09-19-2012 Inner Circle

Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members - 09-19-2012

MORE INFORMATION ON GM CARPET SAVERS -

We recently heard from Chris Tobie who worked as a Buick technician from 1985 to 1988. After that he became a Parts Manager for a Buick Pontiac GMC dealership in North Carolina. He remembers some interesting facts about the GM carpet savers, mainly because in 1987 he ordered a brand new white Turbo-T with a blue interior.

He specifically ordered the traditional rubber floor mats based on his experience that the carpeted mats become quite nasty.

On the original Car Guide he checked option "B32" and "B33." which would be for the cheaper rubber GM floor mats. He said back then dealers would rather sell the carpeted floor mats as accessories, since they could mark them up over the suggested list price for a little added profit.

A few days after he placed his order, the dealership received a Buick DCS (Dealer Communication System) message from the Buick zone office in Charlotte, NC. It said simply "B32 Front carpet saver and B33 rear carpet savers not available with LC2 3.8 turbo engine. Please revise your order."

The Sales Manager told him that he had called the zone office because he had never seen this message before. He was told the Turbo package was "supposed to have come with special carpeted floor mats with the Power Six logo," but these got canceled before the start of production! The order bank computers had not been updated during that time.

Chris then ended up ordering the rubber floor mats separately as a GM accessory. He still has the Window Sticker to his car and it does not list the B32 and B33 floor mats, which did get canceled. Nor do the codes appear on his trunk ID label. He seems to think if this is true for all 1987 Turbo models that it was impossible to order during production the B32 and B33 rubber-style floor mats.

I am thinking that the special floor mats that were planned with the Power Six logo probably got canceled because the G-body car model was being discontinued with the1987 model. The replacement front-wheel-drive models would take a different size carpet saver because of no transmission hump.

As we showed in Photo 4 in last week's Inner Circle (9-12-2012), Buick did do embroidered mats for some of the front-wheel-drive Buick models in the late 1980s. Unfortunately for us Turbo Regal owners, the project never went into production for the G-body models.


I made an interesting discovery the other week at one of the huge “You Pull Yards” that boasted they had 10,000 cars in their yard. I spent two days there just going through the GM cars!

PHOTO 1 - In the top left photo we show a Park Avenue coupe with the roadster-style top. According to my books, they only made the coupe models for just a few years during the 1980s with the front-wheel-drive format. The lower photo shows the hood liner, which is very similar to the one Buick installed in all the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals. It's the only other 1980s Buick model I have ever seen with any logo on the hood liner. The top right photo is the most interesting. I was able to save the rear carpet savers from this Park Avenue.

These are the plush mats that match the actual carpet. If you own a 1987 Turbo-T Limited, your car has the plush upgraded molded carpets. I have never seen matching plush-style carpet savers in a Limited. The only difference is these rear mats are slightly larger than the G-body floor mats. These measure 14 inches by 18 inches. This is the first set of the plush-style Buick carpet savers I have ever seen.

My Buick Price Directories don’t list any special code for the Regal Limited carpet savers. So, although Turbo Regal Limiteds received the plush carpets, it appears you could only get the regular-type carpet savers with the regular pile carpets. I see nothing in the Buick Price Directory showing any other carpet saver available other than the codes we discussed.



VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER - NO DRILLING REQUIRED -

Until recently we only offered 2 brake replacement options. The rebuilt factory 1985-1987 powermaster brake system (Part #7021), and a brand new vacuum brake system for the 1985-1987 Turbo Regal (Part #7044), which required buyers to re-drill the brake pedal to make it function.

Recently we became aware of a rebuilt complete vacuum brake booster system that does not need the brake pedal re-drilled. This supplier replaces the actual rod with a modified rod, so you do not have to remove your brake pedal to re-drill it.

This vacuum brake system is totally rebuilt, tested, has a manufacturer's warranty, and is 100% complete with everything you need. This supplier has been making this custom power brake system specifically for the Turbo Regals for almost 20 years. This system is almost $150 less than the new vacuum brake setup we sell and there is no need to drill your original brake pedal.

Now we have three options for a replacement brake system.

PHOTO 2 - Shows the rebuilt vacuum brake assembly we now offer. It is complete with the special vacuum block with port and vacuum hose. (See new Products in this issue, Part #7454.) This is the unit to go with, if you are on a budget. Plus there is no need to remove your original brake pedal or re-drill it. We have sold several of these rebuilt powermaster brake units already.


