Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 03-14-2012
BREAKING NEWS - POWERMASTER REBUILDING PROCESS -
Currently we are experiencing delays on having the powermaster brake units rebuilt. Cardone has moved that part of their operation from their headquarters in Philadelphia to their Texas facility.
We have plenty of units in the works to handle the ones customers have on order with us. If you order elsewhere, you may also experience delays.
In the future, any warranty replacements will also take additional time because of shipping the units to Texas and back.
TACOMA, WASHINGTON - LeMay MUSEUM TO OPEN -
This museum was the grand vision of the late Harold LeMay and his wife Nancy. It will showcase his famous 3,500-car collection in a facility unlike any others in the country. Working with a $100 million budget and covering 165,000 square feet, its grand opening is scheduled for this coming June 2nd, 2012.
This is the biggee for automotive museums in the USA by far. Harold LeMay made his fortune in the garbage collection business. Over the years, he would buy entire collections to prevent them from going to the crusher.
So, next time your spouse raises concerns about your personal car collection, you can say it falls way short of Harold LeMay's 3,500-car collection. Also, there's positive proof there's nothing wrong or degrading about being in the garbage business.
Over the years, I am sure many of you have been to various automotive museums. Personally, I have been the Sloan Museum, the Chrysler Museum, the Henry Ford huge complex (all in Michigan,) the Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo, South Dakota, and of course Don Garlits in Ocala, Florida.
Russ, one of our local customers, stopped by the other day with some brand new old Turbo parts, so I could take some photos. Russ is the one who brings us all those great bakery goodies for our Open Houses. At our Open House next month, he will have a completely rebuilt show-quality 3.8 turbo engine on display.
PHOTO 1 - This is a rare sight - a brand new Goodyear Eagle GT tire. The top photos show the original sticker still on the tire. Russ has five of them. He has kept the tires inside his house, so they have not been exposed to temperature changes or weather conditions. The Lower left photo is a closeup showing the raised "EAGLE GT" wording. The lower right shows the "GOODYEAR" logo on the tire. Going by memory, he thinks they cost a little over $100 each back in the late 1980s. The tires are NOT for sale.
Russ also has a brand new left front GM filler that was painted gloss black from GM in the box. It would appear GM painted some of them. It is still very flexible even though it has been stored in the original box with the one flap bent over.
PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows the front side of this brand new black GM right side filler on top of the original GM box. The lower photo shows the backside of it on top of the original GM box. You can clearly see the silver metal reinforcement bracket GM used on them. Today most owners with original fillers would see this bracket rusty in appearance.
These next photos center around a 1987 Grand National we recently purchased. We already sold it without advertising it.
It is quite unique for several reasons. Two reasons are related to upgrades that you seldom ever see today. The most impressive upgrade is it has one of Richard Clark's complete GNX suspension systems in the car. Better yet, I have the receipt showing it was installed at Richard's shop in Burlington, NC. According to Richard, he made less than 80 of these suspension systems. Now Pete Hoffman, who works for us, does have new reproduction systems available.
Having the GNX suspension already in the car adds quite a bit of value to a regular Grand National. The other upgrade done several years ago was the entire interior has been redone in a very nice grey and black leather, which included redoing the upper door panels. It's hard to pinpoint a dollar amount value these upgrades have made, since very few come up for sale. But it's safe to assume the suspension adds at least $2500 to $3,000 to the overall value.
PHOTO 3 - The top photo shows the back end of the GNX suspension on this 1987 Grand National that we bought. Barely visible is the all-stainless ATR exhaust system. Bolted to the rear is an aluminum driveshaft, which is another nice upgrade. The rear sway bar is an upgraded one, also over the stock one. Both came from ATR according to the receipts. The lower photo shows a upgrade we sold years ago - The stainless trim for the gas, brake and emergency brake pedal pads. Photo shows just the brake and gas pedal. Going by memory, I think two of the trim pieces came from a Grand Prix and one came out of a Cadillac. Buick never offered them on a Regal, as far as I know.
