Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 05-06-2015
1986-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL - CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT HANGER LOOP -
One of the unusual exhaust hangers on all the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals, including the GNX, is the one that connects to three bolts on the rear flange of the stock catalytic converter and connects to the tail shaft and transmission hanger. Bridging the gap between the two metal parts of this hanger is a rubber fiber loop. In most cases, it’s this rubber loop that can get torn and become useless. Gbodyparts.com has the entire catalytic converter hanger reproduced, which gives you one option.
One of our customers discovered this loop that will work, although it is for another application. You simply have to drill out the rivets and bolt it to your bracket. It’s the correct width and length to replace the loop on your original hanger. This loop even has a hole in the top, which you need to attach it.
PHOTO 1 - The left photo shows the actual part you will get. You have to drill out the rivets as you won’t be using the metal part of this bracket, only the loop portion. The photo to the right shows the factory catalytic converter hanger on the GNX in my garage. See our new parts section for more details. The price is just $14.95 making it a very inexpensive solution.
MOLLY RIDE PHOTOS -
Our good Turbo Regal customer Scott Abrahamsen sent us the photos from the recent Molly ride. There was at least five turbo Regals that were part of the event.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows Scott Abrahamsen and Molly’s wife, Terry. The top right photo shows the lineup of Turbo Regals with their owners and Scott at the Molly Ride event. The bottom left photo shows Joshua Watson (Molly’s grandson) alongside a motorcycle that Molly designed. The lower middle photo shows the winning raffle ticket for a hardbound GNX book that Molly’s daughter Brooke won. Notice the last three digits on the raffle - 547! The lower right photo shows Brooke holding the GNX book.
MORE PHOTOS FROM SPRING CARLISLE -
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a 1966-1967 Chevelle big block needing major attention priced at $18,000. The top right photo shows the interior. You could clearly see the ground from inside the car! The lower left photo shows some very pricy ZL1 L-88 aluminum heads and intake. The lower right photo shows a used C7 Corvette back end. It would be neat to hang this on your garage wall!
THE IMPORTANCE OF MATCHING NUMBERS -
Years ago most turbo owners, even GNX owners, probably never paid much attention to whether or not the engine and transmission number matched the VIN number of the car. Matching numbers is a top priority in the Corvette collecting world and other high-dollar muscle cars.
With GNXs fetching serious money, I think more and more potential buyers will be checking engine and transmission numbers as well. It’s easy to determine if the turbo is a GNX turbo, if you know what to look for and where.
It was in 2005 when I went to look at a GNX that was about 25 minutes from our old house. It was advertised in the Philadelphia paper. Car showed it had 18,200 miles on it. Several people had already looked at the GNX and passed on it, which seemed strange when I called on the car. The seller was not a Buick collector. He had a modest home with a single garage. If I recall, his every day car was a 5- or 6-year-old Honda. Yet, he had this GNX.
The GNX had our style GNX wheels on it. Our wheels did not have the proper offset to look correct on a real GNX because of the flares. Our wheels were designed to seat inside the stock fenders, so on a GNX they really set inward. The seller had no information as to what happened to the original wheels. He bought the GNX used. This was a red flag as I suspected the original wheels where stolen at some point. If I recall, the GNX also had been totally repainted. It looked very nice.
The GNX was fairly cheap. I think he was asking $36,000. The turbo was correct, the dash and rear were correct. I then told the seller I would come back with a jack and jack stands, as I needed to check the engine and transmission numbers. The title checked out as being clean. Prior to this GNX, I had never checked any engine or transmission numbers to see if they matched. Since buying this GNX in 2005, I now check every engine and transmission numbers on the GNXs. They matched. I made a deal and bought the GNX. Ironically, we moved to our new house that fall and I left the GNX at our old house in the garage. When I sold the GNX, the buyer sent a transport for the car. We had a good size snowstorm a week prior to the transport coming for the GNX. I had to hand shovel a set of tracks on the driveway so I could get the GNX down our driveway to the street for the transport company!
Since buying that GNX in 2005, I check every engine and transmission number on the GNXs.
So the lesson is, if you are buying a high-dollar Turbo Regal, it’s probably a good idea to check the VIN number against the engine block number and transmission number. Especially the transmission if the metal ID tag has fallen off. The number will be on the driver’s side on a flat horizontal area of the transmission where the transmission pan meets the main housing.
The engine number is tougher to see as it is on a flat vertical machined area by the bell housing on the driver’s side as well. You may have to clean this area to see the number. The matching number will be the portion after the HP part of the VIN number. It will be the last 6 digits.
