Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 08-11-2021 -
WE ACQUIRED ANOTHER STASH OF TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Be sure to check out the Rare Parts section as soon as possible as most of the parts we list sell quickly. You must email me and include the part number for the part you are interested in.
Remember this Inner Circle goes out every Wednesday at 3pm eastern time. Set your smartphone or smart watch to avoid disappointments!
BREAKING NEWS - DUAL FAN HARNESSES -
We just got word that the dual fan harnesses that Caspers makes for us are finally in route to us. The hold has been getting the circuit boards for the kits he makes. So if you have one on back order from us expect to get it in the next 5-7 days.
FROM OUR RECENT PURCHASE -
PHOTO 1 - The top left and top right photo show a mint 1986 Turbo Regal top of the line am/fm cassette with EQ option. The radio is show quality. The open photo shows the back so you can see we have the wires included in case your original harness was cut. Also the side brackets to install it in your dash are included. This is quite similar to the 1987 Turbo Regal as very few owners would know the difference. (I would). The bottom left photo shows with the AC Delco box the small set of the fist size speakers that go under the upper dash panel. These are brand new. The bottom right photo shows a brand new factory AC Delco power antenna with the bracket.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows a cold air system we had made and sold years ago. Never used. What you do is cut a small rectangle hole in the driver's side factory air dam and the flex hose brings the cooler outside air up to your cone filter or your air box. The top right photo shows 2 different factory used GM stainless door edge guards. (See article below). The bottom left photo shows the 3 parts that we used to get from GM to make the window rattle kits. We would buy the original 3 different window brackets that already had the felt material on them. The kits we sell now just provide the felt material that you need to cut and reglue to your 3 original brackets. The bottom right photo shows an original 1986-1987 Mass Air Flow sensor and the new aftermarket one that is 100% identical in every way, only it lacks the AC Delco wording. See article below. These are listed under the Rare Parts section.
GM TURBO REGAL DOOR EDGE GUARDS -
What many Turbo Regal owners may not realize is that for some reason GM actually made two different lengths of door edge guards for the Regals. Both versions are attached the same exact way. I have no idea if they ever made two versions in black for the Grand Nationals. I have never seen the longer version in black. The extra length has no benefit because that part of the door would never get dinged anyhow. So there is a bit of Turbo Regal trivia.
AFTERMARKET 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL MASS AIR SENSORS -
A few months ago I stumbled on this new 1986-1987 Turbo Regal aftermarket Mass Air Sensor. I ordered two so I could compare to the original and also get it actually tested. Whatever company made these they nailed the appearance 100% exact screw holes actually shape everything dead on to the factory AC Delco unit. Only difference is they could not duplicate the AC Delco raise logo on the flat part for obvious reasons. I would imagine the internals would be far superior now than in 1986-1987.
I had it tested by Lorenz Racing in Ohio and it worked fine on a stock or slightly modified car. Highly modified cars would require special tuning but those owners would step up to a translator in most cases anyhow. Problem is the company can’t get anymore and I have no idea if they ever will so I have the two I have priced to sell. With these cars having such limited production numbers I am surprised any aftermarket company not vendor related would invest into making a specific part. It is different if it's a part that fits all the G body applications, but a part unique to 2 years of a Turbo Regal and the 1989 Turbo Trans Am limits the volume you can sell and get a return on your investment. Which is always the goal if you want to stay in business!
MACUNGIE CAR SHOW -
This is a show I have been going to for many years. This was the car show that when Darrell was younger, maybe 7 or 8 years old I took him in my 1965 Riviera to Macungie to sell the car. You may recall the story I ended up selling the Riviera and Darrell and I hitch hiked all the way home much to Eileen's dismay! Macungie is about 40 miles from our old house on Sugarbottom Road!
The show is held in the center of town in a beautiful park. Different make cars are featured each day. I went last Saturday and it was super hot. This event attracts cars that you normally never seldom see and some that were extremely rare even when new! I bumped into a past Turbo Regal owner. He not only owned a rare yellow Turbo Regal but later acquired a brown Turbo Regal. Not many owners can claim they owned two of what today would be extremely rare to find! He said rust living in NJ killed the one car. The other he sold about 4 years ago.
Small cars are not something new as several car companies in the 1940s and 1950s even when gas was less than 25 cents a gallon made small cars in limited numbers. Crosley, Nash Metropolitan, Playboy are three that come to my mind. I have never owned one!
So I am walking through the various rows of cars and I spot a Crosley and I notice dual pipes out the back yet the outside of the car looks totally stock. Initially I thought the owner probably just hung a second tail pipe out the back as they came with a 4 cylinder engine.
I walked around to the front of the Crosley and was totally surprised. Under the hood was a flathead V8! Turns out Crosley played around with making a V8 and did 4 prototypes! This is the only surviving one of the four from 1949-1950 time frame. Anytime you're talking about prototypes you got a rare car! The general rule of thumb back then was cars like this either got destroyed or were tucked away in the company museum. Granted a Crosley may not fetch 6 digits and they certainly look simple to restore. They require only a small amount of work space or in this case you get lucky enough to own one of just four ever made!
