Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 02-06-2013
NEW 6 OHM DELCO 4" by 10" RADIO SPEAKERS -
Our same source for the 10 ohm radio speakers, our Part #7456, has a supply of GM Delco 6 ohm speakers. These are also from the late 1980s or early 1990s.
I had Richard Clark thoroughly test these 6 ohm speakers on the various Buick Regal radios, since our cars had 8 or 10 ohm speakers originally. His findings show the 6 ohm speakers work great (see Richard's comments below.)
They are the proper size and take the factory plug.
Because we were able to get a good deal on them, we have them specially priced for the entire month of February.
* * * * The sale price is just $49.95 for the pair until February 28th! It would be tough to find a better deal on the proper size OEM style 4" by 10" speaker with the correct factory plug than this deal! Plus these will not fall apart like your originals because these do not have that foam around the edge.
PHOTO 1 - Shows the front of the actual speaker and the back of the actual speaker. Everything is correct to install it in any original 1984-1987 Turbo Regal or any other G-body car of the same vintage. It also may work in other older applications as well, since this was a standard size that GM used for several years.
Here is complete information on these speakers.
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
6 ohm DELCO REAR SPEAKERS (2)
Because of the age of these cars, the original speaker foam surrounds have disintegrated from heat and age.
We offer these 4" by 10" 6 ohm Delco rear speakers. They actually came out of Kokomo, Indiana and have been in storage since the late 1980s. Supplies are limited.
We used to sell original Delco speakers years ago. Finding correct Delco speakers today with the correct style plug on them has been next to impossible. We recently found a source and now can offer them in pairs.
These have the correct connectors, so the original wire end will plug into each speaker. They are the correct size to seat properly in the spring-loaded cage, which secures each speaker to the back deck behind the rear seat. Just like the originals, these were made in Japan.
These are 100% brand new and have had excellent storage since they were made. These are the correct size speakers for the back deck area for the 1984-1987 Regal models with the standard four-speaker system or a factory Concert Sound II system (six speakers), and are sold as a pair.
Richard Clark tested them on all the different stock Buick radios, and purchased a bunch of them for his cars. This is what he told us about his results.
“The original speakers used in the GN rear package tray were a rather odd size, not very well supported by the aftermarket. They had a rated voice coil impedance of 11 ohms and the surrounds were made of a foam material. It would be virtually impossible to find a GN with good original speakers, since the foam used in the surrounds starts degrading the moment it is manufactured. The foam is degraded by sunlight, oxygen and ozone and rarely has a life of more than 10 to 15 years under the best of conditions. Even if the foam appears intact, if it is touched or the speakers are driven hard, it is certain that they will begin to fall apart. This problem is not just a "cheap car speaker" problem either. I have numerous speakers from the 70's, 80's and even 90's that cost many thousands of dollars that are degraded to the point of uselessness. A quick check of Google for "foam speaker surrounds" will attest to this. Even the speakers in my 5-mile GNX are degraded and the car has never seen daylight and to the best of my memory the radio has never even been turned on.
These replacement speakers have identical frames and connectors and virtually snap in place. They are identical to the originals except for two important things. First is that the foam surrounds have been redesigned with a cloth material that has a polymer impregnation that lets them perform like the original foam without the long term degradation. I have some large professional speakers that are more than 50 years old with similar surrounds that are still in perfect working condition. The voice coils have a slightly lower "rated" impedance of 6 ohms, but I have tested the speakers with several types of stock GM radios and I see no reason for there to be any problem. These speakers will actually play slightly louder than the originals.
Anyone with a nice Grand National or GNX would do well to order a set of these original appearing replacements while they are still available.”
Remember, supplies are limited, so order today.
NOTE - We also offer Part #7456, 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - 10 ohm Delco Rear Speakers (2).
Another nice interior restoration item.
7469 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers (2) - Retail -$59.95 / pair
* * * * * SALE PRICE - only $49.95 / pair - Sale ends February 28, 2013 * * * *
Here is a link to the these 6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44032/6+ohm+DELCO+REAR%E2%80%88SPEAKERS%E2%80%88%282%29+%237469.html
TURBO REGAL TACHOMETERS -
I think every 1984-1987 Turbo Regal owner is pretty much in agreement that Buick did not do a very good job with the factory gauges, with the lone exception being the Stewart Warner gauges found in the 547 GNXs.