PHOTO 4 - These photos do not do the interior justice. The top left photo shows a close up of the headrest with the power six logo. The top right photo shows more of the driver's side bucket seat. The lower photo shows the door panel. The bottom half of the door panel remains stock.
They look very nice. Quite comfortable as I think they must have also put new seat cushions in the bucket seats also. The "power six" logo is exact on the black leather headrest. All the plastic seat trim is re-sprayed black to match the black leather on the seats. The grey panels have a perforated design and the seat pleats are exactly like the factory pallex seats. The owner seems to recall it was about $750 to $1,000 to do this back in the day, which would have been around the early to mid-1990s. The only flaw with this leather interior is some of the piping along the edges has shrunk, probably due to heat.
BREAKING NEWS - NEW 2012 GS REGAL COMING TO OUR OPEN HOUSE -
Russ, one of our local customers, has arranged for Peruzzi Buick/GMC to bring a brand new 2012 GS Regal to our Open House for test drives and to answer any questions about the new turbocharged GS. They helped Russ with his engine rebuild and want to showcase Buick's newest entry into the Buick Performance family. I am told it is a black one. This car has been getting great reviews by many of the magazines.
CAR FOR SALE - 1987 Buick Grand National with 30,900 miles -
One of our customers in Hawaii has his 1987 Grand National for sale. This will be on the website this week under Cars for Sale. Here is the information:
Kenny Duttweiler 274 cu. in. aluminum block with aluminum heads - motor has custom roller cam, valves grind, .96 turbo etc. per Kenny’s design. At 24 psi of boost (on Kenny’s dyno) 760 HP and 706 ft. lbs. and at 34 psi 863 HP and 978 ft. lbs.
Motor is controlled by a $5000 Motec unit with lambda, Currie 9" rear end with 35 spline axles, Detroit locker, etc. Metco arm assemblies in rear with air bag and 90:10 shocks, Built 200R auto trans with trans brake, 9 ½" Precession converter with lockup, Monocoque 16" wheels, Roll bar, and Line lock.
Car is setup for serious quarter mile runs but, unfortunately, when the car was reassembled I was very busy at work for a couple of years and then the drag strip closed about 6 years ago. So, the car has not been run and final tuned yet because there is no strip to do this work on.
In addition, the car has Weld brake adjustments so that you can vary the basis between the front brakes and the rear to help hold the car while you are building boost. The car ran into the 10’s with the previous setup BEFORE this last rebuild which should make it a lot faster.
My Duttweiler bill at the last build was over $10,000, but that was then and this is now. I can get copies of the major receipts for the engine work as I have most of them still.
The car presently runs and drives fine - not very happy about heavy traffic though. I drive it every so often to get gas, put air in the tires, etc.
It does have a noisy lifter the last time I started it up and there is still rubber on the bottom of the back undercarriage that I have never got around to taking off.
The car is currently licensed in Hawaii and the radio, A/C and automatic antenna all work.
Car does not appear to have any rust since it was California car before I purchased it – I keep it covered in locked garage. Please call for additional questions.
Shipping Information - I recently had this dealership send a car to southern Florida and they did it for $2200. And the cost to the West Coast on PASHA (one of the shippers) is about $1100, as long as I go thru this dealership.
I also have a fair amount of original GN parts for sale.
PRICE - $15,900 /or best offer.
Phone - (808) 478-7688
email - [email protected]
This car will be on the webite this week, under CARS FOR SALE.
MORE NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
Recently a company we deal with has reproduced the rubber GM floor mats that were available in our Regals. The carpeted ones would be the upgraded floor mats. These are the rubber ones. They are only available as a full set of front and backs. The front mats have the GM logo on them. Available in five of the popular colors; black, blue, grey, tan, burgundy. The price is $99.95 per set.
NOTE - These Reproduction Floor Mats Sets will be on the website soon.
Next, we now offer the 1984-1987 Regal bucket seat buns (cushions.) These are the internal formed foam cushions that may need to be replaced due to age. We offer them as a single pair of base and back cushion/bun or as a set of 4 pieces for both bucket seats. This will not work on the Lear Siegler-style 1984-1985 Regal seats.