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows the back end of this unique Crosley with the dual exhaust. The top right shows the engine compartment showing the flat head V8. The bottom left shows what the typical Crosley engine looks like. The bottom right we show the write up the guy had explaining the car.
ELECTRIC CARS ARE NOTHING NEW -
At this same car show I saw this unique electric car that was restored. Not only did it have a series of batteries under the hood but also in the trunk. Had to add a massive amount of weight to the car. It was steered by a tiller instead of a typical steering wheel with the driver basically sitting in the back seat.
At one point in the early 1900s about 38% of the vehicles on the road were electric powered! Course now the Biden administration is shooting for similar numbers by 2030 for electric cars versus gas powered cars. In other words the Dodge Hellcat could be the end of the line for a gas powered high performance car.
PHOTO 4 - I show four views of this early 1900s car powered by a huge number of batteries under the hood and trunk. Passenger sat in the upper right and the driver sat in the back seat on the left. Like the V8 powered Crosley they both represent two very unusual cars.
POKING FUN AT THE CARS WE COME TO LOVE -
Having owned over 325 of these cars I figure I would poke a bit of fun at these cars. Again remember this is fun. At a quick glance the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal is not exactly a confidence builder as you view a speedometer that only reads to 85 mph. (Even the lowly Yugo speedometer reads higher!) Plus the trip odometer only reads to 99,999. A few more observations as you view the front brakes and rotors and realize they are the same ones on your grandMa's V6 Regal.
The Buick employee that had a sense of humor was the guy who engineered the way the jack was positioned in the trunk. I can only imagine when the regular installer called out sick and a substitute employee had to install the jack in the trunk in 15 seconds as the car came down the assembly line. The real work of art is the location of the power antenna and the plastic cable. The location on the passenger front fender assures whoever does the replacement work can easily bill for over 2 hours of labor. Winding the plastic cable, which is probably a 3 foot plastic cable in a very condensed space, is guaranteed to fail within a few years of use!
No muscle car owner ever heard of a powermaster brake system and now has the constant fear the brake light will either flicker on or come on solid. If it comes on solid you better have a quick exit plan other than plowing into the car in front of you!
Solving oil leaks can be fun and games as succeeding in not having oil leaks can prove to be a challenge. The interior pull straps was maybe a good idea on paper, but in practice prone to come loose after about ten pulls and if not caught in time can easily break the plastic moldings. Upgrading to the power window option really is no quicker than hand crank windows, but none of us knew that before we checked that box on the order form.
Offering T-Tops as an option is not a good combination with all that low end torque without additional bracing to the suspension. Ford understood this and discontinued the T-Top option at some point on their 5.0 models in the 1990s.
The horn ring making it in plastic and secured by two screws has a short life span in the heat due to warpage and the horn ring will surely crack in due time.
Baffling still is why all the Power Six logos format are one way yet one it loops behind the symbol. I think it's the headrest logo that is different. Why didn't they compare notes prior to production so the logo would all be the same?. Really what was the budget for that throw rug in the trunk was it under $5? Did any Grand Nationals exit the Pontiac plant with a good or near excellent paint job?
Yes the final assembly point was Pontiac and that is the reason the letter P is in the 17 digit VIN number. Production started in Flint also known as Buick City with final assembly in Pontiac. Bit of trivia. Still Buick engineers did get it right where it counted under the hood and was able to dethrone Chevrolet and the Corvette in 1987.
BARN FINDS -
In recent years the term “Barn Find'' has become quite popular and it's been amazing at some of the cars that have surfaced in various articles under the heading “Barn Find.” I have sold several that fit that category including 6 from one person that simply stashed them in a building near where we live. One of the six was a Grand National which he gave me first to sell. I thought the other four cars would be extremely hard to sell, but each sold in a fairly quick time. They were a Riviera, a 5.0 notchback Mustang, a Firehawk with the window sticker still on the glass. A manual shift small blazer with the 4.3 engine and I believe a Typhoon.
Another time I sold a 1987 Turbo T Limited that the owner simply got tired of driving and parked it in a field. My set of GNX wheels were still in the original boxes in the trunk! Most barn finds as they are called depending on the conditions they were sitting in and length of time can be a real challenge to restore. A challenge I gladly passed on to the next owner!
In my recent newspaper earlier this year in February the crown jewel of all barn finds was discovered. I doubt any barn find can be better than this. It is reported it is over 2,000 years old and found intact is a Ceremonial Chariot that archaeologists at Pompeii excavated while digging. An amazing find to say the least!
CURRENTLY IN STOCK -
POWER STEERING PUMPS 1986-1987 TURBO REGALS - We still have just a few of the rebuilt 1986-1987 power steering pumps in stock from Cardone. I have no idea if and when they will be able to find more to rebuild.
SPARK PLUG WIRES 1986-1987 TURBO REGALS - Basically for proper fitting 1986-1987 Turbo Regal spark plug wires you only have two choices. One supplier makes them with the proper wording on them. The other source is us. We have the correct boots on the ends and perhaps even more critical the correct lengths. Ours are also grey to closely match the original grey spark plug wires. Proper length is quite critical to avoid issues of them coming in contact with the exhaust manifold or the sharp edge of the plenum. Issues you want to avoid! Our part number #1531. Our wires are the only one that is carried by several other major suppliers as we do wholesale them to several sources. We learned over 35 years ago it is more beneficial to wholesale to your competition. They in turn wholesale to us so we both prosper.