While matching numbers may not be a concern for you, as years go by and when you decided to sell it, you can bet the next owner will want to check the numbers!
GNX #331 - FOR SALE - UPDATE -
We currently have a deposit on this GNX and I am waiting for the title to come back in my name so it can go to its new home.
MINI-MULTI FUNCTION JUMPER MODULE, Part #7660 -
I just got in several samples of the new mini multi-function jumper module, model #U3. It is the identical size of a typical smart phone. It weighs less than 9 ounces! It even has a tinted clear plastic face on it. It has 4 blue lights to indicate available power. It has a 3-function LED flashlight. A 4-in-1 harness to charge various electronic devices, and a set of jumper cables for jumping any 12-volt vehicle comes with it. It also comes with both a wall charger and a car charger. This unit is rated at 200 cranking amps and 400 peak amps. It is capable of starting about 8-10 vehicles on a single charge, 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine as well as any 12-volt motorcycle, snowmobile, or tractor, etc.
This mini unit is the perfect size for a woman to carry in their purse or for a motorcyclist to carry. It’s the perfect electronic device companion to charge most electronic devices without being tied to a wall charger or a car charger. It is also perfect to jumpstart most 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder vehicles.
We have a new order of these due in the next 10-15 days. We have a special introductory price on this new mini multi-function Jumper module of just $69.95 and free UPS ground shipping! This price is only good until Friday, May 20, 2015. The suggested retail price will be higher. We would not charge your credit card until we ship it.
CUSTOM-MADE BATTERY JUMPER WIRE HARNESS -
Now that we have a mini multi-function jumper harness it becomes more practical for a motorcyclist to have if they also buy this harness for their bike. We now have a custom-made battery jumper wire harness that will fit on virtually every motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile. We made it the correct length so it can be hardwired to the 12-volt battery and be able to get to the male connector if you need to jump start your bike. On some late-model motorcycles you can be almost one-hour removing parts just to get to the battery. You also need to have the proper tools with you, if your battery was to fail. All the various hand-held battery jumper modules have the same one-way blue male and female connectors. This custom-made wire harness takes the worry out of ever being stranded on a motorcycle with a dead battery.
It’s one of those products that you will be glad you have, yet hope you never have to use it! It has a one-way circuit breaker in the positive wire so the power can only go to your battery. No power can come from your battery when it is not in use. This clever product now makes those hand-held battery jumper modules useful for motorcycle owners.
If you own a motorcycle shop or ATV shop, we are looking for dealers.
Our part #7643. These are in stock. The retail price is just under $25 each. Email me - [email protected] for more details.
REAL SET OF GNX WHEELS - FOR SALE -
I have a buyer for these once I get them back from the polisher.
IN STOCK - BOB BAILEY’S TR-6 HIGH TECH IGNITION SYSTEM -
We have several units now in stock. Bob only builds these a few times a year.
#7442 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System
#7443 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System and Custom-Cut High-Performance Grey Plug Wires Set
Here is a link to these to options on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7442&submit_button=
CORES NEEDED -
We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores.
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
POWERMASTER CORES must be complete with brake bowl and brake switch. You get $100 Letter of Credit or we will trade our complete headlight kit #7530 a $129.95 value or $75 cash for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.
STEERING WHEEL CORES must be the 1986-1987 style. They can’t have any bent spokes and spokes, and can’t be rusty. We will issue you a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number
MAIL - Ship to Address:
ATTN DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
Because our busy season is starting, if you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] rather than call us.
We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours.
ORIGINAL GM AC DELCO HEATER WATER VALVE -
Our supplier was able to locate a few more of these original brand new AC Delco heater water valves. You must call our office to order one - 215-766-1611 x 0. The price is $60 plus shipping. It appears this AC Delco heater water valve will be discontinued from GM and AC Delco. It doesn’t appear that we will be getting any more of theses.
1985 GRAND NATIONAL AND 1987 BUICK REGAL TURBO-T FOR SALE -
1985 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - FOR SALE - CFS025 -
1985 Grand National is almost all factory stock. The only upgrades are a Big Mouth air intake and I upgraded the brakes to vacuum with a Kirban Performance brake conversion kit last fall.
