05-29-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 05-29-2013

WE NOW HAVE A HIGH-QUALITY CAR COVER AVAILABLE -

It's been several months since we had a good high-quality car cover available. Our previous source could no longer get them for us. See complete information under "New Products Part #7506" in this Inner Circle about this car cover we now have available.

PHOTO 1 - We show this new tan high-quality car cover on our personal Turbo-T. It's a great way to keep your car clean and protected.



TURBO REGAL T-SHIRTS -

We have been trying for several months to interest one of the existing T-shirt companies that has a GM license to bring back some of the popular Turbo Regal T-shirts we sold back in the 1990s. We have had no luck.

Also, some companies are getting out of the T-shirt business, which makes it even harder to find a company willing to get them licensed.

So, if you know of a GM licensed T-shirt company, send me an email personally [email protected]. We would greatly appreciate it. It would be great to be able to get some of the popular old designs available again.

PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows a black T-shirt with the Grand National on the front. I was told when I got it that it was given to employees at the plant that worked on the Grand National. I have no proof this is true or not. If anyone knows the history of this T-shirt, please contact me. The lower photo shows one of the original Molly T-shirts that we used to sell in the 1990s. The larger image is on the back and on the front above the left breast is the Grand National logo in color (shown in the inset photo.)

PHOTO 3 - The photo on the left shows another very early Turbo Buick T-shirt done by Jacks Classic Concepts, "BUICK GNX and GSX - THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS." Jacks also did the very popular "BAD MEDICINE" T-shirt that we used to sell back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both of these designs were very big sellers back in the day. The photo on the right shows one of the popular "T-Type - TOP TEN REASONS I OWN A TURBO BUICK" T-shirts we had designed back in 1995 and sold for a number of years. It’s a shame that there are not many Turbo Regal T-shirt designs available from major companies because of GM license costs and requirements.



MADE IN ENGLAND -

"Made in England" is the wording mostly associated with the original radiator cap. This unique radiator cap came on every 1984-1987 Turbo Regal as well as most other G-body models during that time frame. What I did not realize until recently is the original AC-Delco oil filter also came from England. The original oil filter was painted black, which would be easy to duplicate today!

What would be difficult to duplicate using a current PF47 oil filter is duplicating the rib impression that is around the filter about one third in. On the actual label, in very small print on the bottom right where it normally would say "MADE IN THE U.S.A.," the original ones with the rib say "Made in England," and it says "MADE IN UNITED KINGDOM" on the bottom of the actual box.

PHOTO 4 - In this top photo we show two old-style PF47 AC oil filters. The one on the left has the rib around it and in very small print on the label in the bottom right it says "Made in England." The one on the right would be a later version AC Delco oil filter and says "Made in the USA" in the bottom right of the label. The blue is even a darker blue on the "Made in the USA" oil filter.

I been told there are different size labels that were used on the Made in England oil filters. In both of the bottom photos we show both boxes; the "MADE IN UNITED KINGDOM" box on the left and the later version that says "MADE IN THE U.S.A." on the right. Both boxes are very similar in design and format. On the bottom of the box the one does say "MADE IN UNITED KINGDOM" and the other one says "Made in the USA."

A special thanks to John Follweiler for providing the two oil filters for this article.



DID YOU KNOW? -

I for one did not know that the Regal nameplate was actually used in the early 1900s on a car model. They were made around 1909 through at least 1912.

My quick research showed no connection with that Regal and the Buick Motor Company.

From what I read, the Regal nameplate under Buick was first introduced in 1973 and production of the Buick Regal in the U.S. ended in 2004. The Regal was reintroduced with the 2011 model. Of course, our interest centers around the 1984-1987 Regals, notably the turbo-powered examples. An early 1900 Regal car may be difficult to find today, if you are looking for one to round out your collection of unusual Regals!



LONG ROAD TRIP WITH A LOW-MILEAGE GRAND NATIONAL -

Tom Shea out of Minnesota emailed me this link.

I think it's interesting to note one of the very first photos shows how poorly the windows fit to the weatherstrips. It's got to be fun to take a long road trip in a Grand National. Reminds me of the 9,206-mile trip I took several years ago in a original 6,000-mile 1999 Corvette hardtop. Although not marketed as a car that achieves great gas mileage, the 6-speed Corvette did indeed get great gas mileage. I only wish I had spent the money to buy one of those portable XM radio units prior to the trip!

