Greetings Turbo Regal Inner Circle Members 11-25-2020 -
CLICK HERE - To see this Inner Circle and photos on our website.
THANKSGIVING SCHEDULE -
We will be closed tomorrow Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th, 2020.
Orders can be placed online through our website and will be filled the following Monday, November 30th, 2020.
Wishing all our customers a safe and healthy Thanksgiving!
URGENT REQUEST -
We need good used 1986-1987 Turbo cores badly. We have had a recent uptick in sales of stock rebuilt and TA49 turbos. Each 1986-1987 turbo core is now worth $175 Letter-of-Credit to us. The letter-of-credit can be used against any of our website parts with no deadline. This helps us help other owners build their Turbo Regal either with a stock replacement turbo or the TA49 version. Without a constant flow of usable cores we can’t offer our customers these two turbos.
Ship Your Turbo to:
KIRBAN PERFORMANCE
529 Haycock Run Road
Kintnersville, PA 18930
Be sure to include your info. Christina will record your credit to use against any of our website parts.
PAUL CASTLE HEALTH ISSUES -
I just learned this past weekend that Paul Castle which many of you know has had some serious health issues related to diabetes. He would appreciate your prayers. He recently had 3 toes removed from his left foot. He is limited to a wheelchair. He is home bound for at least 8 weeks on IV’s. He loves to read. Please send him any car magazines that you may have laying around. Or email him some words of encouragement. His email is [email protected] His address is: Castle Performance, 9000 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513.
BREAKING NEWS PYPES EXHAUST SYSTEMS -
We are getting a few Pypes exhaust systems hopefully next week. The problem is due to the virus and restrictions imposed they won’t allow pick ups at the warehouse. I have to pay to have them crated and trucked to our location which increases the cost factor. This new price may not be on our website. Call our office 215-766-1611 to see if we have any available and the current price.
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -
Our annual Christmas Specials will be listed in the December 2, 2020 Inner Circle. Watch for the list. We will also have our annual M&Ms contest just prior to Christmas. Remember we do not do a weekly Inner Circle the Wednesday between Christmas and New Years.
TURBO REGAL, GSX, AND GS BLACK POWDER COATED STAINLESS LICENSE PLATE FRAMES WITH TAGLINE DECAL UPDATE -
These are now available for ordering. These are now on our website with a full description for each of these first 9 taglines we have. We are working on other taglines related to other popular cars. If you want to order any, call our office - 215-766-1611.
PHOTO 1 - We show each of the new taglines related to the Turbo Regal, GSX, and the GS. We have 9 different ones to choose from. We have noted which ones are in 2 colors. Also the actual font style varies as well. Example the font style for the High Output V6 matches the 3.8 SFI hood emblems font style.
CLICK HERE - For the link to these License Plates and Decals on our website.
TWO UPGRADES TO CONSIDER OVER THE WINTER -
If you store your Turbo Regal for the winter it is a good time to have your stock original alternator rebuilt. The turn around on our end is 2 to 3 days tops. After 30 plus years your stock alternator can look pretty bad. All the internal parts are brand new and the best part is you retain your original date coded alternator. Our part number is #7317.
Another worthy upgrade that is an improvement over the original is the mini starter we sell. Besides providing more torque it is 10 pounds lighter than the stock one! This one weighs 8 ½ pounds and the original weighs 18 lbs! Also being smaller gives you more room in the engine compartment area for headers. The one we sell has steel gears not plastic gears!
PHOTO 2 - We show an original 30 plus year old alternator and one redone alongside it. The other photo shows our popular mini starter. It comes with new grade 8 bolts. The other photo shows the popular mini starter we sell.
SPEAKING OF ALTERNATORS -
In the 1950s and early 1960s cars used generators first 6 volt then 12 volt. If you're my age you remember them quite well. My buddy who rebuilds our alternators came across two very rare generators. They are for a 1956 thru 1962 Corvette. The one was never rebuilt. It still had the metal Delco Remy metal tag with the date code on it. What is cool and something I never realized is owners had to oil the bearing in the generator otherwise it would dry out and squeal. The one end plate of the housing has a capped end on it that you would open and drip oil in to keep the bearing lubricated.
I wonder if it said in the Corvette owners manual back then that the bearing in the generator needed to be oiled periodically? You learn something every day!
PHOTO 3 - The first photo shows all the parts all rebuilt to go into this extremely rare Corvette generator. The second photo shows the one end of the housing with the new sealed bearing alongside the badly rusted bearing that appears to never have been lubricated. According to the original Delco Remy tag the date is February 11th 1958. These units were heavy. It weighs 22 pounds. My buddy will be selling it. He wants $750 for it. He also found another core where the housing will work on the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal. It puts out 195 amps at idle 225 to 250 once above idle. The pulley is a 2 inch meaning you would have to get a smaller serpentine belt. The stock pulley is a bigger diameter. Email me [email protected] for price.
SPI/SPID/TRUNK ID LABEL UPDATE -
We recently heard from Howie Chercoe out of San Diego, California. At the young age of 23 while residing in Canada he ordered a brand new 1986 Grand National. He ordered it special with every option. The price tag in Canadian dollars for his new 1986 Grand National was $20,855. He kept the invoice but threw out the window sticker! He has been a long time customer of ours. In 1996 he moved to San Diego, a far nicer climate for his 1986 Grand National. Howier enjoys his Grand National which has about 100,000 miles on it.