NOTE - These Reproduction Bucket Seat Buns/Cushions will be on the website soon.
REPRODUCTION VINTAGE STATE INSPECTION STICKERS -
If your state had state inspections during the 1980s, a reproduction vintage state inspection sticker would be a crowning touch to any restoration or car show display.
We now deal with a supplier who has remastered many of the popular state inspection stickers.
In many states, since these cars are now over 25 years old, you are permitted to run a matching year license plate and inspection sticker. In other cases, you can position the inspection sticker on the opposite side of the windshield or make it part of your display sign.
Be sure to check with your state laws regarding placement of a vintage inspection sticker.
Each sticker is exactly like the original and affixes to the inside of the windshield.
We currently stock reproduction Inspection Stickers for the following states for 1986 or 1987: New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
NOTE - The "month" indicated on the Inspection Stickers for New Jersey, Massachusetts or Pennsylvania MAY differ from the photo on our website.
If we do not list a sticker for your state, simply call us with the state and year you want and we will see if our source has it available. We can determine if we can obtain the state and year sticker you want. Many of the older years are available, however newer than 1987 are not available.
NOTE - #7410 - 1980 and Earlier Specified - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker are $20 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
NOTE - #7411- 1981-1987 Specified - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker are $15 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
NOTE - Orders for these Vintage Inspection Stickers will be sent by USPS Priority mail, for a charge of $5, if this is the only item you order. They can be included with your order for other parts at no additional shipping charge.
7400 - NEW JERSEY 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7401 - NEW JERSEY 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7402 - NEW YORK 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7403 - NEW YORK 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7404 - MASSACHUSETTS 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7405 - MASSACHUSETTS 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7406 - OHIO 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7407 - OHIO 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7408 - PENNSYLVANIA 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7409 - PENNSYLVANIA 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
YOU MUST CALL TO ORDER #7410 or #7411 - 215-766-1611 x 0
7410 - 1980 & Earlier - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker - $20 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
7411 - 1981-1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker - $15 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
NOTE - These Reproduction Inspection Stickers will be on the website soon.
NEW REPRODUCTION UPPER DASH TRIM PANEL -
As many of you know the upper dash trim panel was discontinued a while ago from GM. Some have appeared on ebay fetching $250 or more. Finding one not cracked or warped is like finding a good used powermaster brake bowl. Slim at best!
Well, we have some good news. One is currently being made that is injection molded, just like the original. This first run is being produced in grey color rather than how GM did it in an off-color blue. We have seen an actual finished part and it is dead-on accurate to the original. So much so, you would not see any difference between two new ones if you saw them in a photo or even in person.
Because we know this will be a popular item, we are offering you a special introductory price so we know in advance how many to have order. The suggested retail price will be $199.95. If you call our office now and place your order, the price will be just $179.95. To lock in at that introductory price, we require a $25 deposit.
This introductory price is only good until Friday, March 30th, noon eastern time. We fully expect to be able to fill our orders by the first week of April. We will be one of the very first sources to have them available.
This panel is correct and fits all 1978 through 1987 Regals, not just Turbo models
Here is the complete information on this panel.
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All A-Body & G-Body Models) -
REPRODUCTION UPPER DASH TRIM PANEL
Today, an original upper dash trim panel is usually cracked on most original Regals. It sits between the upper dash pad and the windshield.
This reproduction upper dash trim panel will fit any 1978-1987 Buick Regal and is made by the same process that GM used originally, injection molded. The quality is excellent. We have seen a production sample and it is dead-on match to the original GM panel. The grey is impregnated into the plastic, which will closely match the original Grand National grey trim colors.
The panel comes in grey and can be painted to match the interior of your car.
For other colors, we offer some interior color spray paints (see Miscellaneous Section.)
7386 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All A-Body & G-Body Models) - Reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel $199.95 + $15 Shipping
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE - $179.95 (Save $20) if you place a $25 deposit before March 30th, 12 noon. Orders are expected to be filled the first week of April.
NOTE - Because a special shipping box is required, there is a $15 shipping charge on this reproduction upper dash trim panel.