BRAND NEW MODIFIED JEEP LOWER STEERING SHAFTS - We finally have reached the point where we have several in stock at all times. This clever upgrade is even better now since we are using brand new Jeep lower steering shafts instead of 30 year old ones. We are able to keep the pricing on the new modified Jeep steering shafts very near the pricing of the used ones we used to sell. I can’t take credit for this upgrade as someone else discovered this many years ago. I remember you could also use a GM Astro Van shaft as well and have it modified. I remember hunting them down in junk yards. It's a bit tricky getting them out of an Astro van. Normally a greasy job. I was younger then and was able to master the chore fairly quickly.
REBUILT 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL MASS AIR SENSORS - Currently we got 3 cores in and sent to Cardone in Texas to get rebuilt. These are rebuilt at their Texas facility. So if you want a stock original 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air sensor call our office 215-766-1611 to lock in on one of these from this next batch getting rebuilt. We need more cores badly.
STILL AVAILABLE - A FULL SET OF REAL ORIGINAL GNX WHEELS LIKE NEW -
I am representing this set of real GNX wheels for one of my long-time customers who bought at least one car from me over the years. He resides in the New England area. The price includes all 4 center caps. No lug nuts. The price is $5895 and includes free shipping to the basic 48 states. The wheels have no scratches, and no road rash. Like new in every regard. They are the correct ones with different offset front and rears. For more info or pictures email me direct [email protected]
NEW LOWER PRICES - THREE TURBO REGALS AND ONE SYCLONE -
NEW LOWER PRICES ON ALL FOUR VEHICLES!!!! Prices may even be better if you buy more than one of the four vehicles. All 4 are still available. The 1986 blue T-Type and the 1987 Grand National he purchased were brand new. He is the 3rd owner of the white 1987 Turbo-T. The Syclone he also purchased was brand new. These vehicles are located in Tennessee. The light blue 1986 T-Type is $25,000 now just $19,000. The 1987 Grand National has the rare factory astro roof and has been repainted Corvette red. It is priced at $20,000 now just $17,000. The white 1987 Turbo-T is $25,000 now just $19,000. The Syclone has about 9,500 miles on it. It is priced at $44,900 now just $39,900 See past Inner circle for more details on these vehicles. For more photos and to reach the seller email me direct [email protected]
CAR SHOW DATES FOR 2021 SEASON -
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS
Saturday September 11th 2021
This annual event is held at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland. There is no rain date. I have gone every year for the last 5 or 6 years. Always a good event. Plenty of room and plenty of cars. This event was not held in 2020 so there is a lot of pent up demand for the return. I will be donating items for this event and I will be there as a vendor. I don’t bring many items to shows, but I do a lot of buying. So if you plan to attend, see me if you bring items to sell. Our plan is to hand out 3 or 4 special custom awards for the3 or 4 cars that impress me the most. More details later. Bring us your cores for credit powermaster brake units and stock 1986-1987 mass air sensor cores.
EBAY LISTINGS -
Be sure to check ebay every week or so as we post parts under both Kirban Performance and Kirban Enterprises. You never know what will be posted from us.
LIST OF MECHANICS FOR THE TURBO REGAL UPDATE -
We will only post any new additions to avoid confusion. Refer to previous inner circle emails to see the entire list.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have an idea or tip or a product idea, send it to my email [email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -.
It is worth repeating supplies and inventory is still facing long delays for all the major vendors in getting parts.
IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –
If you are returning any cores or products, it is important that you send them to the correct address.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
We discovered that FedEx will not forward any packages that are sent to the old PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside or send them back to the shipper. They refuse to forward and say that we should notify the shipper. In most cases, we have no idea when we are getting packages shipped back to us.
If you have any cores that are being sent back to us, be sure to use the correct address, especially if you use FedEx. Otherwise, we may not receive your package or it may be sent back to you.
CLICK HERE - For the link to the Kirban Enterprises ebay listings.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON RARE PARTS FOR SALE –
In order for our Inner Circle members to have an equal opportunity on the Rare Parts, no emails regarding orders on rare parts will be honored prior to 3 pm Wednesday. This way Inner Circle members get the opportunity first to purchase any of the rare items that may be pictured in the main body of the Inner Circle which may go on our website earlier in the day each week. Inner Circle members are the ONLY people that get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
STEERING WHEEL CORES. Currently we need good 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering cores. They must be straight and not have rusted spokes. We will issue a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. You must email me [email protected] a photo first to make sure the steering wheel is acceptable.
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are accepting powermaster brake units. We give a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. If you include the turbo pedal, add $10. You would receive a $160 Letter of Credit. To avoid having your core not accepted, you MUST first email me a photo of the core you plan to send in - [email protected] - We will NOT accept any cores that have severe rust issues or have been disassembled. Core must have the brake switch and brake bowl reservoir. Too many of the cores we have been getting are in such terrible shape they are worthless to us.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $175 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. We need cores now.
MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal sensors. They can not be cracked or broken. Each acceptable unit is worth a letter of credit of $40 each. We need cores now!
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.
UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need to be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,500 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,400 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611.
