10-13-10 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 10-13-10

OUR OPEN HOUSE -

The weather was absolutely gorgeous for our fall Open House. We had about 30-35 various turbo cars present, including 3 of the rare Turbo Trans Ams! There were also two real GNXs.

Two very unusual cars in attendance that you don't see every day were a new Cadillac Supercharged CTS-V sedan and one of the ultra rare GT-R Nissans. The Caddy pumps out 556 HP and 551 ft lbs of torque. The GT-R Nissan pumps out 485 HP and 434 ft lbs of torque. Interesting fact about the GT-R - the engine size is a 3.8 liter fitted with twin turbos. Either car would be capable of putting a wide smile on your face and a glove box packed full of speeding tickets during the first week. Everyone was hoping these 2 high-end performance cars were part of the raffle! Thanks to all that came to our Open House and especially those who brought their cars.

We would like to acknowledge some vendors and guests at our Open House.

Thanks to Chris and Ron, owners of CustomAutoApparel.com, for bringing their line of licensed Buick clothing to our event.

Thanks to Paul Castle and his crew, World of Motorworks, from Illinois for displaying his products. He had his GNX-style dash on display.

Thanks to Russ Vassallo and Nancy for contributing several amazing homemade bake goods for our raffle. They also baked scones and oatmeal cookies for the donut table. A sweet treat for those who came!

Thanks to John Follweiler, Packaging Outlet, for once again supply all the soda and bottled water. John has brought us ice coolers full of drinks to our events for many years.

Thanks to Jason Maxfield, who comes down from Canada to help with our Open House.

Thanks to our crew - Pete Hoffman, Christina Domene (and Dominique) and John Hall. And to our family, Darrell and Carrie.

PHOTO 1 - Show one of the cleanest original low-mileage 1987 Turbo-T Limiteds in our area! This car has a white exterior with the tan leather interior and the chrome package. This car is top notch! The lower photos show the engine and the highly-desirable tan leather interior with the unique console that came with the pillow leather interior. The car is owned by Dennis Olejniczak.

PHOTO 2 - Shows the three 1989 Turbo Trans Ams that were lined up at our Open House.

PHOTO 3 - Shows some of the people going through our many tagged and bagged goodies at our Open House. The lower photo shows the World of Motorworks GNX-style dash in a local customer's 1987 Grand National. The dash has all high-quality gauges and is a great upgrade over the regular digital or analog dash. Unfortunately, it's difficult to photograph because of the placement of the steering wheel.

PHOTO 4 - One of the nicely modified Turbo cars was this burgundy 1987 Turbo-T, belonging to John Follweiler. The car had a real clean appearance featuring a Monte Carlo rear spoiler and custom-made wheels. Adding to the smooth appearance, the door handles have been removed! The second photo shows a close up of the custom wheels. I like the Buick tri-shield in the center of the wheel. Notice the Bear brake calipers. The car also has had extensive suspension work.



NOTE - We will continue the series BUICK LITERATURE - PART 13 next week.



MINI CONTEST -

We have our two winners for our Mini Contest - Mike Palmer and Bryan Miller.

The correct answer was Acura NSX model. It was produced from 1991 and production ended in 2005. It was also referred to as the Honda NSX. The early ones produced 270 HP with a 5-speed and the later ones (1997-2005) pumped out 290 HP coupled to a 6-speed.

Interesting enough, Bryan Miller looked at buying one when they first came out and remembered a book being offered with the car.

I remember when these cars first came out I bought a case of the books and sold them.

Congratulations to our winners and all of those that participated.



ON THE NEWSFRONT - DON'T MISS "MOTOR TREND CLASSICS" ARTICLE

The Fall 2010 "MOTOR TREND CLASSICS" (on newstands now) has an 8-page article entitled, "The Last American Musclecar."

The car it is referring to is the 1987 Buick Grand National, owned by restaurant owner Raphael Vasquez from Orange County, California. Raphael is a customer of ours.

The article is fairly accurate. I caught 1 error. In the article it refers to 1987 Grand National as having Lear seats, however this option was NOT offered in the 1987 Grand Nationals.

The heading on one page reads, "T-TYPE AND REGAL TURBO LTDS WERE OFFERED IN A VARIETY OF COLORS AND TRIMMED IN CHROME. BUT THE MIND'S EYE SEES THIS CAR IN BLACK WITH BLACKOUT TRIM."

It's great to see this much coverage in a major magazine 23 years later!

Be sure to pick up a copy and check it out.



