09-18-2013 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 09-18-2013

BUICK REGAL TURBO MAGAZINE ADS -

I recently purchased two Turbo Regal ads promoting the turbo engine. In the earlier ad it claims the new turbocharged V6 puts out 21% more horsepower than the larger 5.0 litre non-turbocharged V-8. In one of the last lines of copy in the ad it says, “In the years to come, we’ll see more than likely be taking it even further.” We all know that became fact with the intercooled version in 1986 and 1987 capped off with the powerful GNX. In the second ad it is promoting the new 1984 turbocharged V6 powerplant available in the 1984 Regal and 1984 Riviera T-Types. In the article it claims 0-60 times in about 8 seconds.

PHOTO 1 - The photo on the left shows the early Turbo Regal ad with the new 1983 Turbocharged Regal. Today, these 1983 models are very scarce. Many of the parts being reproduced are only for the 1984-1987 models. The photo on the right shows the 1984 Buick magazine ad. It only shows the turbocharger with the clever title, "Why Buicks perform better under pressure."



HERE IS SOMETHING YOU DON’T USUALLY SEE FOR SALE -

I hope to make another deal this week on the remaining Turbo Buick parts at this automotive graveyard. One rather unique item there I may also buy can be seen in the next photo.

PHOTO 2 - This photo shows a police speed limit portable display unit. These can be seen on the side of the road in my area from time to time. This would make a neat prank to play on a neighbor that has a long driveway. You could set it up during the nighttime on their driveway and see the look on their face when they drove down their driveway the next morning. It is definitely not something you see for sale very often. I hope to have photos next week of one of the most rare Turbo items in this yard.



CAR COLLECTOR BIRTHDAY BASH -

We had an invitation this past Sunday to attend a special birthday party for a friend of ours, Henry Mann. We showed some of his impressive car collection in our 06-05-2013 and 06-12-2013 Inner Circles.

Henry's birthday was September 15th and mine is September 14th. The invitation sent out to his motorhead buddies, friends, and family said to bring your hottest car.

It was held at his company's new facility where I had taken photos of some of his cars back in June of this year. The weather was picture perfect. There were probably over 70 cars in attendance, including a completely restored Philadelphia Transportation bus. Everything from a Nissan GTR to a McLaren to a late-model Rolls Royce was in the main parking lot.

Great food, topped off with a Mr. Frosty ice cream truck that was free to the guests. Each guest had their picture taken as they drove up in their car and was given the photo as a gift.

PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows this restored 1959 PTC Philadelphia bus that was at Henry's party. The top right shows the driver's area with the metal box where you would put your money in when you paid the fare. The bottom left photo shows the primitive dash. The bottom right photo shows the inside area with the old advertisements above the windows. As a kid I remember these buses. I talked to the owner who restored it over a period of many years. He says the bus was fairly complete, but badly worn out. I give him credit for bringing it back to life. His father was a Philadelphia bus driver.

PHOTO 4 - The top left photo shows a late-model Porsche, then a McLaren, with a late-model Rolls Royce on the far end. The top right shows a twin turbo engine stuffed inside an AMC Gremlin. The bottom left photo shows a highly-modified tubbed Cuda to the right of our personal Turbo-T. To the left of our car is a 1963 Ford XL convertible and then an early 1950s Studebaker. The bottom right photo shows Henry Mann’s birthday cake surrounded by mini diecast cars, most of which Henry owns the full size versions.

It was a great time and I was glad to see some of my automotive old friends I hadn't seen in awhile.



UNUSUAL USE FOR A TAXI -

A few weeks back, I read in our local newspaper about a guy that set out to rob a bank. During the course of the day, he hit three banks before he was caught.

Part of his problem was he used a taxi to get to each bank. By the third bank, the taxi driver figured out what he was doing. He reportedly also stiffed the taxi driver for the fare!



TERRY SHAW - AUTO APPRAISER -

Terry Shaw, AUTOMOTIVE LEGAL SERVICES will be at our Open House on September 28th. He is well versed on appraising the Turbo Regals. His new email is - [email protected].



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

I just saw this 1987 WE4 Buick Turbo Regal about 3 weeks ago. This one of the best-of-the-best examples of a sought-after WE4, and it is absolutely show quality inside and out. The grey interior is still very nice. This car is show car, ready as it sits, and is priced to sell.

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. 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.

According to the owner, he has invested over $12,000 in various upgrades to make this an outstanding example of a WE4.

This is a well-optioned WE4 hardtop that has not been advertised. The price is $17,500. For more details, email me - [email protected]



STRAP CAPS IN STOCK NOW -

They are now in stock our supply of Reproduction Strap Caps.