CLASSIFIED AD -
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (New Old Stock) Buick parts for 1986 to 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Will you be attending the Magna East Coast Buick Regional’s in Maryland on Saturday September 11th and have some NOS parts you are thinking of selling or lying around at home and want to turn them into CASH? Then please contact me ahead of time by phone or e-mail and let me know what you have as I will be attending this event in person and interested in anything NOS. I travel to purchase and am a cash buyer. Please call or e-mail and leave me a message. All calls will be returned. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You! 2 of 4.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an actual Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. To subscribe simply email – [email protected] - to get our free weekly Wednesday Inner Circle email.
Remember the Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe.
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE - If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go through.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
TECH CALLS -
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. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
AFTERMARKET EPA CERTIFIED LOW RESTRICTIVE STOCK CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Many owners may want to replace the original pancake-style restrictive catalytic converter. This is a unique catalytic converter with the proper custom-made 4-bolt flange at the back end. The overall length is 18 inches. This is a direct bolt in replacement and similar to the one we offered over 20 years ago. This only works with the stock 2-1/2 inch diameter downpipe.
It will bolt up to the stock exhaust or to the Pypes Dual Exhaust system, Part #6996, we sell.
Original catalytic converters can easily become clogged over a long period of time. They are also a lot more restrictive due to its pancake style. Some states have very strict laws regarding emissions equipment, even on older cars.
This catalytic converter also can lower any drone sound the current mufflers may make.
We offer this low restrictive catalytic converter, which weighs less than 8 pounds and is EPA certified! It is not a universal converter, but one with the correct 4-bolt flange on the one end that will directly bolt into your Turbo Regal.
With the amount of heat turbo cars develop, the converter can begin to break down internally and clog the exhaust system.
The EPA rules dictate that replacement catalytic converters must go in the same location as the original converter. This unit bolts into that same area and has the same mounting flange.
This catalytic converter comes complete with the 4-bolt exhaust flange. This 4-bolt flange is very unique to these cars as no other G-body application has this style flange. We also offer the 4-bolt flange, Part #7947, by itself for those of you that may want to get a test pipe made for off road use only.
Another excellent replacement for any exhaust restoration.
6567 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Aftermarket EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter - $339.95
CLICK HERE - For a link to this catalytic converter on our website.
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION SPECIAL 4-BOLT EXHAUST FLANGE
We also offer a reproduction special 4-bolt exhaust 1/4 inch flange in case you want to have a test pipe made for off-road use.
Another excellent replacement for any exhaust restoration.
7947 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Reproduction Special 4-Bolt Exhaust Flange - $54.95
CLICK HERE - For a link to this exhaust flange on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction ALTERNATOR TERMINAL BLACK CAP
This new reproduction black plastic snap-on cap is identical to the original factory terminal cap. Cap has a dual notch. It protects the hot wire lead on the back of the alternator.
You may also be interested in these related parts - #7315 Brand New 120 amp Alternator, #7316 Brand New Custom-Built 200 amp Alternator, #7733 Reproduction Belt Tensioner with New Pulley, and #6609 Replacement Serpentine Belt.
Another excellent replacement for any engine restoration.
7946 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Reproduction Alternator Terminal Black Cap - $11.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to this cap on our website.
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 FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 used if 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 must 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 directly - [email protected] - and 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 -
Remember the weekly Inner Circle always goes out at 3 pm eastern time so subscribers all have the same equal chance on the Rare Parts. All our parts generally are priced to sell and below what others offer. Also our used items are exactly as described. Emails are acknowledged in the order we receive them regardless of when I respond as I am not always by a computer and I only use a flip phone. It's best to email as soon as possible as many of our items sell within the first hour!
WE ACQUIRED ANOTHER STASH OF TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Be sure to check out the Rare Parts section as soon as possible as most of the parts we list sell quickly. You must email me and include the part number for the part you are interested in.
Remember this Inner Circle goes out every Wednesday at 3pm eastern time. Set your smartphone or smart watch to avoid disappointments!
BREAKING NEWS - DUAL FAN HARNESSES -
We just got word that the dual fan harnesses that Caspers makes for us are finally in route to us. The hold has been getting the circuit boards for the kits he makes. So if you have one on back order from us expect to get it in the next 5-7 days.
FROM OUR RECENT PURCHASE -
PHOTO 1 - The top left and top right photo show a mint 1986 Turbo Regal top of the line am/fm cassette with EQ option. The radio is show quality. The open photo shows the back so you can see we have the wires included in case your original harness was cut. Also the side brackets to install it in your dash are included. This is quite similar to the 1987 Turbo Regal as very few owners would know the difference. (I would). The bottom left photo shows with the AC Delco box the small set of the fist size speakers that go under the upper dash panel. These are brand new. The bottom right photo shows a brand new factory AC Delco power antenna with the bracket.
PHOTO 2 - The top left photo shows a cold air system we had made and sold years ago. Never used. What you do is cut a small rectangle hole in the driver's side factory air dam and the flex hose brings the cooler outside air up to your cone filter or your air box. The top right photo shows 2 different factory used GM stainless door edge guards. (See article below). The bottom left photo shows the 3 parts that we used to get from GM to make the window rattle kits. We would buy the original 3 different window brackets that already had the felt material on them. The kits we sell now just provide the felt material that you need to cut and reglue to your 3 original brackets. The bottom right photo shows an original 1986-1987 Mass Air Flow sensor and the new aftermarket one that is 100% identical in every way, only it lacks the AC Delco wording. See article below. These are listed under the Rare Parts section.