Here is the link to this reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel on the website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43929/REPRODUCTION+UPPER+DASH+TRIM+PANEL+%237386.html
SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA - FOR SALE -
This car is still available at $20,900. This is for the 400-mile red 2002 SLP Formula Firebird we pictured in the 11-16-2011 Inner Circle. This car will be finding a new home at some point.
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 OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 - 9 am until 3 pm.
Located at 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949.
Our Open House is one of the first Buick events of the 2012 season.
Yum Yum donuts, raffle items, M & M contest, and 5% discount on in-stock catalog items. Save on shipping! Pete Hoffman, and myself will have used parts for sale. Paul Castle from World of Motorworks will also be at this event.
One of our local customers will have on display a completely rebuilt show-quality 1987 Turbo engine. The amount of time and effort into this is truly amazing.
Once again we will have bake goods for sale with all the proceeds going to the Molly Scholarship Fund, like we did last year. We hope many of you can plan to attend.
Here's a link to our Open House on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=172
2nd ANNUAL "RIDE ON MOLLY" MEMORIAL RIDE!
April 27-29, 2012
It's time to register for the 2nd Annual Ride on Molly ride in California!
The event purpose is two-fold – It serves as a gathering of friends to honor Molly and to provide a remembrance of the positive impact he had on so many lives. It also benefits Molly and Terry's daughter Brooke, by adding to her college fund.
Donations to participate in the ride are neither required nor expected. However, 100% of all donations received will be placed in Brooke's college fund as they were last year. Since donations go to a personal fund, they are not tax deductible.
Here is the link for their website:
https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/mollyride2012/53454/
TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC
For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]
Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X. This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012. Already they have many of the top vendors confirmed that will be at this event. Several key speakers are also confirmed.
The luncheon is absolutely free. However, you must email my wife Eileen if you are going to be there for the free Thursday lunch. Her email is - [email protected]
For the most up-to-date information on Race Classes and other activities, go to -http://turbobuick.com/forums/forums/2012-turbobuick-com-nationals-may-2nd-5th-sponsore.168/
Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=173
31st ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM B.O.P.C. - MAY 4th and 5th, 2012 - Car Show & Swap Meet
Marriott Atlanta Northeast, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA
Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Hosted by the Southeastern GTO Association. There is a reception Friday night and the Car Show is on Saturday. For more info, contact Ed Bellair at 770-428-4934 or email - [email protected]
3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - May 26th, 2012
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.
22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY - JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.
Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]
2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT
September 21st and 22nd 2012
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Assc.) All Buick powered judged car show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buick's in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information contact Doug Dougherty 302-653-2201 or John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email questions to [email protected] or [email protected] visit their website http://tristategsclub.com
2012 GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 (NEW DATES)
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The new dates are Oct. 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.
We just received word that the BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km
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 - More great late spring weather continues to bask the east coast with temps around 70 degrees this week. Let's hope this mild spring weather extends into mid-April for our Open House. The Yum Yum donuts are ordered.
Be sure to place your order to get the introductory price for the new reproduction 1978-1987 Regal upper dash panel. Quality is dead-on exact. A $25 deposit locks you in at the sale price as long as it is done prior to March 30th, 12 noon eastern time. We will be one of the very first sources to have this available. You can pick this up at our Open House and avoid shipping charges, if you buy it in advance at the introductory price!
BREAKING NEWS - POWERMASTER REBUILDING PROCESS -
Currently we are experiencing delays on having the powermaster brake units rebuilt. Cardone has moved that part of their operation from their headquarters in Philadelphia to their Texas facility.
We have plenty of units in the works to handle the ones customers have on order with us. If you order elsewhere, you may also experience delays.
In the future, any warranty replacements will also take additional time because of shipping the units to Texas and back.
TACOMA, WASHINGTON - LeMay MUSEUM TO OPEN -
This museum was the grand vision of the late Harold LeMay and his wife Nancy. It will showcase his famous 3,500-car collection in a facility unlike any others in the country. Working with a $100 million budget and covering 165,000 square feet, its grand opening is scheduled for this coming June 2nd, 2012.
