09-26-12 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 09-26-2012

EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS -

This annual East Coast Regionals event was held this past Friday and Saturday at Cecil County Dragway in Maryland. I drove down Friday night to avoid getting up early Saturday morning. The weather was absolutely “Picture Perfect” for the event.

The car show portion featured a good mix of Turbo Regals and the older GS models, including some unusual examples. There was quite an array of used parts being offered by some of the club members. The car show winners and race division winners will be posted on turbobuick.com.

After 25 years behind us with these Turbo Regals, it's interesting to see some of the very early production parts companies made in the late 1980s and early 1990s that you seldom see on 1986-1987 Turbo Regals today.

This can also be referred to as "Old School" modifications.

Hailing from the state of Delaware, Bill Ross had his 1987 Grand National parked near my vendor spot.

PHOTO 1 - Shows several “Old School Modifications” under the hood of Bill's Grand National, which you seldom see today. The most unusual modification I saw on his car was produced years ago by Applied Technologies Research (ATR). It was called the "7th Injector." ATR originally was founded in Roseville, California and later was sold and moved to a company in Fair Play, South Carolina before closing down several years ago. You can see the 7th injector mounted up on top of the throttle body in this top photo. Also visible in this first photo with a chrome-plated cap on top is one of ATRs adjustable fuel regulators. Interesting enough, ATR switched to buying our adjustable fuel regulators in the later years.

The chrome-plated cap is one we made specifically to cover the top of the ATR adjustable fuel regulator. To my knowledge, only the ATR adjustable fuel regulator ran the vacuum line out the side of the unit. Also visible is Red Armstrong's Volt Booster, which is wired to the alternator. Last, but not least, is the cast aluminum Buick valve covers. I am not sure what company produced this version.

The lower photo shows the control panel for the 7th injector that Bill has mounted to the core support on the driver's side. Unfortunately, in the few ATR catalogs I have the 7th injector setup is not listed. We welcome any input as to what the 7th injector setup sold for and what years it was offered by ATR.


One of the rarest best looking cars in the show field was this 1959 Buick Electra.

PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows the massive back end of this 1959 Buick Electra with its huge trunk. The top right photo shows the airbrushed artwork that was done on a panel on the inside of the trunk lid. The lower left photo shows the 401 nailhead engine. The lower right photo shows the airbrushed artwork that was on the underside of the hood panel. This car was stunning.

Another unusual car in the show field was this 1982 Regal Sports Coupe. Keep in mind, the T-Type models did not appear until the 1983 model. Prior to this, the Turbo Regal was called the Sports Coupe.

PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows the two-tone 1982 Regal Sports Coupe. The top right photo is a close up of one of the wheels. These were the smaller 14" inch wheels. In this lower left photo shows a huge metal Power Six logo sign that was for sale for $250. This would look good on your garage wall! The lower right photo shows one of the early-style GS Buicks that was on the show field. This car looked sharp with the red line tires against the blue paint job.

The show was well run. As a nice touch, they had free Philadelphia pretzels for any attendees. Philadelphia is well known for its soft pretzels.

If you missed this event, you missed a good fall event!


MORE PHOTOS NEXT WEEK



A LOOK AT RADIO KNOBS -

Unlike some of the other G-body models as far as I know, GM only used one style of radio knobs for the 1984-1987 Turbo Regal, regardless of what version factory radio was in the car.

The only difference may be on the standard am radio, which may have had a different pair of radio knobs.



PHOTO 4 - In the photo on the top we show the outer pair of knobs (top left) that are correct with the silver disc for all 1984-1987 Regal factory radios. It is that silver disc that sometimes comes unglued, leaving you with a black outer knob on your radio. The inner tuner knobs are bright chrome plastic, which is next to the outer knobs in this photo. Next, you see a pair of black tuner knobs and last you see a pair of brushed aluminum tuner knobs. These are all interchangeable, but were used on other GM models. The brushed aluminum ones may have been used on the standard am radio in the 1984-1987 Regals.

The nicest radio knobs appeared during the same time frame in the Cadillacs. Their outer black knobs had an actual metal insert rather than a glued-in flat disc, so it never came off since it was part of the black plastic knob. This metal insert had a pattern around the outer edge of the face of the knob. The lower photo we show a set of the Cadillac radio knobs. They will interchange with the 1984-1987 Regal radios and makes a nice subtle upgrade for any 1984-1987 Turbo Regal factory radio.



BREAKING NEWS - CRAIG FREDENBURG WINS Fantasy Bid at Barrett Jackson -

Craig hails from Michigan and owns one of the eight GNXs we sold over the year. It's good to see one of our customers win on a national level. Congrats to Craig. Here's his email with the information…

Hey Dennis, Craig here, owner of GNX #47.

This past Thursday-Friday-Saturday I participated and was the winner in the overall points category in Speed TV's Barrett Jackson Fantasy bid contest in Las Vegas. I won the Grand Prize, which is a Samsung 46" LED 3D HDTV valued at $2,000!