The one shortcoming is the tachometer, for those owners with the optional digital dash you don’t even have a tachometer. If the Monte Carlo SS during the same model years has one strength over our Turbo Regals, it is the dash gauge cluster.
The tachometer gauge throughout the various decades of the automobile was usually a very visible gauge, unlike the small led light bar found in the analog dash in the Turbo Regals.
Unfortunately, the LED format in the Turbo Regal analog dash is quite primitive by today's standards and can easily fail to work properly over a period of time.
Here is what it says about the digital dash option in the Price Directories I have for 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987. The correct wording is “Electronic Instrumentation” and the ID code for this option was "U52." This would appear on your trunk ID label.
It was also available in a standard Regal, meaning a Regal that was not turbocharged. In those cars it was a $299 option. I think the higher price in a regular Regal may have been because it would not have a boost light and was probably a low production option.
According to my Buick books, it stayed at $299 for all 4 years in the standard non-Turbo Regal.
On a side note, I have never seen the digital dash or as Buick calls it the electronic instrumentation in a regular Regal.
In the Turbo Regals in all four years of production, it was a $173 option. In looking back at this now it seems ironic to me, that those that went for that option at $173 in the Turbo Regal model got short changed. Because they did not get any type of tachometer with that option!
So, you paid more money and ended up with one less option in your dash cluster.
Just as perplexing as that may seem, for the $173 extra you would have spent is the boost gauge now was a light that would blink on different colors when certain boost levels were reached.
According to John Spina of Caspers Electronics, it can be tough to repair some of the digital dashes today because certain parts are difficult to obtain. There are some owners that love the digital dash, but personally I think the dash appears quite barren looking, even when the car is running.
In the next photos we show some of the various tachometers in my private collection.
One of the earliest GM turbocharged cars was produced in the 1960s and featured not only a full size tachometer, but had a decent gauge cluster as well. This can be seen in Photo 2.
PHOTO 2 - Pictured here is one of the 1960s turbo cars with a full-size tachometer. It came out of a 1964 Corvair Monza Spyder model that was turbocharged! This gauge cluster only came in the turbocharged Monza Spyder. The tachometer appears to be electric.
PHOTO 3 - Shows the oldest tachometer I have in my collection. It has a 5" diameter full-sweep face and is cable driven in the back. I don’t recall the car or year it came out of, but if I had to guess, I would say early 1940s or late 1930s vintage. I have a special prize for the first person that can identify it correctly with proof. If you know, please email me - [email protected].
PHOTO 4 - The top photo is one of the newest ones in my collection and is out of the BMW Mini Cooper. The lower photo is one of the more interesting tachs I have. The SW logo at the base shows this tach was made by Stewart Warner, and it also records engine hours. What makes it unique is the rpms go from right to left and not left to right! I would guess this came out of some sort of construction vehicle or equipment. I had the mounting plate made so it would be easy to display. This gauge happens to be brand new.
URGENT REQUEST FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS -
We badly need original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors as cores to have them be rebuilt. Screens can be missing but housing can't be broken or cracked.
We issue a $25 Letter of Credit for each acceptable sensor you send us. This helps us help others retain their cars keeping them original.
CARTOON UPDATE -
We should have the very first cartoon that Fred has done for us in next week's Inner Circle.
We hope it becomes part of a series, and hope to run a cartoon about once a month.
BLACK AIR DVD & POSTER ARE NOW AVAILABLE -
“BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” DVD
The “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” is now available on DVD.
A 70-minute film about the strange and curious misfit of the Buick family. It was too quick and too brutish to carry that stodgy name. There was something inside the car trying to get out.
Featured players include Lloyd Reuss, the Buick General Manager who launched the Grand National project; Tony Assenza, the CAR AND DRIVER Editor who dubbed the GNX an “ax-wielding barbarian;” Richard Clark, the renowned owner, enthusiast, and collector; and many, many others.
