Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 03-20-2013
GNX-STYLE WHEELS -
First let me start off by saying I am not an expert on all the variety of GNX-style wheels that exist. These wheels are sometimes referred to as the "BBS mesh" design.
We used to reproduce a similar GNX-style wheel for many years, using an existing American Racing mold. American Racing never offered this wheel for the G-body application because of possible fit issues. My supplier ran the chrome shop for American Racing at the time, which is how our involvement came about.
The current supplier that reproduced the GNX-style wheel based on the Pontiac Trans Am wheel is now experiencing even more delays. So, it has now been almost a year since we have been able to purchase them.
Adding to the problem of hunting down used ones is you basically need four fronts, since the Pontiac Trans Am is an F-body car. Their offsets were different for fronts and rears. Adding to the cost factor is with those original wheels being 25-plus years old, more than likely you would have to have them refinished by a specialty shop and straightened.
The ones we sold in the 1990s and the Pontiac Trans AM fronts are designed to tuck under the stock fender wells using the same offsets front and rear.
I realize many options exist when you go with 17s and 18s, but our concentration has always been with the 16s that look like the GNX version.
Years ago, I bought a used set of our Kirban-style wheels for our personal white Turbo-T. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the offsets on the rears were slightly different than the fronts - approximately about a ½" difference. Yet the face of both wheels were 100% identical. So, it appears two of my wheels on our personal Turbo-T were either Enkei wheels or Riken wheels as all the ones we made were the same offset. From my research, it appears both Enkei and Riken made BBS mesh-style wheels.
PHOTO 1 - In the top photo is a close up of one of the front wheels, which has about a 1" lip from the wheel center to the valve stem pictured. The lower photo, which shows the same basic angle with the valve stem, is of one of the rear wheels. You can see the distance from the wheel center to the valve stem area is a full ½" wider. When I bought them from one of our customers, I remember him telling me two were not our old wheels, but looked the same. I just never realized at first that the offset was slightly different. I think the ones with the ½" wider offset are our wheels. Fortunately, my mechanic must have realized the difference, as the wider offset wheels are on the back of the car! This is a perfect example that makes it difficult to buy any BBS mesh-style wheels off the internet… because besides condition of the wheels, it may be difficult to tell if you are buying four wheels that were produced by the same manufacturer and if the offsets are the same on all four wheels.
Unless you are building a 100% original Turbo Regal, most owners would agree the stock wheels (especially the T-Type rims) are difficult to keep clean and lack sparkle. On the other hand, the Grand National wheels (if the chrome is not like showroom new) can be very costly to redo since the wheel has to be taken apart.
It's also a wheel you do not want to drop on your foot! Another possible option is to contact Gbodyparts.com, since they have made the Grand National wheel in various sizes in a lighter material.
Back when we were getting the GNX-style wheels made, American Racing at one point was known as "ARE," which stood for "American Racing Equipment."
PHOTO 2 - I still had in my desk one each of their two different metal decals that fit the center caps of the wheels we used to sell. We show both in this photo. The ARE one is a raised design. Next to both of them is one of the plastic center caps that we sell that fits the GNX-style wheels we used to sell. Our part number for those plain caps is #7050
Here is one useful trick to secure this plastic cap to the wheel and, for that matter, any style plastic center cap. If the cap goes on loose, take some masking tape and wrap it around the inner lip so it goes on very snug. The wheels heat up, especially the fronts, and this style of caps can come off. The same holds true with the T-Type wheel center caps.
On one of my weekend jaunts to the U-Pull-It yards, I came across an early 1990s car that had American Racing wheels on it with a neat looking center cap.
PHOTO 3 - Here we show the four American Racing center caps I removed from a set of wheels in the junkyard. This is a domed-shape cap with a newer-style American Racing logo in the center.
I am sure there must be collectors out there that collect various wheel center caps. Next week I will show you some wheel center caps from my private collection that would bring over $500 or more a set.
ANOTHER EXTREMELY RARE GM TACHOMETER -
In last week's Inner Circle (03-13-2013) in Photo 4 we showed a brand new AC Hood tach from the late 1960s that is part of my private collection. This past week we made a deal with one of our Turbo customers and acquired another extremely rare factory tachometer.