GM TURBO REGAL DOOR EDGE GUARDS -
What many Turbo Regal owners may not realize is that for some reason GM actually made two different lengths of door edge guards for the Regals. Both versions are attached the same exact way. I have no idea if they ever made two versions in black for the Grand Nationals. I have never seen the longer version in black. The extra length has no benefit because that part of the door would never get dinged anyhow. So there is a bit of Turbo Regal trivia.
AFTERMARKET 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL MASS AIR SENSORS -
A few months ago I stumbled on this new 1986-1987 Turbo Regal aftermarket Mass Air Sensor. I ordered two so I could compare to the original and also get it actually tested. Whatever company made these they nailed the appearance 100% exact screw holes actually shape everything dead on to the factory AC Delco unit. Only difference is they could not duplicate the AC Delco raise logo on the flat part for obvious reasons. I would imagine the internals would be far superior now than in 1986-1987.
I had it tested by Lorenz Racing in Ohio and it worked fine on a stock or slightly modified car. Highly modified cars would require special tuning but those owners would step up to a translator in most cases anyhow. Problem is the company can’t get anymore and I have no idea if they ever will so I have the two I have priced to sell. With these cars having such limited production numbers I am surprised any aftermarket company not vendor related would invest into making a specific part. It is different if it's a part that fits all the G body applications, but a part unique to 2 years of a Turbo Regal and the 1989 Turbo Trans Am limits the volume you can sell and get a return on your investment. Which is always the goal if you want to stay in business!
MACUNGIE CAR SHOW -
This is a show I have been going to for many years. This was the car show that when Darrell was younger, maybe 7 or 8 years old I took him in my 1965 Riviera to Macungie to sell the car. You may recall the story I ended up selling the Riviera and Darrell and I hitch hiked all the way home much to Eileen's dismay! Macungie is about 40 miles from our old house on Sugarbottom Road!
The show is held in the center of town in a beautiful park. Different make cars are featured each day. I went last Saturday and it was super hot. This event attracts cars that you normally never seldom see and some that were extremely rare even when new! I bumped into a past Turbo Regal owner. He not only owned a rare yellow Turbo Regal but later acquired a brown Turbo Regal. Not many owners can claim they owned two of what today would be extremely rare to find! He said rust living in NJ killed the one car. The other he sold about 4 years ago.
Small cars are not something new as several car companies in the 1940s and 1950s even when gas was less than 25 cents a gallon made small cars in limited numbers. Crosley, Nash Metropolitan, Playboy are three that come to my mind. I have never owned one!
So I am walking through the various rows of cars and I spot a Crosley and I notice dual pipes out the back yet the outside of the car looks totally stock. Initially I thought the owner probably just hung a second tail pipe out the back as they came with a 4 cylinder engine.
I walked around to the front of the Crosley and was totally surprised. Under the hood was a flathead V8! Turns out Crosley played around with making a V8 and did 4 prototypes! This is the only surviving one of the four from 1949-1950 time frame. Anytime you're talking about prototypes you got a rare car! The general rule of thumb back then was cars like this either got destroyed or were tucked away in the company museum. Granted a Crosley may not fetch 6 digits and they certainly look simple to restore. They require only a small amount of work space or in this case you get lucky enough to own one of just four ever made!
PHOTO 3 - The top left photo shows the back end of this unique Crosley with the dual exhaust. The top right shows the engine compartment showing the flat head V8. The bottom left shows what the typical Crosley engine looks like. The bottom right we show the write up the guy had explaining the car.
ELECTRIC CARS ARE NOTHING NEW -
At this same car show I saw this unique electric car that was restored. Not only did it have a series of batteries under the hood but also in the trunk. Had to add a massive amount of weight to the car. It was steered by a tiller instead of a typical steering wheel with the driver basically sitting in the back seat.
At one point in the early 1900s about 38% of the vehicles on the road were electric powered! Course now the Biden administration is shooting for similar numbers by 2030 for electric cars versus gas powered cars. In other words the Dodge Hellcat could be the end of the line for a gas powered high performance car.
PHOTO 4 - I show four views of this early 1900s car powered by a huge number of batteries under the hood and trunk. Passenger sat in the upper right and the driver sat in the back seat on the left. Like the V8 powered Crosley they both represent two very unusual cars.
POKING FUN AT THE CARS WE COME TO LOVE -
Having owned over 325 of these cars I figure I would poke a bit of fun at these cars. Again remember this is fun. At a quick glance the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal is not exactly a confidence builder as you view a speedometer that only reads to 85 mph. (Even the lowly Yugo speedometer reads higher!) Plus the trip odometer only reads to 99,999. A few more observations as you view the front brakes and rotors and realize they are the same ones on your grandMa's V6 Regal.