Rear main seal was replaced at the same time. This car also has beautiful original paint and is laser straight down the sides. Car is super clean under the hood and you can eat off the under body. New Goodyear Eagle tires. New springs and shocks. Car is show quality. 56,000 original miles but it shows like a car with half the miles. Originally female adult owned before I bought it. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $15,000 - NEW LOWER PRICE
I also have another car for sale
1987 Buick Regal Turbo T - FOR SALE- CFS024
This 1987 Regal is a bone stock, unmolested car with excellent original paint. The car has only 38,000 original miles. Interior is mint condition. New tires with less than 2000 miles on them. Car runs and drives like it’s new. Show-quality car. Adult owned. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $19,900
Any questions, please call me at - 315-879-7602
My email is - [email protected]
My name is Justin Paliotti
I live in Lyons, NY. 14489
Here is a link to these two cars - CFS024 & CFS025 - for sale on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products/14/CARS+FOR+SALE.html
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category we will run the descriptions for two to three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
1986 CHEVROLET ¾ TON PICKUP TRUCK - FOR SALE -
This pickup truck belonged to Jean’s husband. She owned the GNX I recently purchased. He bought this truck brand new in 1986. He spent over $20,000 having the exterior restored about 6 years ago. The engine has been rebuilt and has about 35,000 miles on it. It has 4-wheel drive with a 350 V8 engine. Truck runs and drives. The interior and engine compartment would need to be restored to match the quality of the exterior. It is located about 15 minutes south of our shop. The price is $6,495 / OBO. Contact me - [email protected] - for more details.
PHOTO 4 - Shows four different views of this restored 1986 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickup truck. Truck is bright red with a beige tan color interior. The truck needs a new owner. The price is $6,495 / OBO.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT HANGER LOOP
Over time, the factory catalytic converter rubber hanger loop can break away from the original metal catalytic converter bracket.
This rubber exhaust loop can easily be modified to replace the original worn out rubber hanger part on the original rear catalytic converter hanger.
As long as the original metal hanger is still in good shape, you can install this part to replace the rubber loop part on the original hanger. We include mounting hardware, if needed.
The entire factory hanger is no longer available from GM.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #6996 PYPES PERFORMANCE Dual Exhaust System and #6567 EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter.
Another excellent restoration item.
7659 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Catalytic Converter Replacement Hanger Loop - $14.95
Here is the link to this Hanger Loop on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44247/CATALYTIC+CONVERTER+REPLACEMENT+HANGER+LOOP+%237659.html
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton is an excellent reference Guide to have in your reference library.
It would also be a great gift for your mechanic.
This very detailed manual took over three years to do. Even if you lack mechanical skills, this Guide is worth having to share with your mechanic. It is full of highly-detailed photos and charts, showing all of the possible problems and solutions for diagnosing a powermaster brake unit. Everything can be done using basic hand tools. The Guide runs 90 pages in length.
Here are some of the chapters: Major Component Descriptions and Nomenclature, Powermaster Characteristics During Normal Operation, Common Problems and Which Tests to Run to Address Each One, Flowcharts to Help Diagnose Problems Correctly, The Major Components and How to Test Each One, Maintenance, Tools and Accessories, and Vendor List and Contact Information.
It is spiral bound for easy reading when you are working on the powermaster. As long as the electric motor is not burned out, everything else is available for you to repair a powermaster on your own with this handy Guide.
They also have made all the various O-rings that you need to rebuild a powermaster brake unit. In some cases, they had to have parts reproduced. For example, GM sold just one of the O-rings in the kit for over $30 each. This Powermaster Reproduction O-rings (14) kit is only $39.95, part #7676.
I don't think anyone has more experience with powermaster brake units than Richard Clark. Over the years, he has even made special testing equipment for not only the powermaster brake units but also for other electronic parts found in the Turbo Regals.
He worked with John Norton to compile this easy-to-follow and informative powermaster repair Guide, so you can become better educated on powermasters and not be stressed out the first time the brake light comes on!
Our photos show the cover and a two-page spread in the book.
NOTE - You may also be interested in a related item - #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir, and #7676 Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kits.
A great book to keep in your Turbo Buick reference library.
7675 - “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton - $29.95
Here is a link to this book on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44242/POWERMASTER+BRAKE+SYSTEM+TROUBLESHOOTING+AND+REPAIR+GUIDE+By+Richard+Clark+and+John+Norton+%237675.html
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWERMASTER REPRODUCTION O-RINGS (14) KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together this kit of reproduction O-rings specifically for the Turbo Regal power master.
Each kit consists of 14 O-rings, some of which Richard has reproduced to make this a complete kit for the entire powermaster brake unit. It includes not only the O-rings for the brake switch and accumulator bowl, but also the very important power piston sleeve, check valve body master cylinder, etc.