Recently I attended a small car show that was about five miles from our home.

PHOTO 3 - In the top photo we show what appears to be an old-style trunk in the back of this 1940 Ford Coupe. In the lower photo you can see the inside of the wooden trunk and how it is used to cleverly hide the fuel cell that normally would be very visible in the back of the car. Adding to the vintage touch, there is a smaller matching trunk in front of the larger one.


This next group of photos shows how one owner combined his love for toy trains and love for his PT Cruiser, making it all in one display.

PHOTO 4 - The top photo shows an old-style train airbrushed on both sides of the hood of this PT Cruiser. The detail is excellent and the shape of the hood is perfect for depicting the train. The lower photo shows a complete train layout that the owner has built on the rear package shelf on his PT Cruiser. He even has it running. It’s Z scale, the smallest train scale they make.



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - ORIGINAL AC DELCO REBUILT MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR - Part # 7045

For years we have been selling these rebuilt 100% correct 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Rebuilt Original AC Delco Mass Air Flow Sensors, Part #7045.

We now can LOWER the price to just $119.95. Plus, if you have an original one and send it back to us, you get a Letter of Credit for $25 as long as it is a good core.

While several reproductions are currently available, the one we offer is original. It's important to note ours is original and has "AC Delco" logo embossed on the top, which is visible in the car. Also, ours has a manufacturer's 90-day warranty. Calibrations on these rebuilt ones are correct for original applications.

Original parts will always be the top choice over any reproduction, especially for those wanting to keep their car original.

Here is a link to this Mass Air Flow Sensor on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/131/REBUILT+ORIGINAL+AC+DELCO+MASS+AIR+FLOW+SENSOR+%237045.html




NEW PRODUCTS -


1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal -
REBUILT COMPLETE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER KIT

We carry this rebuilt complete vacuum brake booster kit, which has a correct specified rod so you do NOT have to drill a hole in the factory brake pedal.

This company uses a special designed rod, which eliminates the need to drill the original brake pedal. This unit has a 9" diameter booster. The booster is painted cast iron grey. This booster uses the same factory holes in the firewall as the powermaster.

This supplier has been making this special unit for Turbo Regals since the early 1990s. They use all premium quality U.S. made rubber seals and diaphragms. Each casting is precision machined to pass 100,000-stroke life cycle test.

All units are factory tested for quality assurance and carry a full one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Since nothing gets cut or drilled related to the original powermaster, the original powermaster can be re-used should you want to convert back to the factory set up at a later date.

Installation should only be done by a qualified mechanic, making sure the system is operating properly under all conditions.

Your best option is always to stay with the factory GM powermaster brake system.

For our rebuilt powermaster brake unit, See our Part # 7021 - 1985-1987 Turbo Regal - Rebuilt Powermaster Brake Unit.

However, if you have a STOCK engine, there is adequate vacuum to switch over to a vacuum brake system. Here are 2 options: Our Part # 7454 - Rebuilt Complete Vacuum Brake Booster Kit or our Part # 7044 - Brand New Complete Vacuum Brake Booster Kit.

A vacuum brake system is NOT recommended for a Turbo Regal with a modified engine or one with a performance cam because vacuum levels are greatly reduced, which could cause braking problems.

NOTE - We recommend this vacuum brake booster be installed by a qualified mechanic.

NOTE - If you send us your original powermaster brake unit, you will receive a Letter of Credit for $100. Unit must be 100% complete with the brake switch and brake bowl.

7454 - 1985-1987 Buick Turbo Regal - Rebuilt Complete Vacuum Brake Booster Kit - $349.95 + $23 shipping = $372.95



1986-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
“UD LOSE” REAR WINDOW THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS INSERT

This lens insert fits into the third brake light in the rear window of any 1986-1987 Buick Regal.
The words “UD LOSE” shows up when you apply the brakes.

Insert measures approximately 5-3/4" x 1-1/4", is produced on special clear material to avoid yellowing, and is not affected by heat. Lens insert is easy to install. It simply slips in behind the red third brake light lens.

