02-29-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 02-29-2012


SAD BREAKING NEWS - DAVY JONES, singer with THE MONKEES DIED

Davy Jones, the lead singer of The Monkees, died this morning after suffering a heart attack in Indiantown, Fla., his representative confirmed to ABC News. He was 66.

Some of you reading this may have attended one of our early 1990s Reunion Events at the Johnsville Air Base, and may have actually met him there.

In 1992 we had Molly there for the Turbo Buick owners and Davy Jones of The Monkees for the GTO owners. The "Monkeemobile" was based on a Pontiac GTO. Both had long lines of people waiting for their autographs. It's hard to believe he is gone.

The British born Jones joined The Monkees in 1965 and contributed to a stable of rock hits, including "Daydream Believer" and "I'm a Believer." The band was formed as part of a TV series about a rock band also called "The Monkees."

Their TV show was probably the earliest version of what later would become MTV music videos!

Hopefully, by next week I can find some photos of Davy Jones from that Reunion event for the Inner Circle.

Davy Jones lived in the central part of our state, Pennsylvania, and had a horse farm.



SEVERAL NEW PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM US -

We have added several new products to our website. We've included the descriptions along with links to each item on our website.

We are one of the few sources that actually have brand new water pumps, since most auto stores only offer rebuilt units. On the rebuilt power steering box listed below. our source only has a few on hand because of problems obtaining the correct ratio cores.

As many of you know, our cars (as well as the Oldsmobile 442 and Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS's of the same vintage - 1984-1987) had a different steering box than the regular V6 and V8 G-body cars. It can best be described as having better road feel instead of light-touch steering and a quicker turning ratio. If you have an extremely high-mileage Turbo Regal, this is one item you may want to replace.

PHOTO 1 - In many cases, it may be difficult today to see the two-letter code Buick stamped on the steering box stub shaft cover. This photo shows the letters "YA" stamped on the stub shaft cover, which is correct for the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals. It appears GM stamped this code twice on this unit. The "stub shaft cover" is the GM technical name for the actual cover in the Buick manuals.

I realize you can't see the code, so we have an arrow pointing to it. The date code appears on the small flat area. The date code would read the day of the year followed by the year. Unfortunately, Buick did not paint the steering box so, in many cases, it will appear rusty with the exception being the stub shaft cover, which does not rust.



MASTER POWER BRAKE UNIT -

Last week we showed you the label that came on the box when we used to sell a complete brand new powermaster brake unit.

PHOTO 2 - Here is an actual photo of a brand new powermaster brake unit that we used to sell several years ago. It is 100% complete. The two metal brackets that secure the electric motor to the base of the cast cylinder are always prone to rust over time.



BRAKE BLEEDER SYRINGE -

This is a very handy tool to have on hand. This brake bleeder syringe will hold 2 ounces of fluid. It makes it easy to extract the old brake fluid from a reservoir, so you can refill it with new brake fluid. When the plunger is pushed in, it measures about 8" in length, and comes with a black cap.

If you need to remove the brake lines from the reservoir, it has a pointed end that allows you to insert the tip into the port of the master cylinder so you can push brake fluid into the port.

No toolbox should be without this syringe.

This is the easiest method to remove old brake fluid from the brake reservoir in any of your cars.

Remember, if your car has a powermaster brake system, the fluid should be changed once a year.

Another excellent item for your toolbox.

7382 - Brake Bleeder Syringe - $9.95

Here is a link to the Brake Bleeder Syringe on our website -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43928/BRAKE+BLEEDER+SYRINGE+%237382.html



1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REBUILT POWER STEERING GEAR BOX

This is the correct ratio power steering box that was part of the FE3 suspension package found in every 1984-1987 Turbo Regal.

Because we do not require cores, supplies on this steering gear box is very limited.

Each steering gear box is disassembled and all the rubber components, seals, and O-rings are replaced. Any wear items that do not meet stringent specifications are replaced.

Many of these cars now have over 150,000 miles and, in some cases, it may not even have the correct steering box due to an accident or replacement.

Another excellent replacement part to restore the power steering.

7380 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Rebuilt Power Steering Gear Box - $149.95

Here is a link to the Rebuilt Power Steering Gear Box on our website -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43925/REBUILT+POWER+STEERING+GEAR+BOX+%237380.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REBUILT POWER STEERING PUMP

We have a source that rebuilds the unique power steering pump that was used on the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.

These are rebuilt to meet or exceed OE specifications. They only use premium-grade heavy-duty seals for longer life.

They are 100% performance tested to ensure quality.

Pump comes with a manufacturer's one-year warranty against any defects.

Because these are unique and rebuilt we have a core charge of $25. The core charge will be refunded to you once we receive your original correct steering pump.

Another excellent replacement part.

7378 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Rebuilt Power Steering Pump - $99.95 plus a $25 Refundable Core Charge = $124.95

Here is a link to the Rebuilt Power Steering Pump on our website -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43926/REBUILT+POWER+STEERING+PUMP+%237378.html



1975-1987 Buick Regal (All 3.8 Engine Models, Including Turbo Regals) - BRAND NEW WATER PUMP

This new water pump comes complete with a new gasket and has a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser.

It is better to buy a new pump rather than a rebuilt or remanufactured pump.

A nice upgrade when you rebuild the engine or need to replace the original water pump. It's best to also flush the coolant system when replacing the water pump.

Another excellent replacement part for any engine restoration.