#6977 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Strap Caps (2) Set - $15 / set of 2
#6978 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Strap Caps (4) Set - $24.95 / set of 4

Here is a link to these Strap Caps on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=6977&submit_button=



NEW REPRODUCTION FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET -

1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET

These cars originally came with a special front license plate bracket that attached under the front lip of the front bumper.

If you plan to install a front license plate or if your state requires it, you need this bracket.

Because of the contour of the front bumper, if you simply attach a front license plate to the top holes on the front bumper, the front license plate will bend.

This bracket is made in aluminum and eliminates that problem.

Each one comes with new inserts to secure the plate and two screws to secure the bracket to the bottom edge of the front bumper.

Another great exterior restoration item.

7535 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Reproduction Front License Plate Bracket - $12.95

If you want one, you must call Christina as it is not on our website yet. The Part #7535. The price is $12.95. It is made in aluminum and comes complete with the plastic inserts to secure the license plate. If you install a front license plate to the front bumper without this bracket, it will bend the plate slightly as the bumper has a small bend in the middle. This front license plate bracket eliminates that from happening. It is a reproduction of the factory front license plate bracket.

This will be on our website later this week.



CLOSE OUT SPECIAL -

We recently bought out another company’s billet-style oil tube and breather assembly. This fits all the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal driver’s side valve cover. All billet construction with O-ring and a new chrome-plated top breather is included. Overall height is 4 inches. (See Inner Circle 08-14-2013 Photo 4)

We have about 20 of them at $34.95 each. You must call Christina - 215-766-1611 or email - [email protected] - to purchase this, since it has no part number and supplies are limited. The company has no plans to make this part again. It normally sold for over $40 each.



ANOTHER CLOSE OUT SPECIAL -

We have discontinued the Zaino Bros Perfect Tire Gloss 16 ounce bottles, Part #7036. It is no longer on our website. This is a product I use. We have about 14 bottles left. The price was $13.95. The sale price on our remaining stock is $8 a bottle or two bottles for $15 plus $8 shipping. You must call Christina personally to place your order for this product, 215-766-1611 x 0.

Also discontinued is the Pete Tomka Cold Air Induction System, Part #6782 that we carried for many years. This great product was designed and made by Pete Tomka. He recently informed us he is retiring.

We will continue to carry the Tin Man Cold Air Intake Kits, Part #7481 or and Part #7482.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1983-1987 BUICK REGAL -
REPRODUCTION BLACK, GREY, BLUE, TAN, & BURGUNDY
CONSOLE SHIFTER HANDLE ASSEMBLY

This console shifter handle will fit all console shifters in all 1983-1987 Regals, and is correct for ALL 1986-1987 Grand Nationals and Turbo Regals. We offer 5 popular colors: BLACK, GREY, BLUE, TAN and BURGUNDY. Although black was never an original color, we offer black as an option.

This shifter handle comes completely assembled with all new original internals. It is ready to install with the horseshoe lock clip and rod plunger, which are included. There is nothing else to buy.

So, put that “new” car feel back in your handle.

A nice finishing touch to any car!

NOTE - We also offer other options for shifter handles: #7328 - 1983-1987 Buick Regal - Upgraded GM Grey Console Shifter Handle Assembly (This has the upgraded internal parts) and #6521 - 1983-1987 Regal - GM Grey Console Shifter Handle and Locking Clip.

7523 - 1983-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction BLACK Console Shifter Handle Assembly - $99.95

7524 - 1983-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction GREY Console Shifter Handle Assembly - $99.95

7525 - 1983-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction BLUE Console Shifter Handle Assembly - $99.95

7526 - 1983-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction TAN Console Shifter Handle Assembly - $99.95

7527 - 1983-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction BURGUNDY Console Shifter Handle Assembly - $99.95

Here is a link to these Shifter Handles on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7523&submit_button=



1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
UPGRADED H4 55/60 HEADLIGHTS (4) KIT, HARNESS & HEADLIGHT

This kit will fit every GM car that takes this same size four headlight system, including all 1981-1988 A-Body and G-Body models.

NOTE - Kit #7530 and Harness #7531 will not work with HID headlights.

We have examined several of the various H4 headlight systems available and have found one that closely resembles the original style headlight. The headlight is glass and looks very close to the original glass face of your sealed beam headlight. To eliminate possible problems with the factory headlight switch and its ability to handle higher wattage bulbs, we also include a special plug-in harness. This plug-in harness takes the current directly from the battery after you turn on the headlights. The headlight switch is merely used to turn them on. This eliminates any possible problems with the 25-year-old headlight switch.

