06-11-2014 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 06-11-2014

GN T-TYPE CENTRAL GET TOGETHER - Chicagoland Buick Chapter UPDATE -

As our readers know, I attended The GN T-Type Central Get Together in Chicago last weekend. It was good to see many of our Midwestern customers and their cars. Some of them were surprised to see me. I counted over 25 Turbo Regals that had our popular billet adjustable fuel regulator on their cars. About another dozen had the upgraded Cardone accumulator bowl on their powermaster unit. I probably saw at least half dozen 1986-1987 Turbo Regals that had been converted to the hydro-boost system. Since I was not a vendor I got to spend time walking around talking to the owners and answering some of their questions about their cars. Interesting enough the company that has been making our adjustable fuel regulators for over 20 years is located about 10 miles from where the show was being held.

The weather was picture perfect. By Friday night there were about 15-20 cars already at the host motel.
Saturday by around 1 pm about 100-115 Turbo Regals were lined up. This included 4 Turbo Trans Ams, one was one of the ultra-rare hardtop models. There was also one GNX in attendance. They had five vendors set up with their displays on Saturday. No used parts vendors were set up.

I started out on my trip on Tuesday and arrived in the Chicago area Wednesday morning so I could visit several of our major clients and also the company that makes our adjustable fuel regulators. We have a new project in the works that I wanted to discuss with him personally.

During the trip I was able to find time to stop at two You Pull It Yards in the Chicago area.

I found it very stressful driving in Chicago, especially if you do not know the area!

At one of the You Pull It Yards I had a very unusual experience. I was putting my parts up on the counter to check out and the guy says, "Today is your lucky day - it’s all free!" At first I thought he was kidding or perhaps he somehow saw my license plate on my truck. It turns out he is a GTO fan, and he noticed I was wearing a GTO shirt. There are still a lot of nice guys in the world.

I packed a lot into the five days and it was well worth the trip for me.



PHOTOS FROM THE GN T-TYPE CENTRAL GET TOGETHER -

PHOTO 1 - Many of the Turbo Regals were highly modified at this event. Here are four photos showing some of the modified cars.

PHOTO 2 - We show some of the clever vanity license plates I spotted on various cars.

PHOTO 3 - There was a wide array of different wheels on some of the Turbo Regals. One of the cars had a set of gold and black wheels that I had never seen before.

PHOTO 4 - The left photo shows the Turbo Trans Ams that were in attendance. Note the one on the far right is a hardtop. The right photo shows a light blue Turbo-T. As I have pointed out in the past, for whatever reason, the light blue Turbo Regals are extremely rare. Of the 300 plus Turbo Regals we have owned, I have only had one light blue one. You think that would be a popular color.

Watch for more photos next week. We will also have more information on the numbered GNX book -



MORE UNUSUAL VEHICLES SURFACED NEAR US FOR SALE -

From time to time whenever we spot an unusual or an exceptional car or truck for sale we will put a blurb in our weekly Inner Circle. In this category we will run the descriptions for two 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.

1993 Corvette - I do not have much information or photos on this car yet. This car is in Chicago and belongs to a long-time friend of ours who makes parts for us. It’s a 1993 Corvette anniversary model, red on red. Absolutely in mint condition, garaged its entire life, with a mere 4,000 miles on it. It will be priced very reasonably as they want to sell it. I will have more info and photos shortly.

1992 Dodge conversion van - This was one they built back in the day with the pop-up center area for sleeping. You don’t see many of these any more in good shape. This one appears very nice and is priced at $4900. The interior is quite nice and it is fully equipped. The body is not perfect. The current owner has had it about 5 years and no longer has any use for it. I have more information on this, if any of our readers are interested.

Crosley station wagon - This cute little station wagon is very restorable and can be bought for just under $4,000. The motor in this Crosley has been rebuilt and turns over but needs more work to be in running condition.

2004 Dodge Ram “Rumble Bee” - This one was only produced in limited numbers and each was numbered on the dashboard. I am told they made this 2004 Dodge Ram “Rumble Bee” only in yellow or black. This one is yellow. It still has the new car smell in it. Mileage is about 34,200 actual miles. It’s all stock. They have all the books and the original Window Sticker with it. It has been garage kept. Truck has one very minor scrape near the gas door from hitting the edge of the garage. It is being sold privately. The asking price is $17,000.