This tachometer was an option used on the 1973-1975 vintage Hurst Oldsmobile and I believe was mounted on the console.
PHOTO 4 - We show this unusual tachometer, which is crude looking by today's standards. I tracked down the original company that made them and they are no longer in business. The tachometer is quite heavy having a metal diecast housing.
Although it is not visible, it has the Hurst Olds logo on the face. The small button in the lower right when depressed would lock into your highest recent RPM and the button in the lower left would reset the digital RPM read out. From what I understand, the digital read out would only display the first two digits, meaning if it read 55 it meant 5,500 rpms. These do show up on eBay for anywhere from $300 to $1,000. I have never seen the AC style that we featured last week.
NEW TV SHOW CALLED "CAR CHASERS" -
One of our customers, Bob Hudspith, told us about a new TV show that is on Tuesday night on CNBC called "Car Chasers." It's about 4 people who search throughout the U.S. for muscle cars they can buy and then quickly sell for a profit. (Sounds like something I do). On a recent episode they were looking at someone's 100-car collection and among the cars was a Grand National.
I have not seen this show yet. With seven out of every ten workers associated in the automotive business, you would think there would be more shows focused on the automotive scene.
IT'S A SMALL WORLD -
Last week I was the guest speaker for the Delaware Valley Old Goat Club. They had about 40 members show up. Turns out one of their members own the GTO that the Post Office used for the Muscle Car stamps. However, his GTO was white and they changed the color for the stamp!
Reminds me of a project I did for the Danbury Mint about 20 years ago, when they were looking for a 1965 GTO. I lined up a good friend of mine's award-winning 1965 GTO, which was a very rare color - it was called "Iris Mist." They actually used our personal 1964 GTO for the under carriage. They tied up a lift all day at my friend's Midas shop in nearby Warminster, PA to photograph the undercarriage completely. They wanted to do the GTO in another color, but I insisted since it was my friend's car and his GTO was recognized nationally. They ended up making the diecast GTO in the same color as his original car.
Somewhere somebody has the Grand National that Monogram used for the initial model and the Grand National that Georgia Marketing and Promotions, better known as "GMP," must have used for their series of diecast Turbo Regals. All bits of history that sometimes gets overlooked as time goes on.
Every bit of history that you have with your car adds to its value. It also makes your car more desirable over another that lacks any paperwork or unusual history.
That reminds me, I need to put my bid in on the violin that was confirmed as being on the Titanic!
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ON YouTube -
We have been recording various segments on our products and information related to the Buick Turbo Regals, and we have posted them on YouTube.
Some segments feature products, their placements, benefits, or issues.
Here is a link to the YouTube site:
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.
BREAKING NEWS - REPRODUCTION GOODYEAR GT TIRES -
We are in the process of setting up a deal to offer Reproduction Goodyear GT Tires to be drop shipped directly to our customers. These tires are an exact reproduction to the originals 215/65 by 15 Goodyear Eagle GTs. They are "Made in the U.S.A." Now all you need to do is locate 1987 air to put in the tires!
More proof our cars have now come full cycle as more and more parts become available to return the cars back to how they looked when new.
Watch for information soon.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
BATTERY STUD & ALTERNATOR TERMINAL PROTECTIVE/CAPS SET
Here is a simple kit that provides protection for the hot battery terminal and the positive post on the back of the alternator.
The red battery cable cap is a good used cap that snaps over the factory side terminal battery, if you have the original battery stud.
The black alternator cap is brand new and simply snaps over the hot terminal on the back of the alternator.
NOTE - If you have a taller than original positive battery stud, we have used red battery caps available that will accept a 3/4" tall stud. We can substitute it for the stock red battery terminal cap at no additional cost. You must contact our office directly in order to note this change - 215-766-1611 x 0.
These two caps are great insurance from a possible spark.
As a Bonus, we include 4 brand new grey valve stem caps. These are similar to what originally came on your Regal.
Protective Caps Kit includes 6 caps, as shown in our first photo.