The Buick employee that had a sense of humor was the guy who engineered the way the jack was positioned in the trunk. I can only imagine when the regular installer called out sick and a substitute employee had to install the jack in the trunk in 15 seconds as the car came down the assembly line. The real work of art is the location of the power antenna and the plastic cable. The location on the passenger front fender assures whoever does the replacement work can easily bill for over 2 hours of labor. Winding the plastic cable, which is probably a 3 foot plastic cable in a very condensed space, is guaranteed to fail within a few years of use!
No muscle car owner ever heard of a powermaster brake system and now has the constant fear the brake light will either flicker on or come on solid. If it comes on solid you better have a quick exit plan other than plowing into the car in front of you!
Solving oil leaks can be fun and games as succeeding in not having oil leaks can prove to be a challenge. The interior pull straps was maybe a good idea on paper, but in practice prone to come loose after about ten pulls and if not caught in time can easily break the plastic moldings. Upgrading to the power window option really is no quicker than hand crank windows, but none of us knew that before we checked that box on the order form.
Offering T-Tops as an option is not a good combination with all that low end torque without additional bracing to the suspension. Ford understood this and discontinued the T-Top option at some point on their 5.0 models in the 1990s.
The horn ring making it in plastic and secured by two screws has a short life span in the heat due to warpage and the horn ring will surely crack in due time.
Baffling still is why all the Power Six logos format are one way yet one it loops behind the symbol. I think it's the headrest logo that is different. Why didn't they compare notes prior to production so the logo would all be the same?. Really what was the budget for that throw rug in the trunk was it under $5? Did any Grand Nationals exit the Pontiac plant with a good or near excellent paint job?
Yes the final assembly point was Pontiac and that is the reason the letter P is in the 17 digit VIN number. Production started in Flint also known as Buick City with final assembly in Pontiac. Bit of trivia. Still Buick engineers did get it right where it counted under the hood and was able to dethrone Chevrolet and the Corvette in 1987.
BARN FINDS -
In recent years the term “Barn Find'' has become quite popular and it's been amazing at some of the cars that have surfaced in various articles under the heading “Barn Find.” I have sold several that fit that category including 6 from one person that simply stashed them in a building near where we live. One of the six was a Grand National which he gave me first to sell. I thought the other four cars would be extremely hard to sell, but each sold in a fairly quick time. They were a Riviera, a 5.0 notchback Mustang, a Firehawk with the window sticker still on the glass. A manual shift small blazer with the 4.3 engine and I believe a Typhoon.
Another time I sold a 1987 Turbo T Limited that the owner simply got tired of driving and parked it in a field. My set of GNX wheels were still in the original boxes in the trunk! Most barn finds as they are called depending on the conditions they were sitting in and length of time can be a real challenge to restore. A challenge I gladly passed on to the next owner!
In my recent newspaper earlier this year in February the crown jewel of all barn finds was discovered. I doubt any barn find can be better than this. It is reported it is over 2,000 years old and found intact is a Ceremonial Chariot that archaeologists at Pompeii excavated while digging. An amazing find to say the least!
CURRENTLY IN STOCK -
POWER STEERING PUMPS 1986-1987 TURBO REGALS - We still have just a few of the rebuilt 1986-1987 power steering pumps in stock from Cardone. I have no idea if and when they will be able to find more to rebuild.
SPARK PLUG WIRES 1986-1987 TURBO REGALS - Basically for proper fitting 1986-1987 Turbo Regal spark plug wires you only have two choices. One supplier makes them with the proper wording on them. The other source is us. We have the correct boots on the ends and perhaps even more critical the correct lengths. Ours are also grey to closely match the original grey spark plug wires. Proper length is quite critical to avoid issues of them coming in contact with the exhaust manifold or the sharp edge of the plenum. Issues you want to avoid! Our part number #1531. Our wires are the only one that is carried by several other major suppliers as we do wholesale them to several sources. We learned over 35 years ago it is more beneficial to wholesale to your competition. They in turn wholesale to us so we both prosper.
BRAND NEW MODIFIED JEEP LOWER STEERING SHAFTS - We finally have reached the point where we have several in stock at all times. This clever upgrade is even better now since we are using brand new Jeep lower steering shafts instead of 30 year old ones. We are able to keep the pricing on the new modified Jeep steering shafts very near the pricing of the used ones we used to sell. I can’t take credit for this upgrade as someone else discovered this many years ago. I remember you could also use a GM Astro Van shaft as well and have it modified. I remember hunting them down in junk yards. It's a bit tricky getting them out of an Astro van. Normally a greasy job. I was younger then and was able to master the chore fairly quickly.
REBUILT 1986-1987 TURBO REGAL MASS AIR SENSORS - Currently we got 3 cores in and sent to Cardone in Texas to get rebuilt. These are rebuilt at their Texas facility. So if you want a stock original 1986-1987 AC Delco mass air sensor call our office 215-766-1611 to lock in on one of these from this next batch getting rebuilt. We need more cores badly.