This is the biggee for automotive museums in the USA by far. Harold LeMay made his fortune in the garbage collection business. Over the years, he would buy entire collections to prevent them from going to the crusher.
So, next time your spouse raises concerns about your personal car collection, you can say it falls way short of Harold LeMay's 3,500-car collection. Also, there's positive proof there's nothing wrong or degrading about being in the garbage business.
Over the years, I am sure many of you have been to various automotive museums. Personally, I have been the Sloan Museum, the Chrysler Museum, the Henry Ford huge complex (all in Michigan,) the Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo, South Dakota, and of course Don Garlits in Ocala, Florida.
Russ, one of our local customers, stopped by the other day with some brand new old Turbo parts, so I could take some photos. Russ is the one who brings us all those great bakery goodies for our Open Houses. At our Open House next month, he will have a completely rebuilt show-quality 3.8 turbo engine on display.
PHOTO 1 - This is a rare sight - a brand new Goodyear Eagle GT tire. The top photos show the original sticker still on the tire. Russ has five of them. He has kept the tires inside his house, so they have not been exposed to temperature changes or weather conditions. The Lower left photo is a closeup showing the raised "EAGLE GT" wording. The lower right shows the "GOODYEAR" logo on the tire. Going by memory, he thinks they cost a little over $100 each back in the late 1980s. The tires are NOT for sale.
Russ also has a brand new left front GM filler that was painted gloss black from GM in the box. It would appear GM painted some of them. It is still very flexible even though it has been stored in the original box with the one flap bent over.
PHOTO 2 - The top photo shows the front side of this brand new black GM right side filler on top of the original GM box. The lower photo shows the backside of it on top of the original GM box. You can clearly see the silver metal reinforcement bracket GM used on them. Today most owners with original fillers would see this bracket rusty in appearance.
These next photos center around a 1987 Grand National we recently purchased. We already sold it without advertising it.
It is quite unique for several reasons. Two reasons are related to upgrades that you seldom ever see today. The most impressive upgrade is it has one of Richard Clark's complete GNX suspension systems in the car. Better yet, I have the receipt showing it was installed at Richard's shop in Burlington, NC. According to Richard, he made less than 80 of these suspension systems. Now Pete Hoffman, who works for us, does have new reproduction systems available.
Having the GNX suspension already in the car adds quite a bit of value to a regular Grand National. The other upgrade done several years ago was the entire interior has been redone in a very nice grey and black leather, which included redoing the upper door panels. It's hard to pinpoint a dollar amount value these upgrades have made, since very few come up for sale. But it's safe to assume the suspension adds at least $2500 to $3,000 to the overall value.
PHOTO 3 - The top photo shows the back end of the GNX suspension on this 1987 Grand National that we bought. Barely visible is the all-stainless ATR exhaust system. Bolted to the rear is an aluminum driveshaft, which is another nice upgrade. The rear sway bar is an upgraded one, also over the stock one. Both came from ATR according to the receipts. The lower photo shows a upgrade we sold years ago - The stainless trim for the gas, brake and emergency brake pedal pads. Photo shows just the brake and gas pedal. Going by memory, I think two of the trim pieces came from a Grand Prix and one came out of a Cadillac. Buick never offered them on a Regal, as far as I know.
PHOTO 4 - These photos do not do the interior justice. The top left photo shows a close up of the headrest with the power six logo. The top right photo shows more of the driver's side bucket seat. The lower photo shows the door panel. The bottom half of the door panel remains stock.
They look very nice. Quite comfortable as I think they must have also put new seat cushions in the bucket seats also. The "power six" logo is exact on the black leather headrest. All the plastic seat trim is re-sprayed black to match the black leather on the seats. The grey panels have a perforated design and the seat pleats are exactly like the factory pallex seats. The owner seems to recall it was about $750 to $1,000 to do this back in the day, which would have been around the early to mid-1990s. The only flaw with this leather interior is some of the piping along the edges has shrunk, probably due to heat.