Our second photo shows the red battery cap covering the positive terminal.
Our third photo shows the new black cap covering the hot terminal on the back of the alternator
These are nice under-the-hood restoration items.
7477 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Battery Stud Cap (1), Alternator Terminal Protective Cap (1) & Grey Valve Stem Caps (4)- 6-piece Caps Set $8.95 / set
Here is a link to this Protective Caps Set on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44052/POSITIVE%E2%80%88BATTERY+STUD+%26+ALTERNATOR+TERMINAL+PROTECTIVE%E2%80%88CAPS+SET+%23+7477.html
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
TinMan COLD-AIR INTAKE KITS
The TinMan Cold-air kit is the "Original" hard pipe cold-air kit for 1986-1987' Buick Turbo Regals. It's a 4" aluminum, mandrel bent, hard pipe kit, which includes a Hi-Flow washable 4" x 9" air filter with molded in "velocity stack" neck outlet for the ultimate in airflow. The aluminum elbow has a durable powder-coated finish, available in Satin Black or Silver. High-quality rubber connections help eliminate engine vibration so as not to harm the MAF or MAT sensors.
NOTE - When ordering, be sure to order the correct Part # for the kit designed for the MAF sensor you will be using (factory stock, 3" LT1, 3.5" LS1, or no MAF at all for aftermarket ECM's), so you are shipped the correct kit.
The TinMan kits installs without any cutting, drilling or extra brackets, and will even allow you to keep the fuel vapor canister in it's the stock location.
Filter inlet air temps will run within approximately 1 degree of outside temps!
The TinMan Cold-Air Kit has been flow-bench tested to flow well over 1,200 cfm! To date, it has also gone 9.20's in the 1/4 mile at near 150 mph!
Horsepower gains average from 10 hp to as much as 30 hp+, depending on which air intake system you are replacing and level of engine build-up.
These intake kits work very well on "factory stock" as well as heavily-modified Turbo Regals. The TinMan Cold-air kit includes all parts needed to install, attaching to the MAF sensor and running to the included washable, high-performance air filter. The kit comes complete with installation instructions.
NOTE - When ordering, you MUST specify if you want the elbow section to be powder-coated “BLACK” or “SILVER.” The long pipe is powdered-coated satin black on ALL the applications, since it is not seen under the hood once the kit is installed.
7480 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
FACTORY STOCK MAF - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit -
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
7481 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
3" LT1 - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
7482 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
3.5" LS1 - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
7483 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
WITHOUT MAF - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
Here is the link to see the descriptions on our website as all four versions can be ordered with a satin black or a silver powder coated elbow:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7480&submit_button=
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. It's a great opportunity to find some of those hard-to-find restoration items.
KIRBAN’S PERSONAL WHITE TURBO-T WILL BE ON DISPLAY
Terry Shaw, AUTO LEGAL SERVICES - Appraisal Information
MINI REPLICA CARS - “Norman and his Toys” Mini Motorized Replicars on Display.
Bring your Camera!
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
3rd ANNUAL "RIDE ON MOLLY" - Saturday, April 27, 2013 -
Central Coast area of California
Hello friends of Molly. Plans are underway for the 3rd Annual "Ride on Molly" Ride. This year's ride will incorporate a new location with outstanding new riding roads, while keeping the focus on remembering Molly and bringing his friends together for a weekend of fun. Additionally, the Molly Memorial Education Fund continues to provide his daughter Brooke with financial assistance for her future college needs. The Ride on Molly Committee. For more information, contact Alan - [email protected]
2013 TURBOBUICK.COM GBODY NATIONALS -
BURLINGTON, 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 be at this event, as usual.
Here is the link to details on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=237
Here is the 2013 Nationals website for the most up-to-date information - http://turbobuicknationals.com
4TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - Saturday, May 25, 2013
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, NY - Gates open at 8 am
Participants in all Buick classes must be Buick powered. Sponsored by the GS Northeast GS/GN Club, Inc. For more information, call 518-794-7130 or call 845-528-GSGN (Ask for John.)
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. Event has no rain date.