STILL AVAILABLE - A FULL SET OF REAL ORIGINAL GNX WHEELS LIKE NEW -
I am representing this set of real GNX wheels for one of my long-time customers who bought at least one car from me over the years. He resides in the New England area. The price includes all 4 center caps. No lug nuts. The price is $5895 and includes free shipping to the basic 48 states. The wheels have no scratches, and no road rash. Like new in every regard. They are the correct ones with different offset front and rears. For more info or pictures email me direct [email protected]
NEW LOWER PRICES - THREE TURBO REGALS AND ONE SYCLONE -
NEW LOWER PRICES ON ALL FOUR VEHICLES!!!! Prices may even be better if you buy more than one of the four vehicles. All 4 are still available. The 1986 blue T-Type and the 1987 Grand National he purchased were brand new. He is the 3rd owner of the white 1987 Turbo-T. The Syclone he also purchased was brand new. These vehicles are located in Tennessee. The light blue 1986 T-Type is $25,000 now just $19,000. The 1987 Grand National has the rare factory astro roof and has been repainted Corvette red. It is priced at $20,000 now just $17,000. The white 1987 Turbo-T is $25,000 now just $19,000. The Syclone has about 9,500 miles on it. It is priced at $44,900 now just $39,900 See past Inner circle for more details on these vehicles. For more photos and to reach the seller email me direct [email protected]
CAR SHOW DATES FOR 2021 SEASON -
EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS
Saturday September 11th 2021
This annual event is held at Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, Maryland. There is no rain date. I have gone every year for the last 5 or 6 years. Always a good event. Plenty of room and plenty of cars. This event was not held in 2020 so there is a lot of pent up demand for the return. I will be donating items for this event and I will be there as a vendor. I don’t bring many items to shows, but I do a lot of buying. So if you plan to attend, see me if you bring items to sell. Our plan is to hand out 3 or 4 special custom awards for the3 or 4 cars that impress me the most. More details later. Bring us your cores for credit powermaster brake units and stock 1986-1987 mass air sensor cores.
EBAY LISTINGS -
Be sure to check ebay every week or so as we post parts under both Kirban Performance and Kirban Enterprises. You never know what will be posted from us.
LIST OF MECHANICS FOR THE TURBO REGAL UPDATE -
We will only post any new additions to avoid confusion. Refer to previous inner circle emails to see the entire list.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have an idea or tip or a product idea, send it to my email [email protected]
TIP FROM KIRBAN -.
It is worth repeating supplies and inventory is still facing long delays for all the major vendors in getting parts.
IMPORTANT - INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS –
If you are returning any cores or products, it is important that you send them to the correct address.
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
We discovered that FedEx will not forward any packages that are sent to the old PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside or send them back to the shipper. They refuse to forward and say that we should notify the shipper. In most cases, we have no idea when we are getting packages shipped back to us.
If you have any cores that are being sent back to us, be sure to use the correct address, especially if you use FedEx. Otherwise, we may not receive your package or it may be sent back to you.
CLICK HERE - For the link to the Kirban Enterprises ebay listings.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON RARE PARTS FOR SALE –
In order for our Inner Circle members to have an equal opportunity on the Rare Parts, no emails regarding orders on rare parts will be honored prior to 3 pm Wednesday. This way Inner Circle members get the opportunity first to purchase any of the rare items that may be pictured in the main body of the Inner Circle which may go on our website earlier in the day each week. Inner Circle members are the ONLY people that get to see the Rare Parts listing and see the prices
CORES NEEDED - URGENT REQUEST –
Here is the information on our credits for cores.
STEERING WHEEL CORES. Currently we need good 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering cores. They must be straight and not have rusted spokes. We will issue a Letter of Credit of $100 for each acceptable core. You must email me [email protected] a photo first to make sure the steering wheel is acceptable.
POWERMASTER BRAKE UNITS. Currently, we are accepting powermaster brake units. We give a $150 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. If you include the turbo pedal, add $10. You would receive a $160 Letter of Credit. To avoid having your core not accepted, you MUST first email me a photo of the core you plan to send in - [email protected] - We will NOT accept any cores that have severe rust issues or have been disassembled. Core must have the brake switch and brake bowl reservoir. Too many of the cores we have been getting are in such terrible shape they are worthless to us.
TURBO CORES must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal stock turbo. They must be complete. We will issue you a $175 Letter of Credit for each acceptable core. We need cores now.
MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS must be the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal sensors. They can not be cracked or broken. Each acceptable unit is worth a letter of credit of $40 each. We need cores now!
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.
UPS or MAIL - Ship to Address –
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
529 HAYCOCK RUN ROAD
KINTNERSVILLE, PA 18930
GOOD NEWS - WE ARE ACCEPTING CLASSIFIED ADS -
Good news - We now accept Classified Ads in our weekly Inner Circle emails. Over the years several customers have asked about placing an ad in our weekly Inner Circle.
Here are the options and the costs.
Ads can be from any individual or company. It needs to be automotive related, meaning it does not need to be specifically Turbo Regal related. It can be for something for sale or something wanted.
Maximum number of words is 125 words, which is about 7 to 9 lines of copy. No photos. You can list a website. We recommend you state your name, phone number or email, a price, and your location in your ad.
The cost for 2 consecutive weeks is $25. The cost for 4 consecutive weeks is $40. You save $10 with the 4-week plan. No changes can be made to your existing running ad. You can only run one ad at any given time. We will have a code system at the end of your ad, so we will know what week number your ad is to run 2 or 4 weeks.
It can be an ad for something for sale or an ad for something you are looking for.