BREAKING NEWS - NEW 2012 GS REGAL COMING TO OUR OPEN HOUSE -
Russ, one of our local customers, has arranged for Peruzzi Buick/GMC to bring a brand new 2012 GS Regal to our Open House for test drives and to answer any questions about the new turbocharged GS. They helped Russ with his engine rebuild and want to showcase Buick's newest entry into the Buick Performance family. I am told it is a black one. This car has been getting great reviews by many of the magazines.
CAR FOR SALE - 1987 Buick Grand National with 30,900 miles -
One of our customers in Hawaii has his 1987 Grand National for sale. This will be on the website this week under Cars for Sale. Here is the information:
Kenny Duttweiler 274 cu. in. aluminum block with aluminum heads - motor has custom roller cam, valves grind, .96 turbo etc. per Kenny’s design. At 24 psi of boost (on Kenny’s dyno) 760 HP and 706 ft. lbs. and at 34 psi 863 HP and 978 ft. lbs.
Motor is controlled by a $5000 Motec unit with lambda, Currie 9" rear end with 35 spline axles, Detroit locker, etc. Metco arm assemblies in rear with air bag and 90:10 shocks, Built 200R auto trans with trans brake, 9 ½" Precession converter with lockup, Monocoque 16" wheels, Roll bar, and Line lock.
Car is setup for serious quarter mile runs but, unfortunately, when the car was reassembled I was very busy at work for a couple of years and then the drag strip closed about 6 years ago. So, the car has not been run and final tuned yet because there is no strip to do this work on.
In addition, the car has Weld brake adjustments so that you can vary the basis between the front brakes and the rear to help hold the car while you are building boost. The car ran into the 10’s with the previous setup BEFORE this last rebuild which should make it a lot faster.
My Duttweiler bill at the last build was over $10,000, but that was then and this is now. I can get copies of the major receipts for the engine work as I have most of them still.
The car presently runs and drives fine - not very happy about heavy traffic though. I drive it every so often to get gas, put air in the tires, etc.
It does have a noisy lifter the last time I started it up and there is still rubber on the bottom of the back undercarriage that I have never got around to taking off.
The car is currently licensed in Hawaii and the radio, A/C and automatic antenna all work.
Car does not appear to have any rust since it was California car before I purchased it – I keep it covered in locked garage. Please call for additional questions.
Shipping Information - I recently had this dealership send a car to southern Florida and they did it for $2200. And the cost to the West Coast on PASHA (one of the shippers) is about $1100, as long as I go thru this dealership.
I also have a fair amount of original GN parts for sale.
PRICE - $15,900 /or best offer.
Phone - (808) 478-7688
email - [email protected]
This car will be on the webite this week, under CARS FOR SALE.
MORE NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM US -
Recently a company we deal with has reproduced the rubber GM floor mats that were available in our Regals. The carpeted ones would be the upgraded floor mats. These are the rubber ones. They are only available as a full set of front and backs. The front mats have the GM logo on them. Available in five of the popular colors; black, blue, grey, tan, burgundy. The price is $99.95 per set.
NOTE - These Reproduction Floor Mats Sets will be on the website soon.
Next, we now offer the 1984-1987 Regal bucket seat buns (cushions.) These are the internal formed foam cushions that may need to be replaced due to age. We offer them as a single pair of base and back cushion/bun or as a set of 4 pieces for both bucket seats. This will not work on the Lear Siegler-style 1984-1985 Regal seats.
NOTE - These Reproduction Bucket Seat Buns/Cushions will be on the website soon.
REPRODUCTION VINTAGE STATE INSPECTION STICKERS -
If your state had state inspections during the 1980s, a reproduction vintage state inspection sticker would be a crowning touch to any restoration or car show display.
We now deal with a supplier who has remastered many of the popular state inspection stickers.
In many states, since these cars are now over 25 years old, you are permitted to run a matching year license plate and inspection sticker. In other cases, you can position the inspection sticker on the opposite side of the windshield or make it part of your display sign.
Be sure to check with your state laws regarding placement of a vintage inspection sticker.
Each sticker is exactly like the original and affixes to the inside of the windshield.