GNX-STYLE WHEELS -
First let me start off by saying I am not an expert on all the variety of GNX-style wheels that exist. These wheels are sometimes referred to as the "BBS mesh" design.
We used to reproduce a similar GNX-style wheel for many years, using an existing American Racing mold. American Racing never offered this wheel for the G-body application because of possible fit issues. My supplier ran the chrome shop for American Racing at the time, which is how our involvement came about.
The current supplier that reproduced the GNX-style wheel based on the Pontiac Trans Am wheel is now experiencing even more delays. So, it has now been almost a year since we have been able to purchase them.
Adding to the problem of hunting down used ones is you basically need four fronts, since the Pontiac Trans Am is an F-body car. Their offsets were different for fronts and rears. Adding to the cost factor is with those original wheels being 25-plus years old, more than likely you would have to have them refinished by a specialty shop and straightened.
The ones we sold in the 1990s and the Pontiac Trans AM fronts are designed to tuck under the stock fender wells using the same offsets front and rear.
I realize many options exist when you go with 17s and 18s, but our concentration has always been with the 16s that look like the GNX version.
Years ago, I bought a used set of our Kirban-style wheels for our personal white Turbo-T. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the offsets on the rears were slightly different than the fronts - approximately about a ½" difference. Yet the face of both wheels were 100% identical. So, it appears two of my wheels on our personal Turbo-T were either Enkei wheels or Riken wheels as all the ones we made were the same offset. From my research, it appears both Enkei and Riken made BBS mesh-style wheels.
PHOTO 1 - In the top photo is a close up of one of the front wheels, which has about a 1" lip from the wheel center to the valve stem pictured. The lower photo, which shows the same basic angle with the valve stem, is of one of the rear wheels. You can see the distance from the wheel center to the valve stem area is a full ½" wider. When I bought them from one of our customers, I remember him telling me two were not our old wheels, but looked the same. I just never realized at first that the offset was slightly different. I think the ones with the ½" wider offset are our wheels. Fortunately, my mechanic must have realized the difference, as the wider offset wheels are on the back of the car! This is a perfect example that makes it difficult to buy any BBS mesh-style wheels off the internet… because besides condition of the wheels, it may be difficult to tell if you are buying four wheels that were produced by the same manufacturer and if the offsets are the same on all four wheels.
Unless you are building a 100% original Turbo Regal, most owners would agree the stock wheels (especially the T-Type rims) are difficult to keep clean and lack sparkle. On the other hand, the Grand National wheels (if the chrome is not like showroom new) can be very costly to redo since the wheel has to be taken apart.
It's also a wheel you do not want to drop on your foot! Another possible option is to contact Gbodyparts.com, since they have made the Grand National wheel in various sizes in a lighter material.
Back when we were getting the GNX-style wheels made, American Racing at one point was known as "ARE," which stood for "American Racing Equipment."
PHOTO 2 - I still had in my desk one each of their two different metal decals that fit the center caps of the wheels we used to sell. We show both in this photo. The ARE one is a raised design. Next to both of them is one of the plastic center caps that we sell that fits the GNX-style wheels we used to sell. Our part number for those plain caps is #7050
Here is one useful trick to secure this plastic cap to the wheel and, for that matter, any style plastic center cap. If the cap goes on loose, take some masking tape and wrap it around the inner lip so it goes on very snug. The wheels heat up, especially the fronts, and this style of caps can come off. The same holds true with the T-Type wheel center caps.
On one of my weekend jaunts to the U-Pull-It yards, I came across an early 1990s car that had American Racing wheels on it with a neat looking center cap.
PHOTO 3 - Here we show the four American Racing center caps I removed from a set of wheels in the junkyard. This is a domed-shape cap with a newer-style American Racing logo in the center.
I am sure there must be collectors out there that collect various wheel center caps. Next week I will show you some wheel center caps from my private collection that would bring over $500 or more a set.
ANOTHER EXTREMELY RARE GM TACHOMETER -
In last week's Inner Circle (03-13-2013) in Photo 4 we showed a brand new AC Hood tach from the late 1960s that is part of my private collection. This past week we made a deal with one of our Turbo customers and acquired another extremely rare factory tachometer.
