06-20-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 06-20-2012

SURPRISES ABOUT AC DELCO -

As many of you realize, we deal with a wide variety of parts suppliers. Some customers insist on always wanting the GM or AC Delco version if it's available, over another company. This is fine. Until recently I never had any visual proof or something I could show in a photo to prove that some parts that are produced get put out in the market under different company names.

In our business, we sell a fairly high profile product and some companies, which are very well known in their particular market, advertise it as their product and sell it for a lot more money. We don't have an issue with that.

One part has always intrigued me that no matter what company made it, it was always exactly the same and even had the GM part number on it. This in itself is not positive proof, but the fact is this part - no matter what brand I would buy - always and I mean always had the GM 8 digit part number on it. Even the font style of the GM number was exact on every one. It didn’t matter if it was AC Delco, Wells, or Standard - bagged or boxed - every one we have handled has not only had the GM 8 digit part number but the same style 4 digit date code system under it.

PHOTO 1 - In the top left photo we show a brand new 1986-1987 Turbo Regal cam sensor. In the top right photo we show a close up of the part number on it, which reads "25516915." Under it is the 4 digit date code. This one reads "3142." This may mean 1983 or 1993, since the first digit represents the year. The last three digits code is for the date. According to the Parts Identification and Inspection Guide, the vendor/supplier was Magnavox. The page referring to the camshaft sensor in the 1986 Parts Identification and Inspection Guide is shown in the lower photo.

All this information is simply based on what we have seen over the years and would be almost impossible to verify unless we worked at the assembly plant or knew someone who did.

It just so happens about two weeks ago I was visiting my brother in Lancaster and we went to one of those huge stores that specialize in close outs or products that basically get discontinued.
I discovered something that I never knew before and perhaps you may not have either.

We all know AC Delco makes the 12 volt batteries for our cars, but did you know they also make small batteries like D, C, and A and AA batteries?

PHOTO 2 - The photo on the left shows a 6 pack of AC Delco 2 AA batteries marked down from $2.99 to $1.99. Best used date is June of 2019, so they have plenty of time left.

What I found next in this same store has provided me with positive proof that companies do share the same products and simply apply their label for specific markets. Check out the middle photo. It features a factory-sealed AC Delco 6 inch miniature LED flashlight with 2 new AC Delco 2 AA batteries included. The handle of the flashlight even has the AC Delco logo imprinted on it. It was priced originally at $5.99, now $2.99.

As you look at the photo on the right in this group, you see in an identical style package under an entirely different company name. The exact same flashlight in the exact same color blue, only it does not have the AC Delco imprint on the handle. It also includes two AC Delco 2 AA batteries. Both flashlights are still factory sealed.

The country of origin is the same for both - Made in China. The AC Delco flashlight was distributed by a company out of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and the Steelton Tools company version was distributed out of Baltimore, Maryland - opposite coasts!

You can clearly see from these photos that certain products are identical, but may appear under different company labels and packaging.

Until I saw this, I never even saw an AC Delco flashlight or these sizes of batteries.

We welcome your comments.

Under Rare Parts, see Part #1758 as we have a few of those unique AC Delco flashlights for sale! Email Dennis is you are interested - [email protected].

So, in quick review, the quality you may want by purchasing an AC Delco part, may also be identical to one under another brand!



BACK TRACKING TO "FORDS AT CARLISLE" EVENT -

A few weeks back I attended "Fords at Carlisle" with my brother. This year marked the 50th Anniversary for the AC Cobra. I don’t know what the record is for the most Cobra cars at one event, but this one had to be close to a record. Unfortunately, Carroll Shelby had just passed away a few days prior.

PHOTO 3 - Carroll Shelby did live long enough to see his latest goal go into production, and that was to make the 1,000 hp Mustang - the 2012 SHELBY 1000. They did have one of these potent cars on display at Carlisle, shown in this first photo. The second photo shows the back end of the 1,000 HP Mustang. It's an impressive car to see. The third and fourth photo shows the brochure they had on the car giving all the specs. The price tag before taxes was $149,995. While that is a good amount of coin for a Mustang, it would put you in an elite group of owners.

PHOTO 4 - This top left photo shows one of the most impressive early Fords we saw at Fords at Carlisle - a pristine 1951 Ford hardtop that looked 100% stock on the outside but was powered by a late-model Cobra 4.6 engine. The top right photo shows the engine compartment. This car had the classic look, but all the late-model upgrades made for an enjoyable high-performance example of a very rare hardtop model. The 1951 Ford marked the first year for the hardtop model.

In the same close out store that I found the identical AC Delco and Steelton flashlights, I also came across "Carroll Shelby Extra Virgin Olive Oil." I had forgotten that back in 2009 he had worked with a company local to us that had this Olive produced in Argentina. It was mainly sold in specialty stores and sales were a disappointment. Production had ceased several months ago.