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/1987-buick-regal-grand-national-long-term-road-test-index.html





ANOTHER URGENT REQUEST -

Once again we find ourselves needing original stock AC Delco correct 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors. The housing CANNOT be broken. Screens are not important. Each one that meets these requirements is worth $25 in Letter of Credit to us. Help us help other owners keep their cars original.



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS ON YouTube -

Here is a link to the videos we currently have up on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/KirbanPerformance?feature=guide



ANOTHER EX-KIRBAN CAR FOR SALE - 1987 WE4 BUICK TURBO REGAL

This 1987 Turbo Regal is a WE4 hardtop with less than 25,000 original miles. The current owner purchased it from me back in July of 2000, when it had about 17,000 miles on it. The car has never seen the rain since he got it from me. Car is located in New Jersey. I can provide a list of upgrades that have been done. This is a well-optioned WE4 hardtop that has not been advertised. This one of the best-of-the-best examples of a sought-after WE4. The price is $20,900. For more details, email me - [email protected]



GM LICENSED T-SHIRTS - DISCONTINUED -

Our supplier for the Buick T-shirts we offer is not renewing their contract with GM.

We have the following T-Shirts available. You must call our office - 215-766-1611 - to place your order.

Once our current supply is gone, there will NOT be any more.

#7058 - GM Licensed - Turbo Regal - “TURBO TIME” Buick T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 29 available in LARGE - $15 each.

Here is the "TURBO TIME" T-shirt on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/394/SIZE+LARGE+GM+Licensed+-+TURBO+TIME+BUICK+T-SHIRT+%237058.html


"BUICK TRI-SHIELD" T-shirts
#7226 - 1984-1987 BUICK –
GM Licensed “BUICK TRI-SHIELD” T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 2 available - $15 each

#7227 - 1984-1987 BUICK -
GM Licensed “BUICK TRI-SHIELD” T-Shirt - size EXTRA LARGE LARGE - Only 1 available at $15

Here is the "BUICK TRI-SHIELD" T-shirts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=Buick+Tri-shield&submit_button=


"GRAND NATIONAL" T-shirts
#7224 - 1984-1987 Grand National -
GM Licensed “GRAND NATIONAL” T-Shirt - size LARGE - Only 7 available. The price is $15 each.

Here is the "GRAND NATIONAL" T-shirt on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43511/SIZE+LARGE+GM+Licensed+-+GRAND+NATIONAL+T-SHIRT+%237224.html

These prices are slightly less than the normal retail.

Remember, you MUST call our office to place your order with this special pricing (does not include Shipping.)



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
COIL PACK IGNITION SIMULATOR

This Coil Pack Ignition Simulator was designed to accurately detect weakness or a malfunction in the original-style ignition coils on 1986-1987 Turbo Regals.

Most ignition problems can be traced back to the coil. This becomes more evident as the cars get older. To keep your car running in tip-top shape, this tool is a must. This is the only test tool we are aware of that allows you to test the output of the coils under a load. My mechanic uses it to check for coil problems.

This unit allows you to simulate a spark load using an increased spark gap and, at the same time, simulate engine speed with an adjustable control feature.

If you have a 1986-1987 Turbo Regal, you will want to have this tool in your workshop. Other methods cannot detect a weak coil under a load condition.

Because this has an adjustment, you can test it under a load condition as high as 8,000 rpms and as low as at idle. It also lets you observe the spark between the coils. You simply attach the unit to the terminals on the coil pack and plug the harness into the stock plug. The two clip leads go to the battery.

It comes with easy-to-follow directions and is very easy to operate. Our second photo shows it being adjusted on the engine.

Coil Pack Ignition Simulator has a Manufacturer’s One-year Warranty. Unit cannot be returned for credit, only returned to be repaired.

6907 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Coil Pack Ignition Simulator - $132.95

Click on this link to view this Coil Pack Ignition Simulator on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44080/COIL+PACK+IGNITION+SIMULATOR+%236907.html




1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CASPERS ELECTRONICS V-Plus™ VOLT BOOSTER KIT

Your alternator is designed to put out a specific voltage to your electrical system, typically 13.2 volts. The car battery can then be continuously charged while the engine is running.