Each package includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified for the proper application. The O-rings should match the drawings exactly.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $30 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7675 “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton, #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, and #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand in case you have issues with the powermaster.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Great powermaster restoration items.
7676 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $39.95 / kit
Here is a link to this O-ring Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44243/POWERMASTER+REPRODUCTION+O-RINGS%E2%80%88%2814%29+KITS+%237676.html
1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
HEATER/AC CONTROL CLUSTER LIGHT AND SHIFTER INDICATOR LIGHT AFTERMARKET LED LIGHT BULBS (2) SET
These aftermarket LED bulbs will replace the heater and shifter light bulbs.
Your car has to have the floor mounted console. This upgrade will now give you a crisp white light for the heater control and the shifter indicator. Unfortunately on the heater/AC control GM only had a single light socket towards the one side.
Both LEDs are easy to install.
LEDS draw less amperage and they do not get hot. LED lights greatly increase the amount of light over the stock glass bulbs, draws far less amperage, and does not generate the extreme heat like the original glass bulbs.
Our first photo shows the LED bulbs.
Our second photo shows the Heater/AC control dash cluster.
Our third photo shows the Shifter Indicator.
NOTE - The round LED bulb may look slightly different than the bulb shown in the photos, depending on our supplier.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7660 Third Brake Light LED Panel, #7661 Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panel, #7662 TWO Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panels (2), #7663 Aftermarket LED Under-the-Dash Interior Lights Bulbs (3) Set, and #7664 SINGLE Aftermarket LED Trunk or Under-the-Hood Light Bulb. This would give you a complete kit of LED interior lights.
Excellent replacement items for any interior restoration.
7670 - 1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
Heater/AC Control Cluster Light and Shifter Indicator Light Aftermarket LED Light Bulbs (2) Set - $8.95
Here is a link to these LED bulbs on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44244/HEATER+AC+CONTROL+CLUSTER+LIGHT+AND+SHIFTER+INDICATOR+LIGHT+AFTERMARKET+LED+LIGHT+BULBS+%282%29+SET+%237570.html
ALWAYS 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 Buick 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 LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.
Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer… If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.
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.
2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
25TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY 2015 -
May 29-31, 2015 - Norwalk, Ohio
Time trials start Friday, May 29th and Buick Car Show is Saturday, May 30th, and Race Day is Sunday May 31st, 2015. Summit Motorsports Park, 1300 State Route 18 Norwalk, Ohio 44857. Quick 16 - Turbo Heads Up - Renegade, Cash and Trophies.
For more details, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 - email - [email protected]
OR Bill Wills 330-747-1029 - email [email protected]
This is the last time Roberta and Bill will be promoting this event as they plan to retire.
35th Annual GS NATIONALS 2015
October 14-17, 2015
Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Here is a link to the event on their website:
http://www.gsnationals.com
IN CLOSING -
I took our granddaughter Devyn out Sunday to give her a few lessons on driving manual shift vehicle. My pickup truck is a 1996 Ford Ranger 5 speed, which is very easy to learn on. After a few bucking starts, she was able to master 1st and 2nd gear. She did pretty good and did not grind any gears. She just needs more practice on releasing the clutch and depressing the gas pedal at the same time. Another bonding moment.
1986-1987 BUICK TURBO REGAL - CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT HANGER LOOP -
One of the unusual exhaust hangers on all the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals, including the GNX, is the one that connects to three bolts on the rear flange of the stock catalytic converter and connects to the tail shaft and transmission hanger. Bridging the gap between the two metal parts of this hanger is a rubber fiber loop. In most cases, it’s this rubber loop that can get torn and become useless. Gbodyparts.com has the entire catalytic converter hanger reproduced, which gives you one option.
One of our customers discovered this loop that will work, although it is for another application. You simply have to drill out the rivets and bolt it to your bracket. It’s the correct width and length to replace the loop on your original hanger. This loop even has a hole in the top, which you need to attach it.
PHOTO 1 - The left photo shows the actual part you will get. You have to drill out the rivets as you won’t be using the metal part of this bracket, only the loop portion. The photo to the right shows the factory catalytic converter hanger on the GNX in my garage. See our new parts section for more details. The price is just $14.95 making it a very inexpensive solution.