Some of the people featured include Tony Assenza, Paul Castle, Richard Clark, Csaba Csere, Anthony Colucci, Bob Colvin, Michael Doble, Lawrence Gustin, Rick Hunt, Doug Nigro, Steve Pasteiner, William Porter, Lloyd Reuss, Martyn Schorr, Don Sherman, and Gary Smith.
The DVD also includes 85 minutes of bonus material and scene selection menus.
SHIPPING NOTE - If this is the only item you are purchasing, we can ship it by Priority Mail for $6. However, you would need to call us (215-766-1611) to order it since our website does not give you the option to ship by Priority Mail.
Don’t miss this unique DVD.
7465 - “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” DVD - $20
BONUS ITEM - As a FREE Bonus when you order this DVD, you will also receive Part #7464, KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS - “1990 KIRBAN GTO & BUICK REUNION” DVD (value $6.95)
Here is a link to the "Black Air" DVD on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44034/BLACK+AIR+The+Buick%E2%80%88Grand+National+Documentary+DVD+%237465.html
“BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” 24" x 36" POSTER
This distinctive official BLACK AIR poster is based on the cover of the “BLACK AIR: The Documentary” DVD. It features an image of Bob Colvin’s historic car, the last Grand National built.
The poster measures 24" by 36" suitable for framing. It was printed in a four-color process on 80 lb Endurance Gloss Cover chlorine/acid free paper.
It will be shipped in its own protective tube.
A nice addition to your garage or office wall, and also makes a great gift.
7466 - “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” POSTER - $14.95
Here is a link to the "Black Air" Poster on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44033/BLACK+AIR+The+Buick+Grand+National+Documentary+POSTER+%237466.html
1992 GS REGAL FOR SALE UPDATE -
I drove the car the other day runs out nice and tight and quiet. Transmissions shifts great. Car is dry underneath. You get a slight pulsation when you hit the brakes, which usually means the brake rotors need to be turned. Tires are ok as the car is inspected into this year. Everything seems to work, even the power antenna works. The leather still smells new. With 20,000 original miles in 20 years, it works out to about 1,000 miles per year. The 3800 engine is well known for going over 150,000 miles with minimum problems.
Plus it's a upscale model for the 1992 Regal model and a good color combination. The lighter has never been used. See last week's (1-30-2013) Inner Circle for more details and price. You can email me - [email protected] - for photos of this 1992 GS Regal.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -
OLD TOWN Kissimmee, Florida. Central Florida Grand National and T-Type Club are putting on their 14th Annual Turbo Buicks event at Old Town charity car show to benefit the charity New Hope for Kids. The date is Sunday, February 24th, 2013 10 am until 4 pm.
More info can be found on their website - www.cfgnt.com/oldtown
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS SPRING OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY. April 13th, 2013 -
Our Spring Open House is Saturday, April 13th, 2013 - 9 am until 3 pm - Rain or Shine
Kirban Performance Products, 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949
Besides the usual Yum Yum donuts, Kirban humor, used parts, special prices, and M&M contest, we will have a "No Reserve" auction.
As a special treat, our local Buick owners and baker, Russ and Nancy, will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and who knows what else. Many of you have enjoyed their tasty baked treats at our events and they have agreed to expand their delights by cooking up lunch!
So, if you have never attended any of our past Open House events, this is the one to attend. Bring your appetite.
FREE Yum Yum Donuts & Coffee (while supplies last)
FREE LUNCH -
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Ribs, Sweet Potato Fries, Macaroni 'n Cheese & Goodies - Homemade by Russ and Nancy.
Our newest products will be on display and available for sale.
Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade.
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.
M&M GUESS CONTEST & RAFFLES IN THE AFTERNOON - DOOR PRIZES
VENDORS - PETE HOFFMAN - Paul Castle WORLD OF MOTORWORKS
Dennis Kirban and Pete Hoffman will have used parts for sale. A great opportunity to find some of those hard-to-find restoration items.
KIRBAN’S PERSONAL WHITE TURBO-T WILL BE ON DISPLAY
ZDDPlus™ will be on Sale - Just $7 per bottle when you buy 2 or more!