7453 - 1986-1987 Buick Regal (All Models) -
“UD LOSE” Rear Window Third Brake Light Lens Insert - $6

Here is a link to this insert on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/44014/UD+LOSE+REAR+WINDOW+THIRD+BRAKE+LIGHT+LENS+INSERT+%23+7453.html



1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal & 1989 Anniversary Turbo Trans Am-
TR-6 HIGH TECH IGNITION SYSTEM &
CUSTOM-CUT HIGH PERFORMANCE GREY PLUG WIRE SET

To fully understand this part and to learn more about this new TR-6 High Tech Ignition System, click on this website thread - http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/tr6-ignition-system-now-available.377791/

It was developed by Bob Bailey, the company behind some of the most popular products that diagnose the 1986-1987 Turbo Regals, including the popular Scanmasters (Part #6783) and Translators (Part #7326).

His latest product is called the “TR-6 High Tech Ignition System.” It is the most advanced ignition upgrade available for the 1986-1987 Turbo Buick Regal. It is plug-in compatible with the powertrains found in all the 1986-1987 turbo intercooled engines, as well as the 1989 Anniversary Turbo Trans Am models.

Here is a list of the advanced features this ignition upgrade includes:

Advanced 32bit Microprocessor.
Selectable wastespark or sequential (coil-per-plug) ignition.
Uses late model powerful "smart coils."
Two-Step Rev limiter built in, can use "pills" to set the RPM.
LEDs for critical signals and sensors.
Full signal and sensor diagnostics, error LD and display on tachometer.
Safety mode shuts down engine if unsafe signals or sensors are detected.
Cam sensor phasing can be displayed on the tachometer.
Software is updateable by the user.
Heavy, die-cast aluminum enclosure, powder coated.
Fully plug-and-play with the vehicle harness.
Mounts in the coil pack stock location.

NOTE - We recommend this ignition kit be installed by a qualified mechanic.

NOTE - We also sell these plug wire sets separately, Part #7444.

7442 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal & 1989 Anniversary Turbo Trans Am -
TR-6 High Tech Ignition System - $495

7443 - 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal & 1989 Anniversary Turbo Trans Am -
TR-6 High Tech Ignition System & 1986-1987 Buick Turbo Regal with Stock-style Coil using the TR-6 High Tech Ignition System - Custom-Cut, High-Performance Grey Plug Wires Set - $525

Here is a link for these two items on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7444&submit_button=



1982-1987 Buick Regal -
Reproduction REAR Bumper Impact Cushion & Thread Cutting Nuts (25) Pack, Part #7450.

Remember, you can save $30 if you purchase the new reproduction rear Bumper Impact Cushion before Monday October 8th, 2012.

We offer two options to save you shipping. You can pay for it now and pick it up at our Open House on Saturday, October 6th, 2012 or you can pay for it now and I will bring with me on Saturday September 22nd, 2012 at the East Coast Buick Regionals at Cecile County Dragway in Maryland.

Here is the link to view the Bumper Impact Cushion and Thread Cutting Nuts on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7450&submit_button=



VERY URGENT REQUEST - WE NEED POWERMASTER BRAKE CORES ! ! !

Once again we find ourselves needing complete powermaster brake cores. By complete we mean they must have a brake bowl, switch, and reservoir with lid. They can't look like they have been sitting 6 months in the local river.

You must email me direct - [email protected] - if you can help us help others.

For a limited time, we will issue a $125 Letter of Credit towards any of our website parts. Shipping by mail is the cheapest method to send it to us. If you are sending it by mail, you must use our PO Box in the address - Kirban Performance Products, P.O. Box 1199, Plumsteadville, PA 18949-1199. You MUST include your name, full address and a note explaining this is a core for the $125 Letter of Credit in the box. Do not send anything until you first email me, so we have a record of what units to expect.

This $125 Letter of Credit deal expires once we get ample cores. We still need more complete cores! We still need more cores.

Remember if you are planning on going to the East Coast Buick Regionals and Fast Event at Cecil County Dragway, this coming Friday and Saturday September 21st and 22nd I will be there Saturday to take any cores for credit. Saves you shipping!



WE HAVE ANOTHER GNX DASH AVAILABLE -

This dash is just like the GNX. It has all new Stewart Warner gauges with sending units as needed. It includes a new upper speedometer cable, directions with a copy of the original AS blueprints, a good used original gauge bezel, new applique, most important a pre-cut stock dash bezel. In other words, this is a complete kit ready to install. You do not have to cut any part of your dash, you simply remove your dash and drop this one in. All the gauges are all pre-fit properly.

