Just $7 per bottle when you buy 2 or more!

GENERAL DIRECTIONS - From Willow Grove... North on Route 611, through Warrington, Doylestown and into Plumsteadville (you can take the Rt 611 Bypass that goes around Doylestown - it exits back onto Rt. 611 north of Doylestown). Watch for a shopping center with a McDonald’s on your right. Go past that light at Stump Road and the Plumsteadville Inn. Make your FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex a short distance down on the right. Our unit is at the back far corner. There’s plenty of parking, since most of the other companies are closed on the weekends.

NOTE - If you are using MapQuest, you may have to use “Pipersville 18947” as the city.

Remember, it happens rain or shine.



BUICK RACE DAY - NORWALK, OHIO - April 26th, thru 28th, 2013 -

The 26th will be at the Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The 27th will be an All Buick Show at Arbys in Norwalk, Ohio. Racing will be the 28th at Summit Motorsports Park.

For more info, email - [email protected] or call Roberta Vasilow at 810-655-8277, 7 pm til 10 pm only.

Here is a link for their flyer in this event also pre-entry form.
http://mi-buicks.com/Norw2013.pdf

AND the pre-entry form
http://mi-buicks.com/PREENTry2013.pdf



TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS - NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 1st through May 4th, 2013 -

On the 1st and 2nd it will be held at Richard Clark's shop on Faucette Lane in Burlington, NC.

On the 3rd and 4th it will be at the Piedmont Dragway.

Unlike previous events, this event is also open to all G-body cars, including the Monte Carlos, Oldsmobile Cutlasses, and Pontiac Grand Prix. This event is sponsored by Gbodyparts.com.

We will have a flier on this event soon with more details.

We will be at this event, as usual.

Here is the website for up-to-date information - http://turbobuicknationals.com/



GM AT CARLISLE - June 21st thru 23rd, 2013 -
Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA

GM at Carlisle is held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Turbo Regal.

I have signed on to conduct two seminars on Saturday, June 22nd. One seminar will be on Turbo Regals and the second one will be on Hurst. So, mark your calendar.

Carlisle, as many of you know, puts on some of the largest car shows and swap meets in the USA and has done so for over 25 years. It is centrally located in Pennsylvania, just west of Harrisburg, PA and minutes off the PA Turnpike and Route 81.

Check out their website for more details.

http://www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/



BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP BLOCK PARTY - Hebron, Ohio - August 2nd & 3rd, 2013 -

The 2013 BPG Event will be at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio, Friday, August 2nd and Saturday August 3rd.

The Host Hotel will be the Newark Metropolitan. For reservations, call the hotel direct - 740-322-6455. Use the code " BUICK 2013" to get special price when booking online.

There will be a Cruise In Thursday and Friday night. The city is blocking off the street in front of Hotel for the Cruise In. There will also be a live band in the parking lot Friday night.

For more information visit their website:

http://www.buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?11518-2013-BPG-Event-information
or contact Sean Ryder at [email protected]



EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS - Cecil County Dragway, MD - September 20th & 21st, 2013 -

The East Coast Buick Regionals are held at Cecil County Dragway, Maryland. Saturday, the 21st, features a judged car show for all Buick-powered cars.

For more info, contact Doug Doughtery at 302-653-2201 or email - [email protected], John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email - [email protected]

The website is - tristategsclub.com



LOOKING FOR IDEAS -

If you have any product ideas that would fit our Turbo Buick market that you would like to see available, email me direct - [email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.




IN CLOSING -

Do you own a 1997-2002 Pontiac Grand Prix? Or similar W-body car? If so we have several parts for these cars. Email me and I can provide you with a list - [email protected]

Be sure to circle April 13th on your calendar, for our annual Kirban Spring Open House.

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