We currently stock reproduction Inspection Stickers for the following states for 1986 or 1987: New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
NOTE - The "month" indicated on the Inspection Stickers for New Jersey, Massachusetts or Pennsylvania MAY differ from the photo on our website.
If we do not list a sticker for your state, simply call us with the state and year you want and we will see if our source has it available. We can determine if we can obtain the state and year sticker you want. Many of the older years are available, however newer than 1987 are not available.
NOTE - #7410 - 1980 and Earlier Specified - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker are $20 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
NOTE - #7411- 1981-1987 Specified - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker are $15 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
NOTE - Orders for these Vintage Inspection Stickers will be sent by USPS Priority mail, for a charge of $5, if this is the only item you order. They can be included with your order for other parts at no additional shipping charge.
7400 - NEW JERSEY 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7401 - NEW JERSEY 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7402 - NEW YORK 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7403 - NEW YORK 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7404 - MASSACHUSETTS 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7405 - MASSACHUSETTS 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7406 - OHIO 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7407 - OHIO 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7408 - PENNSYLVANIA 1986 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
7409 - PENNSYLVANIA 1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker $15 + $5 USPS Priority Mail
YOU MUST CALL TO ORDER #7410 or #7411 - 215-766-1611 x 0
7410 - 1980 & Earlier - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker - $20 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
7411 - 1981-1987 - Reproduction Vintage State Inspection Sticker - $15 each plus $5 USPS Priority Mail.
NOTE - These Reproduction Inspection Stickers will be on the website soon.
NEW REPRODUCTION UPPER DASH TRIM PANEL -
As many of you know the upper dash trim panel was discontinued a while ago from GM. Some have appeared on ebay fetching $250 or more. Finding one not cracked or warped is like finding a good used powermaster brake bowl. Slim at best!
Well, we have some good news. One is currently being made that is injection molded, just like the original. This first run is being produced in grey color rather than how GM did it in an off-color blue. We have seen an actual finished part and it is dead-on accurate to the original. So much so, you would not see any difference between two new ones if you saw them in a photo or even in person.
Because we know this will be a popular item, we are offering you a special introductory price so we know in advance how many to have order. The suggested retail price will be $199.95. If you call our office now and place your order, the price will be just $179.95. To lock in at that introductory price, we require a $25 deposit.
This introductory price is only good until Friday, March 30th, noon eastern time. We fully expect to be able to fill our orders by the first week of April. We will be one of the very first sources to have them available.
This panel is correct and fits all 1978 through 1987 Regals, not just Turbo models
Here is the complete information on this panel.
1978-1987 Buick Regal (All A-Body & G-Body Models) -
REPRODUCTION UPPER DASH TRIM PANEL
Today, an original upper dash trim panel is usually cracked on most original Regals. It sits between the upper dash pad and the windshield.
This reproduction upper dash trim panel will fit any 1978-1987 Buick Regal and is made by the same process that GM used originally, injection molded. The quality is excellent. We have seen a production sample and it is dead-on match to the original GM panel. The grey is impregnated into the plastic, which will closely match the original Grand National grey trim colors.
The panel comes in grey and can be painted to match the interior of your car.
For other colors, we offer some interior color spray paints (see Miscellaneous Section.)
7386 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All A-Body & G-Body Models) - Reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel $199.95 + $15 Shipping
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE - $179.95 (Save $20) if you place a $25 deposit before March 30th, 12 noon. Orders are expected to be filled the first week of April.
NOTE - Because a special shipping box is required, there is a $15 shipping charge on this reproduction upper dash trim panel.
Here is the link to this reproduction Upper Dash Trim Panel on the website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43929/REPRODUCTION+UPPER+DASH+TRIM+PANEL+%237386.html
SLP FIREBIRD FORMULA - FOR SALE -
This car is still available at $20,900. This is for the 400-mile red 2002 SLP Formula Firebird we pictured in the 11-16-2011 Inner Circle. This car will be finding a new home at some point.
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 OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 - 9 am until 3 pm.
Located at 6201 Kellers Church Road, Plumsteadville, PA 18949.