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 ones you want to see - Reference Inner Circle date and photo number 1, 2, 3 or 4 - [email protected]



BREAKING NEWS - NEW ARRIVAL - 1986 GRAND NATIONAL FOR SALE

I just got in a 1986 Grand National hardtop, two-owner, well-optioned car with records. The car has been garaged every night since 1988 (same owner since 1988 until now). Paint still shines, but has some dings and checking. It is almost 95% stock and has 123,000 miles. Nice example of a tight running car that has not been raced (owner was 72 years old). Car has no posi! Needs detailing and someone to enjoy it. It has concert sound, power windows, power door locks, power antenna (works), tilt, cruise, EQ radio, power seat, and factory body side molding. It has ugly tape pinstripe on both sides. The transmission was recently rebuilt, new shocks and springs. Not rusty! Priced under $9900. Plus buyer gets 10% off any our catalog parts good for 30 days after purchase! This car is a true survivor, and since it's a 1986, it is more rare than the 1987 models. If you are interested, email me direct - [email protected] - for more info/photos.



GOOD NEWS - A LIMITED SUPPLY - 1984-1985 TURBO REGAL SPARK PLUG WIRE SET -

Because of requests, we recently had a small run of the correct length grey 1984-1985 Turbo Regal spark plug wires. They are in stock. We have 8 sets available at $50 per set plus $8 shipping. You must contact our office directly to be assured of getting one of these 8 sets. We have no plans to have these run again. To order, call - 215-766-1611 x 0



URGENT REQUEST - WE NEED TURBO CORES! -

We need stock 1986-1987 Turbo Regal turbos for cores.

For each complete turbo you send us, you will received either a check for $75 for or a Letter of Credit for $100 for any parts listed on our website. Just specify which you want for your turbo.

By sending us complete cores, it enables us to supply other owners with rebuilt units and also our TA 49 versions. The TA 49 turbos we sell require the use of the stock exhaust housing. By using that section, no low-end torque is lost in regular street driving.

THANK YOU for helping to keep the parts available for other Turbo Regal owners.



SEVERAL NEW PARTS FROM US -

The special S hose was discontinued by GM several months ago and is unique for the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. You now have two reproduction options to choose from to replace this hose. Both are in stock.

Part #7299 - This hose is rubber, is 100% exact and the price is $39.95. We also have the same hose available made in black silicone.

Part #7300 - This hose is made in silicone and is more of a shiny black in color. Since it is made in silicone, it can last longer than a regular rubber hose. The price of this hose is $29.95.

Here is the complete description for both hoses.

1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION BY-PASS "S" HOSE and UPGRADED SILICONE BY-PASS HOSE

We stock 2 options for this small "S" shaped hose that goes from the front of the intake manifold (alongside the thermostat housing) to the back portion of the water pump. This special molded hose is no longer available from GM and is not available in any auto parts stores. It's unique to the Turbo Regals only.

Because of its location, this hose is subject to heat and usually cracks or splits. The hose is easy to install.

This reproduction hose (Part #7299) is made of the same rubber and exact shape as the original GM hose, so it looks original. The other reproduction hose (Part #7300) is made in silicone (which will last longer than rubber) and the hose has a shiny black appearance.

We highly recommend you purchase one or two to carry in your trunk, like some other emergency items.

7299 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Reproduction By-Pass "S" Hose $39.95

7300 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Reproduction Upgraded Silicone By-Pass "S" Hose $29.95

Here is a link to the Reproduction By-Pass Hoses on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7299&submit_button=



1986-1987 Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
REPRODUCTION STAINLESS STEEL ENGINE COOLANT LINES

These reproduction stainless steel engine coolant lines are powder-coated glossy black and are identical to the pair of factory coolant lines found on the passenger's side of the engine.

Over a period of time these lines can rust from the inside out. If you ever have reason to remove them, they easily get bent or cracked.

These lines are made in the U.S.A. and are unique for the years shown.

7296 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal and 1989 Turbo Trans Am -
Reproduction Stainless Steel Engine Coolant Lines $99

Here is a link to the Reproduction Coolant Lines on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43831/REPRODUCTION+STAINLESS+STEEL+ENGINE+COOLANT+LINES+%237296.html



BREAKING NEWS - HEADERS ARE BACK IN STOCK -

GREAT NEWS - The stock style 1986-1987 headers are now in stock again. Mike at TA Performance has put a set on a stock car with no fit problems.

Kits will be dropped shipped from Arizona, so shipping/handling will range from $20 to $35.