MOLLY RIDE PHOTOS -
Our good Turbo Regal customer Scott Abrahamsen sent us the photos from the recent Molly ride. There was at least five turbo Regals that were part of the event.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows Scott Abrahamsen and Molly’s wife, Terry. The top right photo shows the lineup of Turbo Regals with their owners and Scott at the Molly Ride event. The bottom left photo shows Joshua Watson (Molly’s grandson) alongside a motorcycle that Molly designed. The lower middle photo shows the winning raffle ticket for a hardbound GNX book that Molly’s daughter Brooke won. Notice the last three digits on the raffle - 547! The lower right photo shows Brooke holding the GNX book.
MORE PHOTOS FROM SPRING CARLISLE -
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows a 1966-1967 Chevelle big block needing major attention priced at $18,000. The top right photo shows the interior. You could clearly see the ground from inside the car! The lower left photo shows some very pricy ZL1 L-88 aluminum heads and intake. The lower right photo shows a used C7 Corvette back end. It would be neat to hang this on your garage wall!
THE IMPORTANCE OF MATCHING NUMBERS -
Years ago most turbo owners, even GNX owners, probably never paid much attention to whether or not the engine and transmission number matched the VIN number of the car. Matching numbers is a top priority in the Corvette collecting world and other high-dollar muscle cars.
With GNXs fetching serious money, I think more and more potential buyers will be checking engine and transmission numbers as well. It’s easy to determine if the turbo is a GNX turbo, if you know what to look for and where.
It was in 2005 when I went to look at a GNX that was about 25 minutes from our old house. It was advertised in the Philadelphia paper. Car showed it had 18,200 miles on it. Several people had already looked at the GNX and passed on it, which seemed strange when I called on the car. The seller was not a Buick collector. He had a modest home with a single garage. If I recall, his every day car was a 5- or 6-year-old Honda. Yet, he had this GNX.
The GNX had our style GNX wheels on it. Our wheels did not have the proper offset to look correct on a real GNX because of the flares. Our wheels were designed to seat inside the stock fenders, so on a GNX they really set inward. The seller had no information as to what happened to the original wheels. He bought the GNX used. This was a red flag as I suspected the original wheels where stolen at some point. If I recall, the GNX also had been totally repainted. It looked very nice.
The GNX was fairly cheap. I think he was asking $36,000. The turbo was correct, the dash and rear were correct. I then told the seller I would come back with a jack and jack stands, as I needed to check the engine and transmission numbers. The title checked out as being clean. Prior to this GNX, I had never checked any engine or transmission numbers to see if they matched. Since buying this GNX in 2005, I now check every engine and transmission numbers on the GNXs. They matched. I made a deal and bought the GNX. Ironically, we moved to our new house that fall and I left the GNX at our old house in the garage. When I sold the GNX, the buyer sent a transport for the car. We had a good size snowstorm a week prior to the transport coming for the GNX. I had to hand shovel a set of tracks on the driveway so I could get the GNX down our driveway to the street for the transport company!
Since buying that GNX in 2005, I check every engine and transmission number on the GNXs.
So the lesson is, if you are buying a high-dollar Turbo Regal, it’s probably a good idea to check the VIN number against the engine block number and transmission number. Especially the transmission if the metal ID tag has fallen off. The number will be on the driver’s side on a flat horizontal area of the transmission where the transmission pan meets the main housing.
The engine number is tougher to see as it is on a flat vertical machined area by the bell housing on the driver’s side as well. You may have to clean this area to see the number. The matching number will be the portion after the HP part of the VIN number. It will be the last 6 digits.
While matching numbers may not be a concern for you, as years go by and when you decided to sell it, you can bet the next owner will want to check the numbers!
GNX #331 - FOR SALE - UPDATE -
We currently have a deposit on this GNX and I am waiting for the title to come back in my name so it can go to its new home.
MINI-MULTI FUNCTION JUMPER MODULE, Part #7660 -
I just got in several samples of the new mini multi-function jumper module, model #U3. It is the identical size of a typical smart phone. It weighs less than 9 ounces! It even has a tinted clear plastic face on it. It has 4 blue lights to indicate available power. It has a 3-function LED flashlight. A 4-in-1 harness to charge various electronic devices, and a set of jumper cables for jumping any 12-volt vehicle comes with it. It also comes with both a wall charger and a car charger. This unit is rated at 200 cranking amps and 400 peak amps. It is capable of starting about 8-10 vehicles on a single charge, 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine as well as any 12-volt motorcycle, snowmobile, or tractor, etc.
This mini unit is the perfect size for a woman to carry in their purse or for a motorcyclist to carry. It’s the perfect electronic device companion to charge most electronic devices without being tied to a wall charger or a car charger. It is also perfect to jumpstart most 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder vehicles.