If you go to the website you will see the 1st place winner was "1987BuickGNX". That is my username I used when I signed up for fantasy bidding.

I am glad to be able to give our Buick's some more exposure in contests like this.

For now the Chevy/Ford/Mopar crowd will have to take a back seat to Buick's.

Cheers. Craig in Wayland, Michigan



HERE IS AN EYE OPENER -

Recently at one of the classic car auctions, a restored 1963 VW bus sold for a cool $70,000!

My research showed in 1963 the VW bus engine pumped out a mere 53 hp at 4,200 rpms. In 1963 the original price was around $2,600.

Looks to me like at least two or more buyers wanted this 1963 VW bus very badly!



CONGRATS TO PAUL & MARIANNA CASTLE -

Paul Castle (World Of Motorworks) married Marianna Celia last weekend in Illinois. We send our congrats to them, Paulie and their families.

Paul will be making his annual jaunt out next weekend for our Open House on Saturday.



NEW PRODUCTS -


1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
SEMI METALLIC FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS SET

From the same supplier of our rear semi metallic brake shoes, we also offer the semi metallic front disc pads.

The specs are the same. These are professional grade, asbestos free and have a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty against the pads coming apart. These are heavy duty and designed for extreme use. These have superb stopping power and are also quiet.

To give them more constructive strength, the company uses a positive mold means of manufacturing.

Each set comes with 2 new clips, as shown in the photo.

We also offer Semi Metallic Rear Semi Metallic Brake Shoes, Part #7447 and #7448.

NOTE - We recommend these be installed by a qualified mechanic.

7449 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
Semi Metallic FRONT Disc Brake Pads Set - $34.95 / set

Here is the link to this Front Disc Brake Pads Set on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44019/SEMI+METALLIC+FRONT+DISC+BRAKE+PADS+SET+%237449.html



1986-1987 Buick GRAND NATIONAL -
GM WHEEL CENTER CAPS (4) SET

GM’s wheel center caps can easily fall off or get stolen.

We stock the original GM wheel centers with the “Turbo-Six” logo attached to the plastic hub.

Like most Grand National items, these are “special order” from a dealer and prices vary widely.
It’s a good idea to buy spares, while supplies last.

You can save almost $10 if you order the set of 4 center caps. If you only want to purchase a single cap, see Part #6653, 1986-1987 Grand National GM Wheel - Center Cap.

7455 - 1986-1987 Buick Grand National -
GM Wheel Center Caps (4) Set $150 /set

Here is a link to this set of Grand National GM Wheel Center caps on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44020/GM+Wheel+Center+Caps+%284%29+Set+%23+7455.html



1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REBUILT COMPLETE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER KIT

We carry this rebuilt complete vacuum brake booster kit, which has a correct specified rod so you do NOT have to drill a hole in the factory brake pedal.

This company uses a special designed rod, which eliminates the need to drill the original brake pedal. This unit has a 9" diameter booster. The booster is painted cast iron grey. This booster uses the same factory holes in the firewall as the powermaster.

This supplier has been making this special unit for Turbo Regals since the early 1990s. They use all premium quality U.S. made rubber seals and diaphragms. Each casting is precision machined to pass 100,000-stroke life cycle test.

All units are factory tested for quality assurance and carry a full one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Since nothing gets cut or drilled related to the original powermaster, the original powermaster can be re-used should you want to convert back to the factory set up at a later date.

Installation should only be done by a qualified mechanic, making sure the system is operating properly under all conditions.

Your best option is always to stay with the factory GM powermaster brake system.

For our rebuilt powermaster brake unit, See our Part # 7021 - 1985-1987 Turbo Regal - Rebuilt Powermaster Brake Unit.

However, if you have a STOCK engine, there is adequate vacuum to switch over to a vacuum brake system. Here are 2 options: Our Part # 7454 - Rebuilt Complete Vacuum Brake Booster Kit or our Part # 7044 - Brand New Complete Vacuum Brake Booster Kit.

A vacuum brake system is NOT recommended for a Turbo Regal with a modified engine or one with a performance cam because vacuum levels are greatly reduced, which could cause braking problems.

NOTE - We recommend this vacuum brake booster be installed by a qualified mechanic.

NOTE - If you send us your original powermaster brake unit, you will receive a Letter of Credit for $100. Unit must be 100% complete with the brake switch and brake bowl.

7454 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Rebuilt Complete Vacuum Brake Booster Kit - $349.95 + $23 shipping = $372.95


Here is a link to this Rebuilt Complete Vacuum Brake Booster Kit on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44018/REBUILT+COMPLETE+VACUUM+BRAKE+BOOSTER+KIT+%237454.html



1986-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
“UD LOSE” REAR WINDOW THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS INSERT

This lens insert fits into the third brake light in the rear window of any 1986-1987 Buick Regal.
The words “UD LOSE” shows up when you apply the brakes.