If any of these vehicle strikes your interest, email me for more info and photos - [email protected]



PRICES SKYROCKET FOR 2015 CHEVROLET TAHOE LTZ UPDATE -

Our good friend Jason from Canada was at the Chicago show and he informs me that a loaded 2015 Tahoe LTZ purchase in Canada will set the buyer back at least $100,000 before any local taxes are added to the price.



WE NEED YOUR INPUT -

We need your input if you have changed over to a dual fan format to cool the engine. I would like to know what year and what car model dual fan format fits the best to the stock radiator and can easily be adapted to the stock wiring harness. Since I go to various You Pull It Yards, I may be able to find some of these dual fan setups, which would provide better cooling.



SPOOLFOOL UPDATE -

We have yet another skid of front and rear Spoolfool fillers currently in route to us. These have proven to be a good seller for us. Our location provides many of our customers with a better shipping costs, since the rear filler is oversized.



HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE SYSTEM UPDATE -

I did to see several hydro-boost systems on Turbo Regals over the weekend at the Chicago gathering. Our plans are to have two or 3 different conversion kits available by the end of this month. These will range from a few hundred dollars up to over $750 for a complete conversion system. This way our customers have more than one option.

The low-end conversion would depend on your skill level and provide the rebuilt parts needed. The higher-end conversion would be using all new parts. You will also be able to purchase most of the individual parts by themselves, so you can custom make your own hydro-boost conversion on your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal.

Keep in mind all these kits will require the use of the original Turbo Regal brake pedal. We have several of these brake pads available. We also have several vacuum brake pedals now available as well.

To learn more about converting your 1986-1987 Turbo Regal to the Hydro-boost format, go to turbobuick.com, scroll down to the Turbo Lounge and look for my thread entitled, "Kirban Request."

Here is a direct link - http://turbobuick.com/forums/threads/kirban-request.411950/page-1



TRADE VALUE -

We are one of the few companies that accept items in partial trade towards parts you may want. If you have any NOS Turbo Regal parts or cores that we can use, email me direct - [email protected]. You can save money against the GNX wheels. Sometimes it’s easier to trade in parts you are not using and get something you want for your car in return.



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 PRICE CHANGES -

We are able to lower the price on our popular brake Proportioning Valve, Part #7189. The new retail price is $49.95.

We also now have brand new powermaster brake switches, Part #7175 at $109.95.



NEW CATEGORY ADDED - STEERING -

Since we now have a number of items related to steering, we have added a new category to our website - STEERING.



NEW PRODUCTS FROM US -

1984-1987 Buick Regal (All T-Tops Models) -
Reproduction GRAY HEADLINER

The T-Tops cars take a smaller headliner than a solid-roof Regal. This headliner is pre-molded to replace the sagging headliner in any 1984-1987 Buick Regal with T-Tops.

Headliner is gray, which will be a very close match for any Grand National, T-Type, or Turbo-T with a gray interior.

Because it is oversized, we have calculated shipping based on 20 lbs, so oversized shipping is configured accurately.

NOTE - You may also be interested in this related part - #7362 Headliner Molding Clips (8) Set.

NOTE - We recommend this headliner be installed by an upholstery shop.

Another great interior restoration item.

7599 - 1984-1987 Buick Regal (All T-Tops Models) -
Reproduction Gray Headliner - $169.95

Here is a link to this Headliner on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44179/Reproduction+GRAY%E2%80%88HEADLINER+%237599.html



1984-1985 Buick Turbo Regal with Hydro-Boost -
REPRODUCTION POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE
FROM HYDRO-BOOST TO PUMP

This is the high pressure hose that is pre-formed to go from the Hydro-Boost unit to the power steering pump.

If you have a 1985 Turbo Regal, it must have the Hydro-Boost system for this hose to work.

Another great restoration item.

7612 -1984-1985 Buick Turbo Regal with Hydro-Boost -
Reproduction Power Steering Pressure Hose from Hydro-Boost to Pump - $31.95

Here is a link to this Power Steering Pressure Hose on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44178/REPRODUCTION+POWER+STEERING+PRESSURE%E2%80%88HOSE++FROM+HYDRO+BOOST+TO+PUMP+%237612.html



1984-1985 Buick Turbo Regal with Hydro-Boost -
REPRODUCTION PRESSURE HOSE
ATTACHES HYDRO-BOOST TO STEERING GEAR

This is the pre-formed pressure hose that runs from the Hydro-Boost unit to the steering gear.

If you have a 1985 Turbo Regal, it must have the Hydro-Boost system for this hose to work.