This tachometer was an option used on the 1973-1975 vintage Hurst Oldsmobile and I believe was mounted on the console.
PHOTO 4 - We show this unusual tachometer, which is crude looking by today's standards. I tracked down the original company that made them and they are no longer in business. The tachometer is quite heavy having a metal diecast housing.
Although it is not visible, it has the Hurst Olds logo on the face. The small button in the lower right when depressed would lock into your highest recent RPM and the button in the lower left would reset the digital RPM read out. From what I understand, the digital read out would only display the first two digits, meaning if it read 55 it meant 5,500 rpms. These do show up on eBay for anywhere from $300 to $1,000. I have never seen the AC style that we featured last week.
NEW TV SHOW CALLED "CAR CHASERS" -
One of our customers, Bob Hudspith, told us about a new TV show that is on Tuesday night on CNBC called "Car Chasers." It's about 4 people who search throughout the U.S. for muscle cars they can buy and then quickly sell for a profit. (Sounds like something I do). On a recent episode they were looking at someone's 100-car collection and among the cars was a Grand National.
I have not seen this show yet. With seven out of every ten workers associated in the automotive business, you would think there would be more shows focused on the automotive scene.
IT'S A SMALL WORLD -
Last week I was the guest speaker for the Delaware Valley Old Goat Club. They had about 40 members show up. Turns out one of their members own the GTO that the Post Office used for the Muscle Car stamps. However, his GTO was white and they changed the color for the stamp!
Reminds me of a project I did for the Danbury Mint about 20 years ago, when they were looking for a 1965 GTO. I lined up a good friend of mine's award-winning 1965 GTO, which was a very rare color - it was called "Iris Mist." They actually used our personal 1964 GTO for the under carriage. They tied up a lift all day at my friend's Midas shop in nearby Warminster, PA to photograph the undercarriage completely. They wanted to do the GTO in another color, but I insisted since it was my friend's car and his GTO was recognized nationally. They ended up making the diecast GTO in the same color as his original car.
Somewhere somebody has the Grand National that Monogram used for the initial model and the Grand National that Georgia Marketing and Promotions, better known as "GMP," must have used for their series of diecast Turbo Regals. All bits of history that sometimes gets overlooked as time goes on.
Every bit of history that you have with your car adds to its value. It also makes your car more desirable over another that lacks any paperwork or unusual history.
That reminds me, I need to put my bid in on the violin that was confirmed as being on the Titanic!
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ON YouTube -
We have been recording various segments on our products and information related to the Buick Turbo Regals, and we have posted them on YouTube.
Some segments feature products, their placements, benefits, or issues.
Here is a link to the YouTube site:
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.
BREAKING NEWS - REPRODUCTION GOODYEAR GT TIRES -
We are in the process of setting up a deal to offer Reproduction Goodyear GT Tires to be drop shipped directly to our customers. These tires are an exact reproduction to the originals 215/65 by 15 Goodyear Eagle GTs. They are "Made in the U.S.A." Now all you need to do is locate 1987 air to put in the tires!
More proof our cars have now come full cycle as more and more parts become available to return the cars back to how they looked when new.
Watch for information soon.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
BATTERY STUD & ALTERNATOR TERMINAL PROTECTIVE/CAPS SET
Here is a simple kit that provides protection for the hot battery terminal and the positive post on the back of the alternator.
The red battery cable cap is a good used cap that snaps over the factory side terminal battery, if you have the original battery stud.
The black alternator cap is brand new and simply snaps over the hot terminal on the back of the alternator.
NOTE - If you have a taller than original positive battery stud, we have used red battery caps available that will accept a 3/4" tall stud. We can substitute it for the stock red battery terminal cap at no additional cost. You must contact our office directly in order to note this change - 215-766-1611 x 0.
These two caps are great insurance from a possible spark.
As a Bonus, we include 4 brand new grey valve stem caps. These are similar to what originally came on your Regal.
Protective Caps Kit includes 6 caps, as shown in our first photo.
Our second photo shows the red battery cap covering the positive terminal.