GENERAL DIRECTIONS - From Willow Grove... North on Route 611, through Warrington, Doylestown and into Plumsteadville (you can take the Rt 611 Bypass that goes around Doylestown - it exits back onto Rt. 611 north of Doylestown). Watch for a shopping center with a McDonald’s on your right. Go past that light at Stump Road and the Plumsteadville Inn. Make your FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex a short distance down on the right. Our unit is at the back far corner. There’s plenty of parking, since most of the other companies are closed on the weekends.
NOTE - If you are using MapQuest, you may have to use “Pipersville 18947” as the city.
Remember, it happens rain or shine.
BUICK RACE DAY, NORWALK OHIO - April 26th & 27th, 2013 -
The 26th will be at the Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The 27th will be an All Buick Show at Arbys in Norwalk, Ohio.
For more info, email - [email protected] or call Roberta Vasilow at 810-655-8277, 7 pm til 10 pm only.
TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS - MAY 1st through May 4th, 2013 -
On the 1st and 2nd it will be held at Richard Clark's shop on Faucette Lane in Burlington, NC.
On the 3rd and 4th it will be at the Piedmont Dragway.
Unlike previous events, this event is also open to all G-body cars, including the Monte Carlos, Oldsmobile Cutlasses, and Pontiac Grand Prix. This event is sponsored by Gbodyparts.com.
We will have a flyer on this event soon with more details.
We will be at this event, as usual.
Here is the website for up-to-date information - http://turbobuicknationals.com/
GM AT CARLISLE - June 21st thru 23rd, 2013 -
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. One seminar will be on Turbo Regals and the second one will be on Hurst. 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.
Check out their website for more details.
http://www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/
BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP BLOCK PARTY - 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 - 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
LOCAL TURBO OWNERS -
One of the biggest Turbo Regal clubs to join is the Magna Club that covers Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Be sure to check out their website to stay informed - http://www.magnabuick.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 -
Be sure to circle April 13th for our annual Spring Open House on your calendar.
NEW 6 OHM DELCO 4" by 10" RADIO SPEAKERS -
Our same source for the 10 ohm radio speakers, our Part #7456, has a supply of GM Delco 6 ohm speakers. These are also from the late 1980s or early 1990s.
I had Richard Clark thoroughly test these 6 ohm speakers on the various Buick Regal radios, since our cars had 8 or 10 ohm speakers originally. His findings show the 6 ohm speakers work great (see Richard's comments below.)
They are the proper size and take the factory plug.
Because we were able to get a good deal on them, we have them specially priced for the entire month of February.
* * * * The sale price is just $49.95 for the pair until February 28th! It would be tough to find a better deal on the proper size OEM style 4" by 10" speaker with the correct factory plug than this deal! Plus these will not fall apart like your originals because these do not have that foam around the edge.
PHOTO 1 - Shows the front of the actual speaker and the back of the actual speaker. Everything is correct to install it in any original 1984-1987 Turbo Regal or any other G-body car of the same vintage. It also may work in other older applications as well, since this was a standard size that GM used for several years.
Here is complete information on these speakers.
1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
6 ohm DELCO REAR SPEAKERS (2)
Because of the age of these cars, the original speaker foam surrounds have disintegrated from heat and age.
We offer these 4" by 10" 6 ohm Delco rear speakers. They actually came out of Kokomo, Indiana and have been in storage since the late 1980s. Supplies are limited.
We used to sell original Delco speakers years ago. Finding correct Delco speakers today with the correct style plug on them has been next to impossible. We recently found a source and now can offer them in pairs.
These have the correct connectors, so the original wire end will plug into each speaker. They are the correct size to seat properly in the spring-loaded cage, which secures each speaker to the back deck behind the rear seat. Just like the originals, these were made in Japan.
These are 100% brand new and have had excellent storage since they were made. These are the correct size speakers for the back deck area for the 1984-1987 Regal models with the standard four-speaker system or a factory Concert Sound II system (six speakers), and are sold as a pair.
Richard Clark tested them on all the different stock Buick radios, and purchased a bunch of them for his cars. This is what he told us about his results.