Another great restoration item.

7613 - 1984-1985 Buick Turbo Regal with Hydro-Boost -
Reproduction Pressure Hose attaches Hydro-Boost to Steering Gear - $18.95

Here is a link to this Pressure Hose on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44177/REPRODUCTION+PRESSURE%E2%80%88HOSE++ATTACHES%E2%80%88HYDRO+BOOST+TO+STEERING+GEAR+%237613.html



1984-1985 Buick Turbo Regal with Hydro-Boost -
REBUILT HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE UNIT

This is a rebuilt factory original 1984-1985 Turbo Regal Hydro-Boost brake unit.

You must re-use the original master cylinder push rod, spring, and spring retainer from the original Hydro-Boost unit.

There is no core charge.

Another great restoration item.

7614 - 1984-1985 Buick Turbo Regal -
Rebuilt Hydro-Boost Brake Unit - $143.95

Here is a link to this Rebuilt Hydro-Boost Brake Unit on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44176/REBUILT+HYDRO+BOOST+BRAKE+UNIT+%237614.html



MAGNA-PURE IN-LINE POWER STEERING -

This all aluminum in-line power steering filter fits all 3/8" line applications. It comes with two clinch clamps, a label to note install and service mileage, and directions. The overall length is 2-1/2" long.

It is highly recommended for any Hydro-Boost system formats to capture debris and keep it from reaching the Hydro-Boost unit.

Another great restoration item.

7611 - MAGNA-PURE In-line Power Steering Filter - $14.95

Here is a link to this Filter on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44174/MAGNA+PURE+IN-LINE+POWER+STEERING+FILTER+%237611.html



1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
HYDRO-BOOST & POWERMASTER BRACKET TO FIREWALL
REPRODUCTION GASKET

This new reproduction foam gasket is an excellent replacement for the original if you need to remove or replace the brake unit.

This foam gasket sits between the metal powermaster bracket and the firewall under the hood.

If you have a Hydro-Boost unit, it sits between the unit and the firewall.

This reproduction gasket will also work with any of the various 4 stud Hydro-Boost brake units and will provide an excellent seal to the firewall. Another great restoration item.

7610 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Hydro-Boost & Powermaster Bracket to Firewall Reproduction Gasket - $6

Here is a link to this Gasket on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44175/HYDRO-BOOST+%26+POWERMASTER+BRACKET%E2%80%88TO+FIREWALL+REPRODUCTION+GASKET+%237610.html



REPRODUCTION AIR FLOW DUCT - FROM TURBO TO MAF SENSOR/AIR CLEANER -

We will have Part #7054, 1986-1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Air Flow Duct (from turbo to MAF sensor/air cleaner) in stock by mid June. Our supplier needed a bigger order from us to continue to make this unique hose with the stronger material. However, they did locate some additional inventory, which we will have soon.

The GM hose has been discontinued for over a year. The few sources that do have it sell them for $55 or more. This is a very unique hose. Our hose is superior material and fits the exact same way. The price will be $39.95 plus shipping.



1978-1987 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models including Turbo Regal) -
AFTERMARKET IDLER ARM ASSEMBLY

This is another part that can cause play in the steering over a period of time.

This new idler arm is made in the U.S.A.
In comparison to an original idler arm assembly, this one is slightly thicker, so it is stronger.

Some companies offer a bushing kit for almost as much money as you can buy the entire idler arm from us.

NOTE - Check out a related 1987 item, Part #7223, 1987 Turbo Regal - Reproduction Idler Arm Labels (2) Set

Another great suspension restoration item.

7594 - 1978-1987 Buick Regal (All G-Body Models including Turbo Regal) -
Aftermarket Idler Arm Assembly - $31.95

Here is a link to this Idler Arm Assembly on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44173/AFTERMARKET+IDLER+ARM+ASSEMBLY+%237594.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
OEM-STYLE BLACK OXIDE HOSE CLAMPS SETS
FOR INTERCOOLER, TURBO, MASS AIR HOSE and AIR CLEANER ELBOW

Buick used hose clamps that were finished in black oxide for the three intercooler hoses (6 clamps), the mass air hose and rubber elbow to the factory air cleaner assembly (4 clamps). These are the correct size clamps for the proper application, a total of 10 clamps.

We offer a kit for each or you can save a few dollars and buy both kits, so all the clamps are a matched set.