We have a new order of these due in the next 10-15 days. We have a special introductory price on this new mini multi-function Jumper module of just $69.95 and free UPS ground shipping! This price is only good until Friday, May 20, 2015. The suggested retail price will be higher. We would not charge your credit card until we ship it.
CUSTOM-MADE BATTERY JUMPER WIRE HARNESS -
Now that we have a mini multi-function jumper harness it becomes more practical for a motorcyclist to have if they also buy this harness for their bike. We now have a custom-made battery jumper wire harness that will fit on virtually every motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile. We made it the correct length so it can be hardwired to the 12-volt battery and be able to get to the male connector if you need to jump start your bike. On some late-model motorcycles you can be almost one-hour removing parts just to get to the battery. You also need to have the proper tools with you, if your battery was to fail. All the various hand-held battery jumper modules have the same one-way blue male and female connectors. This custom-made wire harness takes the worry out of ever being stranded on a motorcycle with a dead battery.
It’s one of those products that you will be glad you have, yet hope you never have to use it! It has a one-way circuit breaker in the positive wire so the power can only go to your battery. No power can come from your battery when it is not in use. This clever product now makes those hand-held battery jumper modules useful for motorcycle owners.
If you own a motorcycle shop or ATV shop, we are looking for dealers.
Our part #7643. These are in stock. The retail price is just under $25 each. Email me - [email protected] for more details.
REAL SET OF GNX WHEELS - FOR SALE -
I have a buyer for these once I get them back from the polisher.
IN STOCK - BOB BAILEY’S TR-6 HIGH TECH IGNITION SYSTEM -
We have several units now in stock. Bob only builds these a few times a year.
#7442 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System
#7443 - TR-6 High Tech Ignition System and Custom-Cut High-Performance Grey Plug Wires Set
Here is a link to these to options on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7442&submit_button=
CORES NEEDED -
We have an urgent need for powermaster cores, steering wheel cores, and turbo cores.
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
POWERMASTER CORES must be complete with brake bowl and brake switch. You get $100 Letter of Credit or we will trade our complete headlight kit #7530 a $129.95 value or $75 cash for each acceptable core. Powermaster units must be nice and not look like they been in a river for the last 10 years.
STEERING WHEEL CORES must be the 1986-1987 style. They can’t have any bent spokes and spokes, and can’t be rusty. We will issue you a $75 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock ones. They must be complete. We will issue you a $100 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core.
If you ship to us, the post office is the cheapest method. Pack the item(s) with a note with your name, address and phone number
MAIL - Ship to Address:
ATTN DENNIS
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
PO BOX 1199
PLUMSTEADSVILLE, PA 18949-1199
TECH CALLS -
Because our busy season is starting, if you need technical information, it’s best to email - [email protected] rather than call us.
We will do our best to answer any technical questions within 24 hours.
ORIGINAL GM AC DELCO HEATER WATER VALVE -
Our supplier was able to locate a few more of these original brand new AC Delco heater water valves. You must call our office to order one - 215-766-1611 x 0. The price is $60 plus shipping. It appears this AC Delco heater water valve will be discontinued from GM and AC Delco. It doesn’t appear that we will be getting any more of theses.
1985 GRAND NATIONAL AND 1987 BUICK REGAL TURBO-T FOR SALE -
1985 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL - FOR SALE - CFS025 -
1985 Grand National is almost all factory stock. The only upgrades are a Big Mouth air intake and I upgraded the brakes to vacuum with a Kirban Performance brake conversion kit last fall.
Rear main seal was replaced at the same time. This car also has beautiful original paint and is laser straight down the sides. Car is super clean under the hood and you can eat off the under body. New Goodyear Eagle tires. New springs and shocks. Car is show quality. 56,000 original miles but it shows like a car with half the miles. Originally female adult owned before I bought it. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $15,000 - NEW LOWER PRICE
I also have another car for sale
1987 Buick Regal Turbo T - FOR SALE- CFS024
This 1987 Regal is a bone stock, unmolested car with excellent original paint. The car has only 38,000 original miles. Interior is mint condition. New tires with less than 2000 miles on them. Car runs and drives like it’s new. Show-quality car. Adult owned. Non-smoker.
Asking Price - $19,900
Any questions, please call me at - 315-879-7602
My email is - [email protected]
My name is Justin Paliotti
I live in Lyons, NY. 14489
Here is a link to these two cars - CFS024 & CFS025 - for sale on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products/14/CARS+FOR+SALE.html
VEHICLES FOR SALE -
From time to time, whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale, or one we have for sale, we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. Also any cars that our customers have for sale will be featured here and you can see their car with photos on our website. In this category we will run the descriptions for two to three weeks and, if there is no interest in that particular vehicle, it will be deleted the following week. Any new vehicles that we add will appear first, so the oldest listing would be at the end of this section.