Insert measures approximately 5-3/4" x 1-1/4", is produced on special clear material to avoid yellowing, and is not affected by heat. Lens insert is easy to install. It simply slips in behind the red third brake light lens.

7453 - 1986-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
“UD LOSE” Rear Window Third Brake Light Lens Insert - $6

Here is a link to this insert on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44014/UD+LOSE+REAR+WINDOW+THIRD+BRAKE+LIGHT+LENS+INSERT+%23+7453.html



1982-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction REAR Bumper Impact Cushion & Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack, Part #7450.

Remember, you can save $30 if you purchase the new reproduction rear Bumper Impact Cushion before Monday October 8th, 2012.

To save you shipping. You can pay for it now and pick it up at our Open House on Saturday, October 6th, 2012.

Here is the link to view the Bumper Impact Cushion and Thread Cutting Nuts on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7450&submit_button=



VERY URGENT REQUEST - WE NEED POWERMASTER BRAKE CORES ! ! !

Once again we find ourselves needing complete powermaster brake cores. By complete we mean they must have a brake bowl, switch, and reservoir with lid. They can't look like they have been sitting 6 months in the local river.

You must email me direct - [email protected] - if you can help us help others.

For a limited time, we will issue a $125 Letter of Credit towards any of our website parts. Shipping by mail is the cheapest method to send it to us. If you are sending it by mail, you must use our PO Box in the address - Kirban Performance Products, P.O. Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949-1199. You MUST include your name, full address and a note explaining this is a core for the $125 Letter of Credit in the box. Do not send anything until you first email me, so we have a record of what units to expect.

This $125 Letter of Credit deal expires once we get ample cores. We still need more complete cores! We still need more cores.



WE HAVE ANOTHER GNX DASH AVAILABLE -

This dash is just like the GNX. It has all new Stewart Warner gauges with sending units as needed. It includes a new upper speedometer cable, directions with a copy of the original AS blueprints, a good used original gauge bezel, new applique, most important a pre-cut stock dash bezel. In other words, this is a complete kit ready to install. You do not have to cut any part of your dash, you simply remove your dash and drop this one in. All the gauges are all pre-fit properly.

The only item you will have to buy to complete it is the proper plug-and-play harness, which is available from World of Motorworks. You have to specify if you have an analog dash or a digital dash when you order the harness.

The price for this complete GNX-style dash is $1,995 plus shipping.



REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -

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

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

Limited availability!
Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE - We have heard from a couple people that have viewed the photos on the website. Because these have to be low-resolution photos to work on the Inner Circle segments on the website, any photos of text don't appear clear when enlarged. This is a problem when you are trying to see numbers, such as those on the VIN labels or pages from Options booklet. Also, because of photo reproduction and computer screen variations, the colors may not be true to the actual product or photo.

If you would like to have us email you any photo at the higher resolution for viewing, just email us and we will email them to you. Be sure to be specific on which pictures you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected].



2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE OPEN HOUSE UPDATE -

Be sure to bring any powermaster brake cores you want to cash in for a $125 Letter of Credit. Also accepting original 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air flow sensors for $25 Letter of Credit. Be sure to see me at the Open House.

New this year at our Fall Open House - We will be doing a few auctions on some items as well. Hope to see many of you there.

Also, we just received word that a local customer has a perfect, never used, original, brand new factory 1984-1987 Turbo Regal hood he wants to sell. It still has the GM parts sticker on it. The hood is perfect, never painted, just like it came out of the GM box. He can bring it to our event, if you are interested. He wants to sell it and does not want to ship it for fear of damage. The price is $1,200. Email me if you are interested - [email protected]



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PARTS - FALL OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY - OCTOBER 6, 2012 - 9 am - 3 pm - RAIN OR SHINE

FREE Yum Yum Donuts & Coffee (while supplies last), Door Prizes, M&M GUESS Contest

ZDDPlus™ will be on sale. Our newest products will be on display and available for sale. Dennis Kirban and Pete Hoffman will have used parts for sale. Kirban's personal white Turbo-T will be on display.

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.

Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade. It's an excellent time to bring any cores to cash in for parts credit.

Additional Vendors - Pete Hoffman - Paul Castle WORLD OF MOTORWORKS

Here is a link to the Open House information on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=203



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!

In addition to having representatives from Reynolds Buick of Wes Covina CA in attendance, it appears they also may have Jim Bell of Kenne-Bell fame also in the house. Don Reynolds Buick sponsored Pop Kennedy's unbeatable Buick's starting in '59 thru the early 60's.

Also scheduled to be in attendance and possibly racing is famed CA Buick racer Fred Caitlin. Reynolds Buick will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary as a Buick dealer and will be highlighted and honored during the event. Add to this, the presence of BCA members attending, should offer additional interest and fun at the event.

Once again we will be attending this national event as we have every year since 1988. Pete Hoffman and, of course, Richard Clark will be there too.



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.



IN CLOSING - Remember, mark your calendar - Saturday, October 6th, 2012 for our Fall Open House!

Event happens rain or shine. Hope to see many of you at our shop.


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