The stock sealed beam headlights are 45/55 watts. These new H4 formatted headlights already have a 55/60 watt bulbs installed. The plug-in harness that comes with this kit has two 80 amp relays and an in-line fuse to prevent any overloads. This harness is designed for Halogen headlights only and not for HIDs.

The custom-made plug-in harness is highly recommended in the G-Body cars to eliminate any possible issues with the original headlight switch. Issues with higher wattage bulbs can cause the headlights to flicker or turn off completely.

This plug-in harness also allows you to upgrade to even higher halogen wattage bulbs (maximum 80 watts), if you want. It has been tested by our source running four 100 watt bulbs for over one hour with no problems. The plug-in harness is designed to be virtually undetectable under the hood.

Just upgrading to the 55/60 watt H4 setup will be an improvement on overall lighting, compared to what now is the antique sealed beam format. Once you get this H4 upgrade, you can easily upgrade to higher wattage bulbs, if desired.

Another upgrade that improves lighting while keeping your car stock appearing.

NOTE - We offer the set of four, or individually if you wish to purchase an extra H4 headlight the 55/60 watt H4 bulb as a spare (Part #7532.)

NOTE - We offer the Upgraded Plug-and-Play Harness (Part #7531) if you want to install a headlight kit from another source. This harness will work with all Halogen H4 systems.

Another great upgrade to improve the brightness of the headlights, while retaining a stock appearance.

7530 - 1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Upgraded H4 Headlights (4) Kit $129.95 / kit
Includes Four 55/60 H4 Bulbs and Plug-and-Play Harness
INTRODUCTORY PRICE - EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30th, 2013 - $109.95 / kit

7531 - 1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
H4 Headlights Upgraded Plug-and-Play HARNESS - $67.95

7532 - 1981-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
SINGLE Upgraded H4 Headlight with 55/60 Bulb Installed - $22.95 each

Here is a link to these Headlight parts on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7530&submit_button=



CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -

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



KIRBAN SEPTEMBERFEST OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 28th - 9 am - 3 pm

We will be holding our annual fall “SEPTEMBERFEST” Open House on Saturday, September 28th, at our Plumsteadville location - 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville. Rain or Shine, 9 am until 3 pm. Open to all cars, not just Turbo Buicks.

Free Yum Yum donuts and coffee will be provided in the morning. Pete and I will have our usual array of used parts. CARS INC. and World of Motorworks will also be there with parts for sale. Some of the highlights for the Open House will be the raffle prizes, M&M contest, and a no reserve auction. We will have some really neat items for the no reserve auction including several items from Jay's GN that we purchased.

Our personal Turbo-T will be on display and I will show our new plug-and-play H4 headlight system.

Once again, Chef Russ and Nancy will be preparing a full-course gourmet luncheon, like they did at our Spring Open House. This time the menu will be expanded. We are very fortunate to have Nancy and Russ, our local Turbo Buick Chef who loves to cook, generously offer to prepare the entire luncheon menu. So bring your appetite. You won’t go away hungry.

Confirmed as coming to our Septemberfest Richard Clark will be coming. Richard as many of you know is well versed on our cars and is always willing to answer any questions you may have.



2013 GS NATIONALS - October 16-19, 2013 - Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, KY -

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.

Also attending is Art Carr and his wife. Art is one of the top transmission specialists for many years.

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/



BOPAPALOOZA 2013 - November 2, 2013 - Atco Raceway, New Jersey -

Buick-Olds-Pontiac Show and Go, Saturday, November 2nd, 2013. Gates open 9:00 AM. Show registration until 12 noon. Day of event rain info - 856-768-2167. Location is Atco Raceway, Jackson Road, Atco, New Jersey. For race info, call 856-768-2167. For more show info, call Tom at 856-524-2588 or email [email protected] Race Information - www.atcoraceway.com

I know Tom personally, as he is the editor of the GTO THE LEGEND, which is the GTO National club monthly publication. I often contribute articles for their publication.



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 -

Remember to mark your calendar - Septemberfest Kirban Open House - September 28th, 2013 from 9 am until 3 pm. Rain or shine.

Luncheon once again prepared by Chef Russ and Nancy, featuring a variety of food prepared on location and free! A real treat! You can get your stomach full and your wallet empty at the same time!

The no reserve auction will be expanded this time and feature several neat items. It will include several items from Jay's GN collection.

Special guest Richard Clark plans to attend. One event you do not want to miss. Now less than two weeks away.

Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade with me and as well as any cores you want to cash in for credit. Hope to see you there.

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