If any of these vehicles perk your interest, email me personally - [email protected] - for more information and photos.
1986 CHEVROLET ¾ TON PICKUP TRUCK - FOR SALE -
This pickup truck belonged to Jean’s husband. She owned the GNX I recently purchased. He bought this truck brand new in 1986. He spent over $20,000 having the exterior restored about 6 years ago. The engine has been rebuilt and has about 35,000 miles on it. It has 4-wheel drive with a 350 V8 engine. Truck runs and drives. The interior and engine compartment would need to be restored to match the quality of the exterior. It is located about 15 minutes south of our shop. The price is $6,495 / OBO. Contact me - [email protected] - for more details.
PHOTO 4 - Shows four different views of this restored 1986 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickup truck. Truck is bright red with a beige tan color interior. The truck needs a new owner. The price is $6,495 / OBO.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have a tip or a discovery that you found that works on your Turbo Regal, drop us an email giving us the details so we can pass the info on to our readers. Remember, even with my knowledge, I don’t know it all. Simply email me at - [email protected]
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT HANGER LOOP
Over time, the factory catalytic converter rubber hanger loop can break away from the original metal catalytic converter bracket.
This rubber exhaust loop can easily be modified to replace the original worn out rubber hanger part on the original rear catalytic converter hanger.
As long as the original metal hanger is still in good shape, you can install this part to replace the rubber loop part on the original hanger. We include mounting hardware, if needed.
The entire factory hanger is no longer available from GM.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related parts - #6996 PYPES PERFORMANCE Dual Exhaust System and #6567 EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter.
Another excellent restoration item.
7659 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Catalytic Converter Replacement Hanger Loop - $14.95
Here is the link to this Hanger Loop on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44247/CATALYTIC+CONVERTER+REPLACEMENT+HANGER+LOOP+%237659.html
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton
“POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton is an excellent reference Guide to have in your reference library.
It would also be a great gift for your mechanic.
This very detailed manual took over three years to do. Even if you lack mechanical skills, this Guide is worth having to share with your mechanic. It is full of highly-detailed photos and charts, showing all of the possible problems and solutions for diagnosing a powermaster brake unit. Everything can be done using basic hand tools. The Guide runs 90 pages in length.
Here are some of the chapters: Major Component Descriptions and Nomenclature, Powermaster Characteristics During Normal Operation, Common Problems and Which Tests to Run to Address Each One, Flowcharts to Help Diagnose Problems Correctly, The Major Components and How to Test Each One, Maintenance, Tools and Accessories, and Vendor List and Contact Information.
It is spiral bound for easy reading when you are working on the powermaster. As long as the electric motor is not burned out, everything else is available for you to repair a powermaster on your own with this handy Guide.
They also have made all the various O-rings that you need to rebuild a powermaster brake unit. In some cases, they had to have parts reproduced. For example, GM sold just one of the O-rings in the kit for over $30 each. This Powermaster Reproduction O-rings (14) kit is only $39.95, part #7676.
I don't think anyone has more experience with powermaster brake units than Richard Clark. Over the years, he has even made special testing equipment for not only the powermaster brake units but also for other electronic parts found in the Turbo Regals.
He worked with John Norton to compile this easy-to-follow and informative powermaster repair Guide, so you can become better educated on powermasters and not be stressed out the first time the brake light comes on!
Our photos show the cover and a two-page spread in the book.
NOTE - You may also be interested in a related item - #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir, and #7676 Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kits.
A great book to keep in your Turbo Buick reference library.
7675 - “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton - $29.95
Here is a link to this book on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44242/POWERMASTER+BRAKE+SYSTEM+TROUBLESHOOTING+AND+REPAIR+GUIDE+By+Richard+Clark+and+John+Norton+%237675.html
1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
POWERMASTER REPRODUCTION O-RINGS (14) KITS
Richard Clark has painstakingly put together this kit of reproduction O-rings specifically for the Turbo Regal power master.
Each kit consists of 14 O-rings, some of which Richard has reproduced to make this a complete kit for the entire powermaster brake unit. It includes not only the O-rings for the brake switch and accumulator bowl, but also the very important power piston sleeve, check valve body master cylinder, etc.
Each package includes a real-size drawing to ensure that the correct O-rings can be easily identified for the proper application. The O-rings should match the drawings exactly.