We also have access to a limited number of just the driver's header for those of you that need to replace that header.

Here is the link to these headers on the web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7273&submit_button

1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
STOCK REPLACEMENT DRIVER'S SIDE & PASSENGER'S SIDE
409 STAINLESS STEEL HEADERS WITH CROSSOVER PIPE KITS

These stock replacement headers are made in the USA and come 100% complete with hardware and special carbon graphic steel core high-temperature gaskets. Headers are made from 409 stainless steel and Tig welded.

The ports are laser cut and will fit all stock, TA heads, and Champion heads. The turbo flange is also the same precision cut 3/8" thick piece currently on TA headers with elongated hole for precise turbo/downpipe alignment.

All fabrication, materials and production are 100% made in the USA.

TA Performance has long been a well-respected source for Buick hard core parts for both V8 and also V6 Turbo Regals for over 25 years.

The complete kit includes the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal 409 stainless driver's side and passenger's side header setup with crossover pipe, hardware, and gaskets.

We are also offering the stock replacement driver's side header alone, similar in design to the now defunct Poston-style header.

An excellent upgrade to replace the original or Poston-style headers on any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.

7273 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Stock Replacement Driver's Side 409 Stainless Steel Header Kit - $325 / kit
NOTE - Includes hardware and gasket

7274 - 1986-1987 Turbo Regal -
Stock Replacement Driver's Side and Passenger's Side Complete 409 Stainless Steel Headers Kit $699.95 / kit
NOTE - Includes driver's side and passenger's side headers with a 2-piece crossover pipe, hardware and gaskets.

CALL TO ORDER & FOR FINAL SHIPPING COST - IN STOCK

Supplies are limited. Call our office NOW - 215-766-1611 x 0.

Remember, these are made from 409 stainless, which cost a little more for material over steel. TA Performance has a long history for making quality parts and that is why we went with their program.



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.



GM PARTS UPDATE -

It appears that the GM supply of the factory 1986-1987 GM factory original molded boost line kits are dwindling and may already have disappeared from GM's warehouses inventory. We currently have a decent supply of them.

This is a very critical part, for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal, since it is needed to control boost. They have 3 specially formed hoses with a special size diameter T in between two of the molded hoses. These also have the GM wording on them.

Over a period of time, heat can cause the hoses to swell and crack. While they last, we have them available for $44.95 plus shipping, Part #6644. Supplies are limited.

Here is a link to the Boost Line Kit on our web site -
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/160/GM+Factory+Original+BOOST+LINE+KIT+%236644.html



CALENDER OF EVENTS -

2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS -

30th ANNUAL GS NATIONALS - Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
OCTOBER 20th-23rd, 2010
This has been rescheduled from the cancelled May dates. Unfortunately, Don Garlits will not be able to attend as the dates conflict with an event he does at his Museum in Ocala. Florida. For more information, including registration and vendor details, go to their website and then click on GS Nationals - http://www.gsnationals.com It will be great to see the Turbo Buick owners again!



INFORMATION ON A GOOD CAUSE - CANCER WALK - THIS WEEKEND!

Our daughter-in-law Carrie and her friend Kris have committed to a 60-mile, 3-day walk this weekend to raise money for Cancer research. Many of you have met her at our events. They each have to raise $2300 in order to participate. The walk is THIS weekend - October 15-17. They still need more donations to reach their goal. If you would like to help with this fundraiser for a good cause, here is the information and a message from Carrie.

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ Walk - Carrie Kirban

Hello,

As everyone is aware, my friend Kris and I are participating in the Susan G Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer 60-Mile Walk on October 15-17th.

As a team we have NOT reached our goal! We will be unable to walk if we both don't reach our required $2300 each. I am almost at mine but my friend Kris needs a lot more.

This is a really great cause to find The Cure for breast cancer.

Could you or anyone that you might know please help us participate in the walk next weekend. We only have 1 more week to raise the money.

Here is the link for online donations;
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/PhiladelphiaEvent2010?px=4662871&pg=personal&fr_id=1468

Can you please forward this email to your friends and family too. Time is running out.

Thank you for any help that you can.

Take care,
Carrie Kirban



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 not remember who requested the item.



IN CLOSING -

Because of the upcoming GS Nationals, we will not be listing any of our rare or unusual parts in next week's Inner Circle.

In order to ship any of the rare numbered parts listed in this email, please order and pay for your items before this Friday, October 22nd, 2010. Then I can get it shipped to you before the GS Nationals.

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