In the lower photo we show the front and the back of the Carroll Shelby Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It comes in an 8.5 ounce glass bottle called Shelby Signature Foods. It features an early photo of Carroll with a Cobra on the front label. It's a beautiful glass bottle. Most of the bottles I bought are now out of date, so it would be for collectible value only. Under Rare Parts, see Part #1756 as we have some available for sale. Email Dennis is you are interested - [email protected].



CAM SENSOR PRICING -

Here is one part that the price structure seems to be way out of whack. As of last week, GM has supply on hand so it is still available. This part only fits the 1984-1987 Turbo Regals so the life span for being a stock item, is near the end you would think. The GM list price is $594.18. (Not a misprint). Even if you get a discount for being a repair shop you cost would still be around $435. From Standard it runs $325. retail. If you are a repair shop you may get it for $275.

The GM price of almost $600 probably explains which they still have them available. In my 1987 Buick Parts and Accessories Price Schedule the retail price was $82.50 and if you were a garage the price was $61.20. On the bright side, this part seems to have very few issues.



PERFORMANCE YEARS OPEN HOUSE -

The Performance Years Open House was a huge success with beautiful weather. If I had to guess, there was probably 275 to 325 Pontiacs on the one show field. This is besides a small muscle car lineup and Mustang show, which was also part of the program.

It was good to see some old friends and customers from 15 to 20 years ago.

Watch for photos next week.



CHECK THIS CAR OUT - KIRBAN FIND -

Currently the 1937 Packard coupe is still for sale. We have heard from several customers and have sent them a bunch of photos on this pristine modified 1937 Packard coupe. (See 6-6-2012 Inner Circle for more details.) Email me direct - [email protected] - for photos of this car.

Also the 3,500-mile 1987 Grand National hardtop that I found for Mike O’Neil several years ago is also still available. (See 6-6-2012 Inner Circle for more details). Email me direct [email protected] - for photos of this car.



NEW PARTS & NEW LINKS -

On the new items listed below, we do have some of each in stock for immediately delivery.

1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction BLACK PLASTIC POWER ANTENNA BEZEL

This bezel will fit 1984-1987 Grand Nationals or Turbo Regals with the factory black bezel for the power antenna.

This is a reproduction of the black plastic bezel that sits at the base of the power antenna mast on the outside of the fender. Over a period of time this bezel can crack or fade.

If you have to replace the power antenna, we recommend you replace the black bezel at the same time. This part is unique to this application only.

This new reproduction bezel is made in ABS plastic with UV protection.

Another nice finishing touch for any exterior restoration.

7426 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Black Plastic Power Antenna Bezel - $13.95

Here is a link to the this antenna bezel on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43980/Reproduction+BLACK%E2%80%88PLASTIC+POWER+ANTENNA%E2%80%88BEZEL+%23+7426.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEST PIPE & 4-BOLT FLANGE GASKET

This is a stainless steel replacement pipe to eliminate the catalytic converter for off road use only. It is a bolt in replacement complete with the proper 1/2" thick 4-bolt flange at the one end.

Overall length is 19" and the 4-bolt flange is almost 1/2" thick for support. The inlet diameter is 2-1/2" wide.

The end result is a free flowing exhaust for “Off Road Use Only.” You must have a stock length downpipe for this to fit properly.

Each test pipe comes with a specially made gasket for the 4-bolt flange end.

NOTE - We also offer the 4-bolt flange gasket separately, Part #7423.

7422 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Catalytic Converter Test Pipe & 4-Bolt Flange Gasket - $34.95


1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
4-BOLT FLANGE GASKET for the Catalytic Converter to the Y Pipe

This 4-bolt flange gasket is made from exhaust material to withstand high heat.

In some cases, due to age and modifications, you may find it necessary to use this flange gasket to eliminate any exhaust leaks between the catalytic converter and the Y pipe.

7423 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
4-Bolt Flange Gasket for the Catalytic Converter to the Y Pipe $9.95

Here is a link to the test pipe and gasket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7423&submit_button=



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 -

IMPORTANT NOTE -

CARLISLE GM NATIONALS - June 22, 23, & 24, 2012 -

This coming weekend it is GM at Carlisle in Carlisle, PA. Of all the events at Carlisle, the GM event is one of the smallest. We go just to spectator and will only be there on Friday. I usually take my brother, who lives in nearby Lancaster.

For more info, here is the link - http://carsatcarlisle.com/ce/events/gm-nationals



2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio

The Buick Performance Group presents The Class of 1987 Buick Reunion featuring the 25th Anniversary of the Buick GNX and the 1987 Buick Grand National with presentations from personnel from both Buick and ASC. The ASC quality control car as well as a GNX Factory Prototype will also be on display. Doug Niro will be presenting a power point presentation. Louis Infante from ASC will also be present as well as Rick Hunt who was an employee. Visit -www.buickperformancegroup.com - for more information



2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks

Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!

Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!

For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] or [email protected] Visit their website -http://tristategsclub.com



2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 - Wednesday-Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 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 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 km



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.



Enjoy the car show season.

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