Since GM has discontinued many of the Buick O-rings, Richard has had to have some of the O-rings reproduced. In one particular case, the O-ring listed for over $30 from GM, making this kit a bargain.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7675 “POWERMASTER BRAKE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR GUIDE - For 1985 thru 1987 Buick Turbo Regal, Grand National, GNX, T-Type, and Turbo-T” Book by Richard Clark and John Norton, #6697 Reproduction Brake Accumulator Bowl, #7175 Original GM Powermaster Brake Switch, and #7018 Reproduction Powermaster Brake Reservoir.
A must have item for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal owner. You should have this kit on hand in case you have issues with the powermaster.
NOTE - We recommend these O-rings be installed by a qualified mechanic.
Great powermaster restoration items.
7676 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Powermaster Reproduction O-Rings (14) Kit - $39.95 / kit
Here is a link to this O-ring Kit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44243/POWERMASTER+REPRODUCTION+O-RINGS%E2%80%88%2814%29+KITS+%237676.html
1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
HEATER/AC CONTROL CLUSTER LIGHT AND SHIFTER INDICATOR LIGHT AFTERMARKET LED LIGHT BULBS (2) SET
These aftermarket LED bulbs will replace the heater and shifter light bulbs.
Your car has to have the floor mounted console. This upgrade will now give you a crisp white light for the heater control and the shifter indicator. Unfortunately on the heater/AC control GM only had a single light socket towards the one side.
Both LEDs are easy to install.
LEDS draw less amperage and they do not get hot. LED lights greatly increase the amount of light over the stock glass bulbs, draws far less amperage, and does not generate the extreme heat like the original glass bulbs.
Our first photo shows the LED bulbs.
Our second photo shows the Heater/AC control dash cluster.
Our third photo shows the Shifter Indicator.
NOTE - The round LED bulb may look slightly different than the bulb shown in the photos, depending on our supplier.
NOTE - You may also be interested in these related items - #7660 Third Brake Light LED Panel, #7661 Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panel, #7662 TWO Aftermarket LED Interior Light Panels (2), #7663 Aftermarket LED Under-the-Dash Interior Lights Bulbs (3) Set, and #7664 SINGLE Aftermarket LED Trunk or Under-the-Hood Light Bulb. This would give you a complete kit of LED interior lights.
Excellent replacement items for any interior restoration.
7670 - 1984-1988 GM G-Body - All Models (Including Buick Turbo Regal) -
Heater/AC Control Cluster Light and Shifter Indicator Light Aftermarket LED Light Bulbs (2) Set - $8.95
Here is a link to these LED bulbs on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44244/HEATER+AC+CONTROL+CLUSTER+LIGHT+AND+SHIFTER+INDICATOR+LIGHT+AFTERMARKET+LED+LIGHT+BULBS+%282%29+SET+%237570.html
ALWAYS 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 Buick 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 LINKS IN THE INNER CIRCLE -
We have heard from a couple people that have had problems with the links in our Inner Circle.
When we check the links, they work fine. However, if you are not able to be directed to the exact website page or internet site, you can "copy" and "paste" the link into the URL in your browser (such as Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.) If it doesn't link in one browser, it may work in another.
Most people having problems are using Internet Explorer… If you are having issues with links, try another browser to see if it works.
You may need to "UPDATE" your browser to be use you are using the current version.
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.
2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
25TH ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY 2015 -
May 29-31, 2015 - Norwalk, Ohio
Time trials start Friday, May 29th and Buick Car Show is Saturday, May 30th, and Race Day is Sunday May 31st, 2015. Summit Motorsports Park, 1300 State Route 18 Norwalk, Ohio 44857. Quick 16 - Turbo Heads Up - Renegade, Cash and Trophies.
For more details, contact Roberta Vasilow 810-655-8277 - email - [email protected]
OR Bill Wills 330-747-1029 - email [email protected]
This is the last time Roberta and Bill will be promoting this event as they plan to retire.
35th Annual GS NATIONALS 2015
October 14-17, 2015
Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Here is a link to the event on their website:
http://www.gsnationals.com
IN CLOSING -
I took our granddaughter Devyn out Sunday to give her a few lessons on driving manual shift vehicle. My pickup truck is a 1996 Ford Ranger 5 speed, which is very easy to learn on. After a few bucking starts, she was able to master 1st and 2nd gear. She did pretty good and did not grind any gears. She just needs more practice on releasing the clutch and depressing the gas pedal at the same time. Another bonding moment.