“The original speakers used in the GN rear package tray were a rather odd size, not very well supported by the aftermarket. They had a rated voice coil impedance of 11 ohms and the surrounds were made of a foam material. It would be virtually impossible to find a GN with good original speakers, since the foam used in the surrounds starts degrading the moment it is manufactured. The foam is degraded by sunlight, oxygen and ozone and rarely has a life of more than 10 to 15 years under the best of conditions. Even if the foam appears intact, if it is touched or the speakers are driven hard, it is certain that they will begin to fall apart. This problem is not just a "cheap car speaker" problem either. I have numerous speakers from the 70's, 80's and even 90's that cost many thousands of dollars that are degraded to the point of uselessness. A quick check of Google for "foam speaker surrounds" will attest to this. Even the speakers in my 5-mile GNX are degraded and the car has never seen daylight and to the best of my memory the radio has never even been turned on.
These replacement speakers have identical frames and connectors and virtually snap in place. They are identical to the originals except for two important things. First is that the foam surrounds have been redesigned with a cloth material that has a polymer impregnation that lets them perform like the original foam without the long term degradation. I have some large professional speakers that are more than 50 years old with similar surrounds that are still in perfect working condition. The voice coils have a slightly lower "rated" impedance of 6 ohms, but I have tested the speakers with several types of stock GM radios and I see no reason for there to be any problem. These speakers will actually play slightly louder than the originals.
Anyone with a nice Grand National or GNX would do well to order a set of these original appearing replacements while they are still available.”
Remember, supplies are limited, so order today.
NOTE - We also offer Part #7456, 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) - 10 ohm Delco Rear Speakers (2).
Another nice interior restoration item.
7469 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers (2) - Retail -$59.95 / pair
* * * * * SALE PRICE - only $49.95 / pair - Sale ends February 28, 2013 * * * *
Here is a link to the these 6 ohm Delco Rear Speakers on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44032/6+ohm+DELCO+REAR%E2%80%88SPEAKERS%E2%80%88%282%29+%237469.html
TURBO REGAL TACHOMETERS -
I think every 1984-1987 Turbo Regal owner is pretty much in agreement that Buick did not do a very good job with the factory gauges, with the lone exception being the Stewart Warner gauges found in the 547 GNXs.
The one shortcoming is the tachometer, for those owners with the optional digital dash you don’t even have a tachometer. If the Monte Carlo SS during the same model years has one strength over our Turbo Regals, it is the dash gauge cluster.
The tachometer gauge throughout the various decades of the automobile was usually a very visible gauge, unlike the small led light bar found in the analog dash in the Turbo Regals.
Unfortunately, the LED format in the Turbo Regal analog dash is quite primitive by today's standards and can easily fail to work properly over a period of time.
Here is what it says about the digital dash option in the Price Directories I have for 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987. The correct wording is “Electronic Instrumentation” and the ID code for this option was "U52." This would appear on your trunk ID label.
It was also available in a standard Regal, meaning a Regal that was not turbocharged. In those cars it was a $299 option. I think the higher price in a regular Regal may have been because it would not have a boost light and was probably a low production option.
According to my Buick books, it stayed at $299 for all 4 years in the standard non-Turbo Regal.
On a side note, I have never seen the digital dash or as Buick calls it the electronic instrumentation in a regular Regal.
In the Turbo Regals in all four years of production, it was a $173 option. In looking back at this now it seems ironic to me, that those that went for that option at $173 in the Turbo Regal model got short changed. Because they did not get any type of tachometer with that option!
So, you paid more money and ended up with one less option in your dash cluster.
Just as perplexing as that may seem, for the $173 extra you would have spent is the boost gauge now was a light that would blink on different colors when certain boost levels were reached.
According to John Spina of Caspers Electronics, it can be tough to repair some of the digital dashes today because certain parts are difficult to obtain. There are some owners that love the digital dash, but personally I think the dash appears quite barren looking, even when the car is running.
In the next photos we show some of the various tachometers in my private collection.
One of the earliest GM turbocharged cars was produced in the 1960s and featured not only a full size tachometer, but had a decent gauge cluster as well. This can be seen in Photo 2.