We have never missed a single week since we started the Inner Circle email format in 2009. It’s something I enjoy doing and I just always seem to have enough material to write about.
Our weekly Inner Circle reaches over 3,500 members every Wednesday direct to their inbox. The Inner Circle also appears every Wednesday on our website with the related photos. Your ad would be visible to both groups of readers. So, the exposure to your ad is well over 3,400 potential buyers.
Ads submitted properly by the previous Sunday would appear next Wednesday in the weekly Inner Circle. Ads must be submitted by email to - [email protected]
Payment by credit card must be done by phone to our office 215-766-1611.
CLASSIFIED AD -
WANTED TO BUY: NOS (New Old Stock) Buick parts for 1986 to 1987 Buick Turbo Regal. Will you be attending the Magna East Coast Buick Regional’s in Maryland on Saturday September 11th and have some NOS parts you are thinking of selling or lying around at home and want to turn them into CASH? Then please contact me ahead of time by phone or e-mail and let me know what you have as I will be attending this event in person and interested in anything NOS. I travel to purchase and am a cash buyer. Please call or e-mail and leave me a message. All calls will be returned. Jason Maxfield (416) 399-7265 or [email protected] Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Thank You! 2 of 4.
NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE BUICK RARE PARTS SECTION -
If you are not able to see the Buick Rare Parts section at the end of this Inner Circle, it is because you are not an actual Inner Circle member, but instead are reading this on the website. You must subscribe to see the Rare Parts section each week. It would go directly to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It is FREE, probably one reason why nobody complains about what I write about. To subscribe simply email – [email protected] - to get our free weekly Wednesday Inner Circle email.
Remember the Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe.
EMAILS TO KIRBAN PERFORMANCE -
NOTE - If you email us and do NOT get a timely reply, be sure to check your “SPAM” folder. Some emails do not go through.
If you need to email us, use - [email protected]
TECH CALLS -
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. Please remember I have very little knowledge of the mechanical workings of the engine.
NEW PRODUCTS FROM US –
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
AFTERMARKET EPA CERTIFIED LOW RESTRICTIVE STOCK CATALYTIC CONVERTER
Many owners may want to replace the original pancake-style restrictive catalytic converter. This is a unique catalytic converter with the proper custom-made 4-bolt flange at the back end. The overall length is 18 inches. This is a direct bolt in replacement and similar to the one we offered over 20 years ago. This only works with the stock 2-1/2 inch diameter downpipe.
It will bolt up to the stock exhaust or to the Pypes Dual Exhaust system, Part #6996, we sell.
Original catalytic converters can easily become clogged over a long period of time. They are also a lot more restrictive due to its pancake style. Some states have very strict laws regarding emissions equipment, even on older cars.
This catalytic converter also can lower any drone sound the current mufflers may make.
We offer this low restrictive catalytic converter, which weighs less than 8 pounds and is EPA certified! It is not a universal converter, but one with the correct 4-bolt flange on the one end that will directly bolt into your Turbo Regal.
With the amount of heat turbo cars develop, the converter can begin to break down internally and clog the exhaust system.
The EPA rules dictate that replacement catalytic converters must go in the same location as the original converter. This unit bolts into that same area and has the same mounting flange.
This catalytic converter comes complete with the 4-bolt exhaust flange. This 4-bolt flange is very unique to these cars as no other G-body application has this style flange. We also offer the 4-bolt flange, Part #7947, by itself for those of you that may want to get a test pipe made for off road use only.
Another excellent replacement for any exhaust restoration.
6567 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Aftermarket EPA Certified Low Restrictive Stock Catalytic Converter - $339.95
CLICK HERE - For a link to this catalytic converter on our website.
1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REPRODUCTION SPECIAL 4-BOLT EXHAUST FLANGE
We also offer a reproduction special 4-bolt exhaust 1/4 inch flange in case you want to have a test pipe made for off-road use.
Another excellent replacement for any exhaust restoration.
7947 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Reproduction Special 4-Bolt Exhaust Flange - $54.95
CLICK HERE - For a link to this exhaust flange on our website.
1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
Reproduction ALTERNATOR TERMINAL BLACK CAP
This new reproduction black plastic snap-on cap is identical to the original factory terminal cap. Cap has a dual notch. It protects the hot wire lead on the back of the alternator.
You may also be interested in these related parts - #7315 Brand New 120 amp Alternator, #7316 Brand New Custom-Built 200 amp Alternator, #7733 Reproduction Belt Tensioner with New Pulley, and #6609 Replacement Serpentine Belt.
Another excellent replacement for any engine restoration.
7946 - 1984-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Reproduction Alternator Terminal Black Cap - $11.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to this cap on our website.
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 FOR TURBO REGAL PARTS -
Got any Turbo Buick parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. We also may buy your new or used parts. 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 used if 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 must 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 directly - [email protected] - and 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 -
Remember the weekly Inner Circle always goes out at 3 pm eastern time so subscribers all have the same equal chance on the Rare Parts. All our parts generally are priced to sell and below what others offer. Also our used items are exactly as described. Emails are acknowledged in the order we receive them regardless of when I respond as I am not always by a computer and I only use a flip phone. It's best to email as soon as possible as many of our items sell within the first hour!