The problem with this system is when there is a greater demand on the electrical system, during wide-open-throttle the alternator tends to fall short on delivery. Decreased system voltage, when you need it most, causes less than adequate fuel pump flow and ignition spark.

The V-Plus™ booster overcomes that inadequacy by increasing the system voltage by 2.2 volts at approximately 70% throttle. The result: Increased fuel delivery, hotter spark and greater overall performance!

This will work in conjunction with the 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Fuel Pump Feeder Kit, Part #6751. It will also work alone to boost the volts to the fuel system, as well as the rest of the electrical system.

An excellent method to get ample volts to the entire electrical system.

7505 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Caspers Electronics V-Plus™ Volt Booster Kit - $74.95 / kit

Click on this link to view this C-Plus™ Volt Booster Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44082/CASPERS+ELECTRONICS+V-Plus+VOLT+BOOSTER+KIT+%237505.html



1980-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
ProElite™ EXTREME DUTY TAN CAR COVER

This is a universal car cover that fits the 1980-1987 Regals (16' 4" to 19' feet in length.) Cover will also fit all other 1980-1987 G-Body models.

This is an extreme duty car cover, designed to protect your car indoor or outdoor. It’s made from heavyweight material, which helps prevent scratching. The three layer material with microporous membrane center layer is virtually waterproof and offers enhanced condensation evaporation.

It’s ideal or all indoor and outdoor use, offering the finest UV protection for long life. The cover is breathable and moisture wicking.

The car cover is tan, is easy to handle, and comes with its own cloth bag for storage when not in use. The cover has a tag on it, so you know which is the back. It also has elastic around the back and front edges, and has several grommet eyelets if you need to secure the car cover in windy conditions.

Cover is great to use on outside cars as well as cars stored in garages, since it keeps them clean while protecting your car from the elements.

Our photo shows various views of the car cover on a Turbo Regal, along with a photo of the imprinted area noting which is the front of the cover for easy placement.

NOTE - We also offer another car cover, 1978-1987 Turbo Regal - Universal Fit Clear Plastic Car Dust Cover, Part #7452.

7506 - 1980-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
ProElite™ Extreme Duty Tan Car Cover - $74.95

Click on this link to view this Car Cover on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44081/ProElite+EXTREME+DUTY+TAN+CAR+COVER+%237506.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
EGR DELETE PLATE & MOUNTING HARDWARE KIT

For the serious racer that wants to eliminate the EGR system, this is the part you will need to block off the EGR valve on the stock intake. The delete (block-off) plate is made in billet aluminum with a finned top surface. It comes with a button-head stainless bolt and washer.


This part is actually made for us by the same Turbo Buick racer who makes the Scanmaster Mounting Bracket, Part #7496.

7497 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - EGR Delete Plate & Mounting Hardware Kit - 19.95

Here is a link to this EGR Delete Plate on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44076/EGR+DELETE+PLATE+%26+MOUNTING%E2%80%88HARDWARE+KIT+%237497.html



CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -

2013 PERFORMANCE YEARS in conjunction with the GTOAA EAST COAST REGIONAL MEET - June 14th and 15th, 2013
Held at Performance Years, 2705 Clemens Road, Hatfield, PA 19440.

Last year they had over 400 cars in attendance. Show is open to all muscle cars, Mustangs, and Trucks. For more info, call 267-638-3500 or check out their website - performanceyears.com/openhouse. My plan is to be there on Saturday with my Turbo-T.



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. The first seminar is 10 am on Saturday and it will be on Hurst. The second seminar is on Turbo Buicks and it is held at 2 pm Saturday. 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. I hope to see may of you there. Its a tremendous facility.

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


2013 GS NATIONALS - October 16-19, 2013
This is the 33rd Annual consecutive event held at Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Jim Bell, of Kenne-Bell fame, will be in attendance to present honorary car and race show awards to both V8 & V6 cars.

Working on having the 2015 models of the new GNX and Grand National display along with a GM rep to hold a seminar on the car's development and performance capabilities.

For more info log onto - http://www.gsnationals.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 -

At GM at Carlisle I will be conducting 2 seminars on Saturday, June 22nd. The first seminar on Hurst at 10 am Saturday and at 2 pm I will be conducting the seminar on Turbo Regals. This is only a few weeks away.


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