PHOTO 2 - Pictured here is one of the 1960s turbo cars with a full-size tachometer. It came out of a 1964 Corvair Monza Spyder model that was turbocharged! This gauge cluster only came in the turbocharged Monza Spyder. The tachometer appears to be electric.
PHOTO 3 - Shows the oldest tachometer I have in my collection. It has a 5" diameter full-sweep face and is cable driven in the back. I don’t recall the car or year it came out of, but if I had to guess, I would say early 1940s or late 1930s vintage. I have a special prize for the first person that can identify it correctly with proof. If you know, please email me - [email protected].
PHOTO 4 - The top photo is one of the newest ones in my collection and is out of the BMW Mini Cooper. The lower photo is one of the more interesting tachs I have. The SW logo at the base shows this tach was made by Stewart Warner, and it also records engine hours. What makes it unique is the rpms go from right to left and not left to right! I would guess this came out of some sort of construction vehicle or equipment. I had the mounting plate made so it would be easy to display. This gauge happens to be brand new.
URGENT REQUEST FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS -
We badly need original AC Delco 1986-1987 Turbo Regal mass air flow sensors as cores to have them be rebuilt. Screens can be missing but housing can't be broken or cracked.
We issue a $25 Letter of Credit for each acceptable sensor you send us. This helps us help others retain their cars keeping them original.
CARTOON UPDATE -
We should have the very first cartoon that Fred has done for us in next week's Inner Circle.
We hope it becomes part of a series, and hope to run a cartoon about once a month.
BLACK AIR DVD & POSTER ARE NOW AVAILABLE -
“BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” DVD
The “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” is now available on DVD.
A 70-minute film about the strange and curious misfit of the Buick family. It was too quick and too brutish to carry that stodgy name. There was something inside the car trying to get out.
Featured players include Lloyd Reuss, the Buick General Manager who launched the Grand National project; Tony Assenza, the CAR AND DRIVER Editor who dubbed the GNX an “ax-wielding barbarian;” Richard Clark, the renowned owner, enthusiast, and collector; and many, many others.
Some of the people featured include Tony Assenza, Paul Castle, Richard Clark, Csaba Csere, Anthony Colucci, Bob Colvin, Michael Doble, Lawrence Gustin, Rick Hunt, Doug Nigro, Steve Pasteiner, William Porter, Lloyd Reuss, Martyn Schorr, Don Sherman, and Gary Smith.
The DVD also includes 85 minutes of bonus material and scene selection menus.
SHIPPING NOTE - If this is the only item you are purchasing, we can ship it by Priority Mail for $6. However, you would need to call us (215-766-1611) to order it since our website does not give you the option to ship by Priority Mail.
Don’t miss this unique DVD.
7465 - “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” DVD - $20
BONUS ITEM - As a FREE Bonus when you order this DVD, you will also receive Part #7464, KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS - “1990 KIRBAN GTO & BUICK REUNION” DVD (value $6.95)
Here is a link to the "Black Air" DVD on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44034/BLACK+AIR+The+Buick%E2%80%88Grand+National+Documentary+DVD+%237465.html
“BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” 24" x 36" POSTER
This distinctive official BLACK AIR poster is based on the cover of the “BLACK AIR: The Documentary” DVD. It features an image of Bob Colvin’s historic car, the last Grand National built.
The poster measures 24" by 36" suitable for framing. It was printed in a four-color process on 80 lb Endurance Gloss Cover chlorine/acid free paper.
It will be shipped in its own protective tube.
A nice addition to your garage or office wall, and also makes a great gift.
7466 - “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” POSTER - $14.95
Here is a link to the "Black Air" Poster on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44033/BLACK+AIR+The+Buick+Grand+National+Documentary+POSTER+%237466.html
1992 GS REGAL FOR SALE UPDATE -
I drove the car the other day runs out nice and tight and quiet. Transmissions shifts great. Car is dry underneath. You get a slight pulsation when you hit the brakes, which usually means the brake rotors need to be turned. Tires are ok as the car is inspected into this year. Everything seems to work, even the power antenna works. The leather still smells new. With 20,000 original miles in 20 years, it works out to about 1,000 miles per year. The 3800 engine is well known for going over 150,000 miles with minimum problems.