Our Open House is one of the first Buick events of the 2012 season.
Yum Yum donuts, raffle items, M & M contest, and 5% discount on in-stock catalog items. Save on shipping! Pete Hoffman, and myself will have used parts for sale. Paul Castle from World of Motorworks will also be at this event.
One of our local customers will have on display a completely rebuilt show-quality 1987 Turbo engine. The amount of time and effort into this is truly amazing.
Once again we will have bake goods for sale with all the proceeds going to the Molly Scholarship Fund, like we did last year. We hope many of you can plan to attend.
Here's a link to our Open House on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=172
2nd ANNUAL "RIDE ON MOLLY" MEMORIAL RIDE!
April 27-29, 2012
It's time to register for the 2nd Annual Ride on Molly ride in California!
The event purpose is two-fold – It serves as a gathering of friends to honor Molly and to provide a remembrance of the positive impact he had on so many lives. It also benefits Molly and Terry's daughter Brooke, by adding to her college fund.
Donations to participate in the ride are neither required nor expected. However, 100% of all donations received will be placed in Brooke's college fund as they were last year. Since donations go to a personal fund, they are not tax deductible.
Here is the link for their website:
https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/mollyride2012/53454/
TURBOBUICK.COM NATIONALS 2012 - MAY 2 - MAY 5, 2012 - Burlington, NC
For the latest information, go to - www.turbobuick.com/forums or - [email protected]
Event will feature free food, dyno, tech sessions, drag racing, and Auto-X. This is one of the first Turbo Buick events for the year 2012. Already they have many of the top vendors confirmed that will be at this event. Several key speakers are also confirmed.
The luncheon is absolutely free. However, you must email my wife Eileen if you are going to be there for the free Thursday lunch. Her email is - [email protected]
For the most up-to-date information on Race Classes and other activities, go to -http://turbobuick.com/forums/forums/2012-turbobuick-com-nationals-may-2nd-5th-sponsore.168/
Here's a link to this event on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=173
31st ANNUAL PEACH BLOSSOM B.O.P.C. - MAY 4th and 5th, 2012 - Car Show & Swap Meet
Marriott Atlanta Northeast, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA
Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Cadillacs. Hosted by the Southeastern GTO Association. There is a reception Friday night and the Car Show is on Saturday. For more info, contact Ed Bellair at 770-428-4934 or email - [email protected]
3RD ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - May 26th, 2012
Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon, New York.
For more info, phone number for the racetrack is 518-794-7130. To reach John Csordas - 845-528-GSGN or his cell is 914-447-6068.
22ND ANNUAL BUICK RACEDAY - JUNE 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012
Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio.
Hotels - Best Western Norwalk - 419-663-3501 or All American Inn Norwalk - 419-663-1922.
For more info, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 email - [email protected]
or Bill Wills 330-747-1029 email [email protected]
2012 BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP "CLASS OF 1987" and "BIG BOAT BASH"
AUGUST 3rd and 4th, 2012
National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
The theme this year is the "Class of 1987." Open to all Buick models built in 1987.
2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT
September 21st and 22nd 2012
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks
Featuring the 2nd annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Assc.) All Buick powered judged car show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!
Goodie bags for the first 50 Buick's in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL Buick car show on the east coast!
For more information contact Doug Dougherty 302-653-2201 or John Csordas 914-447-6068 or email questions to [email protected] or [email protected] visit their website http://tristategsclub.com
2012 GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 (NEW DATES)
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The new dates are Oct. 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.
We just received word that the BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!
EBAY LISTINGS -
If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ%20km
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 - More great late spring weather continues to bask the east coast with temps around 70 degrees this week. Let's hope this mild spring weather extends into mid-April for our Open House. The Yum Yum donuts are ordered.
Be sure to place your order to get the introductory price for the new reproduction 1978-1987 Regal upper dash panel. Quality is dead-on exact. A $25 deposit locks you in at the sale price as long as it is done prior to March 30th, 12 noon eastern time. We will be one of the very first sources to have this available. You can pick this up at our Open House and avoid shipping charges, if you buy it in advance at the introductory price!