The only item you will have to buy to complete it is the proper plug-and-play harness, which is available from World of Motorworks. You have to specify if you have an analog dash or a digital dash when you order the harness.

The price for this complete GNX-style dash is $1,995 plus shipping.



REPRODUCTION GNX SUSPENSION - NOW AVAILABLE -

Pete Hoffman has a limited number of the reproduction GNX Suspension Systems available. These are the Richard Clark systems that he has had made locally.

They are nearly exact to the originals, down to the welds and material used. They come with complete detailed instructions.

Limited availability!
Call or email Pete 215-778-1036
[email protected]



ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION WORKS -

Got any turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit. Simply email me a list - [email protected].

Also, we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.



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

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



2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS -


2012 EAST COAST BUICK REGIONALS and FAST EVENT -
SEPTEMBER 21st and 22nd, 2012 - Friday & Saturday
Cecil County Dragway, Maryland
Event is open to all models of Buicks

Featuring the 2nd Annual MAGNA (Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association) All Buick-powered judged Car Show! All Buick's! All years! All makes!

Goodie bags for the first 50 Buicks in the show. Door prizes all day and 50/50 to win some cash. The ONLY ALL-Buick car show on the east coast!

For more information, contact Doug Dougherty - 302-653-2201 or John Csordas - 914-447-6068 or email questions to - [email protected] - or - [email protected]
Visit their website - http://tristategsclub.com

I plan to attend the East Coast Buick Regionals as a vendor on Saturday only. If you have any powermaster cores, or mass air flow sensor cores, you can bring them to give to me and save the cost of shipping it to us. Also, if you purchase the new reproduction Rear Bumper Impact Cushion ahead of time, I can bring it to this event and save you shipping!



KIRBAN PERFORMANCE PARTS - FALL OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY - OCTOBER 6, 2012 - 9 am - 3 pm - RAIN OR SHINE

FREE Yum Yum Donuts & Coffee (while supplies last), Door Prizes, M&M GUESS Contest

ZDDPlus™ will be on sale. Our newest products will be on display and available for sale. Dennis Kirban and Pete Hoffman will have used parts for sale. Kirban's personal white Turbo-T will be on display.

Save 5% on in-stock catalog items - Save shipping on purchases - If you’re planning to come and purchase specific items, call at least one week in advance and have our staff hold them aside for you to be sure we will have what you need that day.

Be sure to bring any parts you want to trade. It's an excellent time to bring any cores to cash in for parts credit.

Additional Vendors - Pete Hoffman - Paul Castle WORLD OF MOTORWORKS

Here is a link to the Open House information on our website.
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/inner_circle.php?nak=203



2012 GS NATIONALS -
OCTOBER 17-20, 2012 - Wednesday - Saturday
Beach Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Racing is FREE on Wednesday, October 17th. The correct dates are October 17-20, 2012. Because of the reschedule, they have negotiated FREE racing on Wednesday, October 17th. This includes "everyone" who comes thru the gate and pays the usual nominal entrance fee. There is NO usual additional charge to race your Buick powered cars on Wednesday.

The BCA (Buick Club of America) will be joining the GSCA event. This combination will make for a well-rounded event featuring all kinds of Buicks. This is one fall event you do not want to miss!

In addition to having representatives from Reynolds Buick of Wes Covina CA in attendance, it appears we also may have Jim Bell of Kenne-Bell fame also in the house. Don Reynolds Buick sponsored Pop Kennedy's unbeatable Buick's starting in '59 thru the early 60's.

Also scheduled to be in attendance & possibly racing is famed CA Buick racer Fred Caitlin. Reynolds Buick will be celebrating their 100th anniversary as a Buick dealer and will be highlighted & honored during the event. Add to this, the presence of BCA members attending, should offer additional interest & fun at the event.

Once again we will be attending this national event as we have every year since 1988. Pete Hoffman and of course Richard Clark will be there also.



EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any of the Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions - http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km



IN CLOSING - Remember, mark your calendar - Saturday, October 6th, 2012 for our Fall Open House!

Also, I plan to attend the East Coast Buick Regionals in Maryland, but only on Saturday, September 22nd as a vendor. If you have any powermaster or mass air flow sensor cores, please bring them to this event for a Letter of Credit. This will save you shipping them.

Also, if you purchase the new reproduction rear bumper impact cushion in advance, I can save you shipping and deliver it to this event. We will have a small array of new parts and used parts available at this event. Hope to see many of you there.

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