7381 - 1975-1987 Buick Regal (All 3.8 Engine Models, including Turbo Regals) -
Water Pump - $31.95

Here is a link to the Water Pump on our website -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43927/BRAND+NEW+WATER+PUMP+%237381.html

We are starting to offer more and more original parts that our cars need as they age.



A LOOK AT BUICK WATCHES -

At any given time, you can go on ebay and type in "Buick watches" and at least 50 or more various wrist watches come up for sale. Most of them come from overseas and, as one might imagine, lack any license agreement with GM. They are surprisingly cheap, some as cheap as $10. No one is going to confuse them with a Rolex!

PHOTO 3 - The watch we show in the first photo features the Buick tri-shield logo. Engraved on the clasp is the word "BUICK." On the back of the dial the tri-shield logo appears with the word Buick engraved. Among the other wording on the back of the dial it does say Official Licensed Product. I can't remember what I paid for this watch, but it was probably around $39.95. I left the small Buick tag on the watch. In the second photo we show two different Buick T watches that feature the 1987 T logo found on the Turbo-T that year. The one with the metal flex band you can usually find on ebay with various other logos on the dial face. The quality is not as good as the Buick licensed watch. The second one has a leather strap.

PHOTO 4 - The top photos shows a GNX watch that was sold several years ago. Notice the clever packaging that has a small window letting only the dial face be visible in the top left photo. In top right photo we show the GNX watch removed from the metal tin. It has a leather type of watchband. In the lower left photo we show a key chain style Buick Grand National pocket watch. It features the Grand National logo and the word "BUICK" in the typical font style.

I am sure various different designs of this watch can also be found on ebay today.

I saved the most valuable watches, at least to me personally, for the last photo in the lower right - a Studebaker watch and a special watch that belonged to my father.

Years ago we had several Studebakers we took to car shows. In 1903, three of the Studebaker brothers bought the Columbus Watch Company. They only produced pocket watches, which ranged from $16 to $125 each. With the onset of the depression and other watch companies making wristwatches, the Studebaker Watch Company folded on Thanksgiving Eve, November 27th, 1929.

I have had this Studebaker pocket watch for over 35 years. It still works. It says "STUDEBAKER" on the dial and also on the inside housing.

I went to a website and was able to determine the year my watch was made based on the serial number on the actual gears. My watch was made in 1924. Perhaps Studebaker was the only car company that also owned a watch company?

The far right shows what appears to be an ordinary wristband watch with a metal clip-on band. I got this watch from my father. He was in the Navy during World War II and one of his shipmates made the metal band for this watch out of a mess hall metal dinner tray. It also still works!



FILM AS WE KNOW IT IS GOING AWAY -

According to a recent magazine article, at one point the film industry was using more than 12 billion feet of 35 mm processing film each year. This year it is predicted that number will drop to under 4 billion, since more and more theaters receive their films by satellite or via hard drives.

It used to be a typical movie would use a million feet of 35 mm film and another 100 million feet of 35 mm film to print enough copies for American releases.

This is one of the biggest reasons Kodak filed for Chapter 11.



FORD UPS THE ANTE IN THE HORSEPOWER RACE -

Unless you've been living under a rock, Ford comes out on top with their 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500, which pumps out 650 HP capable of 200 mph. At a mere 2,000 rpm, torque is an impressive 510 lb ft and at 4,000 rpm, torque is 600 lb ft. Their pony car is also lighter than the Camaro. So, if you are keeping track, it appears Ford takes the crown for 2013.

The price tag is rumored to be around $60,000. I can't imagine what the insurance premiums would be, especially if you are under 25 years old! That is more than double the hp that was available back when I was a teenager!



SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA - FOR SALE -

This car is still available at $20,900. This is for the 400-mile red 2002 SLP Formula Firebird we pictured in the 11-16-2011 Inner Circle. This car will be finding a new home at some point.



REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -

Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.

They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.

Limited Availability! Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[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].



2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -

KIRBAN OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 - 9 am until 3 pm. Located at 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949. Our Open House is one of the first Buick events of the 2012 season.

Yum Yum donuts, raffle items, M & M contest, and 5% discount on in-stock catalog items. Save on shipping! Pete Hoffman, and myself will have used parts for sale. Paul Castle from World of Motorworks will also be at this event.

Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=172



TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC

For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]

Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X. This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012. Already they have many of the top vendors confirmed that will be at this event. Several key speakers are also confirmed.

The luncheon is absolutely free. However, you must email my wife Eileen if you are going to be there for the free Thursday lunch. Her email is - [email protected]

For the most up-to-date information on Race Classes and other activities, go to -http://turbobuick.com/forums/forums/2012-turbobuick-com-nationals-may-2nd-5th-sponsore.168/



Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=173



31st ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM B.O.P.C. - MAY 4th and 5th, 2012 - Car Show & Swap Meet
Marriott Atlanta Northeast, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA

Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Hosted by the Southeastern GTO Association. There is a reception Friday night and the Car Show is on Saturday. For more info, contact Ed Bellair at 770-428-4934 or email - [email protected]



3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - May 26th, 2012
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.



22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY - JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.

Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]



2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.



2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT
September 21st and 22nd, 2012
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks.
For more information, contact Doug Dougherty 302-653-2201 or John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] or [email protected]
or visit their website - http://tristategsclub.com



2012 GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 (NEW DATES)
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The new dates are Oct. 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.

The Gallina/Duttweiler 6-second 200 mph doorslammer is already confirmed for this event.

We just received word that the BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km



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 - Spring will soon be here. Actually, I think it's been here all along. To date we have had less than 5 inches of snow, making this one of the mildest winters on record.

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