Plus it's a upscale model for the 1992 Regal model and a good color combination. The lighter has never been used. See last week's (1-30-2013) Inner Circle for more details and price. You can email me - [email protected] - for photos of this 1992 GS Regal.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2013 -
OLD TOWN Kissimmee, Florida. Central Florida Grand National and T-Type Club are putting on their 14th Annual Turbo Buicks event at Old Town charity car show to benefit the charity New Hope for Kids. The date is Sunday, February 24th, 2013 10 am until 4 pm.
More info can be found on their website - www.cfgnt.com/oldtown
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS SPRING OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY. April 13th, 2013 -
Our Spring Open House is Saturday, April 13th, 2013 - 9 am until 3 pm - Rain or Shine
Kirban Performance Products, 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949
Besides the usual Yum Yum donuts, Kirban humor, used parts, special prices, and M&M contest, we will have a "No Reserve" auction.
As a special treat, our local Buick owners and baker, Russ and Nancy, will be cooking up hot dogs, hamburgers and who knows what else. Many of you have enjoyed their tasty baked treats at our events and they have agreed to expand their delights by cooking up lunch!
So, if you have never attended any of our past Open House events, this is the one to attend. Bring your appetite.
FREE Yum Yum Donuts & Coffee (while supplies last)
FREE LUNCH -
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Ribs, Sweet Potato Fries, Macaroni 'n Cheese & Goodies - Homemade by Russ and Nancy.
Our newest products will be on display and available for sale.
Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade.
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.
M&M GUESS CONTEST & RAFFLES IN THE AFTERNOON - DOOR PRIZES
VENDORS - PETE HOFFMAN - Paul Castle WORLD OF MOTORWORKS
Dennis Kirban and Pete Hoffman will have used parts for sale. A great opportunity to find some of those hard-to-find restoration items.
KIRBAN’S PERSONAL WHITE TURBO-T WILL BE ON DISPLAY
ZDDPlus™ will be on Sale - Just $7 per bottle when you buy 2 or more!
GENERAL DIRECTIONS - From Willow Grove... North on Route 611, through Warrington, Doylestown and into Plumsteadville (you can take the Rt 611 Bypass that goes around Doylestown - it exits back onto Rt. 611 north of Doylestown). Watch for a shopping center with a McDonald’s on your right. Go past that light at Stump Road and the Plumsteadville Inn. Make your FIRST left at the Shelly Funeral Home onto Kellers Church Road. Ours is the second office complex a short distance down on the right. Our unit is at the back far corner. There’s plenty of parking, since most of the other companies are closed on the weekends.
NOTE - If you are using MapQuest, you may have to use “Pipersville 18947” as the city.
Remember, it happens rain or shine.
BUICK RACE DAY, NORWALK OHIO - April 26th & 27th, 2013 -
The 26th will be at the Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The 27th will be an All Buick Show at Arbys in Norwalk, Ohio.
For more info, email - [email protected] or call Roberta Vasilow at 810-655-8277, 7 pm til 10 pm only.
TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS - MAY 1st through May 4th, 2013 -
On the 1st and 2nd it will be held at Richard Clark's shop on Faucette Lane in Burlington, NC.
On the 3rd and 4th it will be at the Piedmont Dragway.
Unlike previous events, this event is also open to all G-body cars, including the Monte Carlos, Oldsmobile Cutlasses, and Pontiac Grand Prix. This event is sponsored by Gbodyparts.com.
We will have a flyer on this event soon with more details.
We will be at this event, as usual.
Here is the website for up-to-date information - http://turbobuicknationals.com/
GM AT CARLISLE - June 21st thru 23rd, 2013 -
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. One seminar will be on Turbo Regals and the second one will be on Hurst. 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.
Check out their website for more details.
http://www.carlisleevents.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/
BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP BLOCK PARTY - 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 - 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
LOCAL TURBO OWNERS -
One of the biggest Turbo Regal clubs to join is the Magna Club that covers Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Be sure to check out their website to stay informed - http://www.magnabuick.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 -
Be sure to circle April 13th for our annual Spring Open House on your calendar.