Our third photo shows the new black cap covering the hot terminal on the back of the alternator
These are nice under-the-hood restoration items.
7477 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Battery Stud Cap (1), Alternator Terminal Protective Cap (1) & Grey Valve Stem Caps (4)- 6-piece Caps Set $8.95 / set
Here is a link to this Protective Caps Set on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44052/POSITIVE%E2%80%88BATTERY+STUD+%26+ALTERNATOR+TERMINAL+PROTECTIVE%E2%80%88CAPS+SET+%23+7477.html
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
TinMan COLD-AIR INTAKE KITS
The TinMan Cold-air kit is the "Original" hard pipe cold-air kit for 1986-1987' Buick Turbo Regals. It's a 4" aluminum, mandrel bent, hard pipe kit, which includes a Hi-Flow washable 4" x 9" air filter with molded in "velocity stack" neck outlet for the ultimate in airflow. The aluminum elbow has a durable powder-coated finish, available in Satin Black or Silver. High-quality rubber connections help eliminate engine vibration so as not to harm the MAF or MAT sensors.
NOTE - When ordering, be sure to order the correct Part # for the kit designed for the MAF sensor you will be using (factory stock, 3" LT1, 3.5" LS1, or no MAF at all for aftermarket ECM's), so you are shipped the correct kit.
The TinMan kits installs without any cutting, drilling or extra brackets, and will even allow you to keep the fuel vapor canister in it's the stock location.
Filter inlet air temps will run within approximately 1 degree of outside temps!
The TinMan Cold-Air Kit has been flow-bench tested to flow well over 1,200 cfm! To date, it has also gone 9.20's in the 1/4 mile at near 150 mph!
Horsepower gains average from 10 hp to as much as 30 hp+, depending on which air intake system you are replacing and level of engine build-up.
These intake kits work very well on "factory stock" as well as heavily-modified Turbo Regals. The TinMan Cold-air kit includes all parts needed to install, attaching to the MAF sensor and running to the included washable, high-performance air filter. The kit comes complete with installation instructions.
NOTE - When ordering, you MUST specify if you want the elbow section to be powder-coated “BLACK” or “SILVER.” The long pipe is powdered-coated satin black on ALL the applications, since it is not seen under the hood once the kit is installed.
7480 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
FACTORY STOCK MAF - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit -
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
7481 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
3" LT1 - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
7482 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
3.5" LS1 - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
7483 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
WITHOUT MAF - TinMan Cold-Air Intake Kit $239.95 / kit
Specify SATIN BLACK or SILVER Elbow
Here is the link to see the descriptions on our website as all four versions can be ordered with a satin black or a silver powder coated elbow:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7480&submit_button=
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. It's a great opportunity to find some of those hard-to-find restoration items.
KIRBAN’S PERSONAL WHITE TURBO-T WILL BE ON DISPLAY
Terry Shaw, AUTO LEGAL SERVICES - Appraisal Information
MINI REPLICA CARS - “Norman and his Toys” Mini Motorized Replicars on Display.
Bring your Camera!
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
3rd ANNUAL "RIDE ON MOLLY" - Saturday, April 27, 2013 -
Central Coast area of California
Hello friends of Molly. Plans are underway for the 3rd Annual "Ride on Molly" Ride. This year's ride will incorporate a new location with outstanding new riding roads, while keeping the focus on remembering Molly and bringing his friends together for a weekend of fun. Additionally, the Molly Memorial Education Fund continues to provide his daughter Brooke with financial assistance for her future college needs. The Ride on Molly Committee. For more information, contact Alan - [email protected]
2013 TURBOBUICK.COM GBODY NATIONALS -
BURLINGTON, 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 be at this event, as usual.
Here is the link to details on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=237
Here is the 2013 Nationals website for the most up-to-date information - http://turbobuicknationals.com
4TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - Saturday, May 25, 2013
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, NY - Gates open at 8 am
Participants in all Buick classes must be Buick powered. Sponsored by the GS Northeast GS/GN Club, Inc. For more information, call 518-794-7130 or call 845-528-GSGN (Ask for John.)
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. Event has no rain date.