The intercooler clamp set is ideal to use with our OEM-style heavy-duty hoses, Part #7553, since that hose kit is an exact match to the original material Buick used on the intercooler hoses (the only difference is these hoses are slightly thicker.)

Black oxide is a chemical process and not a coating. The same company that does our chrome plating also has the necessary equipment to do the black oxide process.

NOTE - The clamp set for the intercooler hoses will also work with Part #7458 Intercooler and Turbo Heavy-Duty Hoses (3) Set, and Part #7553 Stock Appearing Intercooler and Turbo Heavy-Duty Hoses (3) Set, and Part #7045 Rebuilt Original AC DELCO Mass Air Flow Sensor.

NOTE - If you need any extra clamps, email our office for pricing - [email protected].

Another great engine restoration part to return your car back to original.

7578 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
OEM-Style Black Oxide Hose Clamps (6) Set for Intercooler and Turbo - $22.95 / set

7579 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
OEM-Style Black Oxide Hose Clamps (4) Set for Mass Air Hose and Air Cleaner Elbow - $16.95 / set

7580 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
OEM-Style Black Oxide Hose Clamps (10) Set for Intercooler, Turbo, Mass Air Hose and Air Cleaner Elbow - $34.95 / set (save $4.95)

Here are these clamps on our website:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7578&submit_button=



2014 - UPCOMING TURBO REGAL EVENTS FOR 2014 -


PERFORMANCE YEARS CAR SHOW AND OPEN HOUSE - HATFIELD, PA
JUNE 13th and 14th, 2014

Performance Years has their annual Car Show and Open House on June 13th and 14th, 2014, located at 2705 Clemens Road, Hatfield, PA 19440. This is a huge event, which featured over 275 Pontiacs a last year's event. They also have a huge segment open to other American Muscle cars. I attended last year’s event and plan to go this year as well. Pypes Exhaust is part of this company where we get our exhaust systems that we sell. You have to re-register on line only. Phone 267-638-3500 or pypesexhaust.com/openhouse or performanceyears.com/openhouse



5th ANNUAL BUICK RACE DAY - Lebanon Valley Dragway, Lebanon Valley New York – JULY 12, 2014

This shows has been rescheduled since it was rained out. The new date is July 12th 2014. This event is sponsored by the Northeast Chapter of the GS/GN Club. For more information, contact John at 518-794-7120 or 914-447-6068.



THE BUICK PERFORMANCE GROUP 2014 EVENT - National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio
AUGUST 1st and 2nd, 2014

The BPG 2014 Event will again be held at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio on August 1st and 2nd. The Host Hotel will be the Newark Metropolitan. They will have an expanded breakfast menu for 2014. The Hotel will be making arrangements to block off the street on Thursday and Friday night and will provide the BBQ again. Ted Nagel's Band will again be playing Friday night.

For more information, visit - www.buickperformancegroup.com - or their Buick Performance Group Facebook page.



MAGNA - MID-ATLANTIC GRAND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION -

The local Magna Club has posted events related to the Turbo Regals for this coming summer season.

Here is a link for the latest information:
http://www.magnabuick.com/show/index.shtml



GS NATIONALS - OCTOBER 15-18, 2014 -
Beech Bend Raceway, 798 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Ron Joseph informs me that the dates for the 2014 GS Nationals are October 15th thru 18th. The intent to move it to September has been shelved at least for a year, according to Ron. We will share more info as it becomes available. Also for the first time ever there will be an auto cross open to all cars October 15th and 16th. 2014. This year ALL vehicles are welcome to participate and have some fun, prizes will be given away and sponsors will be there!

Click here for more info:
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/2014-gs-nationals-auto-cross-oct-15-16-th.407646/#post-3357189



HERE IS WHERE I WILL BE IN THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS -

This coming Saturday I will be attending Performance Years Car Show and Open House. The owner of Performance Years has been a long-time friend of ours.

The following Saturday, June 21st, Pete and I will be attending GM at Carlisle. We will be there as spectators only.

The first week in July the GTOAA holds their national meet at the Double Tree Hotel at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. (Just outside of Pittsburgh). I am one of the guest speakers on Wednesday, July 2nd at 3 pm. I have spoken at several of the National events in the past. I will be there Tuesday thru Thursday. This event is open to all Pontiacs and since it’s the 50th Anniversary for the 1964 GTO, they expect a huge turnout.



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.



NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE -

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

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



ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - [email protected] - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or may not remember who requested the item.



IN CLOSING - Hope everyone is enjoying the summer.

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