His SPI label has 95 codes! Has a factory astro roof. Engine block heater, twil sentinel and the headlight reminder feature. In looking at his SPI label he has the aluminum bumper supports as well. It may not be possible to hit triple digits (100) SPI codes. Being a Canadian car the speedometer and odometer are in kilometers and the climate control is in Celsius not fahrenheit. The electronic touch control option had a $900 price tag in the 1986 Regal. Was more popular with the higher end Buick models in 1986. The code for this option is C68. He also got the high dollar radio UX1 for $494. He also got the trunk kit option B48 which was only $47. At a quick glance I believe Howie got every possible option available for the Grand National in 1986. It may be possible for a T-Type, or Turbo-T or maybe a Limited you could get more than 95 codes total. Hitting the 100 mark may not be obtainable.
PHOTO 4 - We show on the left (VIN blocked out) copy of his SPI label. Note the wording across the bottom is all in French! Also the second photo shows the original label referring to the recommended fuel to use. Under it the wording appears in French. I was fortunate in High School. I had to take the first year of French but if you failed you did not have to take it the following year! An easy out for someone like me that had no interest in learning another language!
THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL -
Fortunately at my age 73 and for most of the current vendors the wave of electric powered cars should still remain a small segment of the market for another dozen years or so. GM announced by 2024 they hope to have 30 different electric powered vehicles! It was not that many years ago I never even saw a Tesla in my area. Now I see several every day. I may be wrong, but I don’t see a collector market being built around the new electric cars. The buyers of those cars see the car as a means to get from point A to point B. You can easily point to other businesses that were once popular, but disappeared when major upgrades came along. Remember blockbuster? Feeding dimes into pay phones? The automotive industry is quickly changing which at some point will affect the collector market.
Makes me wonder what companies like mine and others based on the G Body cars would have been marketing back in the early 1900s as the horse and buggy was being phased out and gas powered cars were just in their infancy. When I was in the GTO business one of the parts I got made for all the GTOs was the various clutch springs. I found a company near me that made all my clutch springs. Later in 1996 they would make the very first reproduction Turbo Regal grille springs that we used to sell. Now they are made by another company. It wasn’t til I started to deal with them that I realized their history. They are credited with being the very first company in American to make springs! The year was 1850! Their first product was flat suspension springs for buggies! They have a remarkable history starting in 1850 and still going strong 170 years later under the same company name.
GM UPDATE -
Related to my above article, I just read that GM is offering $300,000 to $500,000 to any of their 880 Cadillac dealers who is not down with GM’s ambitious plans to make Cadillac an all-electric brand. GM plans to have by 2030 to be completely out of the internal-combustion engine business altogether as GM’s standard-bearer.
DANNY SMITH RIP -
I just got word this past weekend from Steve Kaminski that Danny Smith passed away due to kidney failure and Covid 19. Danny was 70 years young. I remember him quite well from Camden, NJ was well known in this area for building turbo regal engines. Huge guy I used to tell him he never needed a hoist to lift the engines. Steve said he also built several Hemi engines for him as well. A very talented machinist and engine builder.
UNUSUAL NAME FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP -
We had a drop ship order for a Corvette company the other day. The company name is Guaranteed Brakes out of Omaha, Nebraska. They probably never worked on a powermaster brake system! If they did, keeping with their business motto may be tough!
LATEST COPY OF AUTABUY MAGAZINE -
The latest issue is 159 pages. Inside listed were 2 different 1986 Grand Nationals. One with 17,000 original miles for $41 grand. Another one with no mileage listed with a $36,800 price tag. Description shows it has been modified. Also listed was a 1987 Turbo-T Limited. Description says it was specially ordered by a GM executive with every option. 26,000 miles for $43 grand including window sticker. Classic Sports and Trucks has it. Their phone number is 602-820-7395. Picture does show the car has aftermarket wheels on it. Pickings is slim for finding 1986 or 1987 Turbo Regals. My timing was right when I was buying them in the 1990s and early 2000 time frame.
REBUILT WIPER MOTOR UPDATE -
As of this writing I am not sure if we still have any available. Call our office 215-766-1611 as Christina has the actual count.
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.
URGENT REQUEST -
We need good used 1986-1987 Turbo Regal steering wheel cores! To see if your core is acceptable email me [email protected] a photo prior to sending it for $100 credit. Help us help others restore their cars. We have an urgent need for good steering wheel cores.
TIPS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE TRIED -
If you have an idea you tried and it worked be sure to let us know so we can tell our readers.
TIP FROM KIRBAN –
Remember with winter coming it's a good time to send us your original alternator to get it rebuilt and looking like new again. Turn around usually is just 2-3 days.
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 PO Box or to our old address in Plumsteadville. Instead they deliver the packages to the old address and leave them outside. 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.
EBAY SALES –
We have been placing some of our special items on ebay. Be sure to check it out.
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 $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.
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
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 3,400 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 that 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.
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 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 Inner Circle email.
The Buick Rare Parts section is only viewed by those that subscribe. Subscription is free, so complaints on what I write are nonexistent!
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 –
“A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE”
OWNER’S MANUAL HOLDER
Usually the more expensive GM cars have a nice holder for their Owner’s Manual.
Originally Buick put all the documents in a plain clear plastic bag. Since these turbo cars didn’t come with a holder in the car, we’ve designed one.
Our black vinyl Owner’s Manual holder measures 6-3/4" x 10" and fits perfectly in your glove box.
The words “A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” appear in silver below the flap.
There are two business card holders on the flap. You can insert your insurance company agent’s business card or your mechanic’s business card.
This holder is great for storing the Owner’s Manual, Warranty cards, insurance papers, service records, etc.
It also makes a great gift item for any car enthusiast.
An excellent protection for your Owner’s Manual and documents.
7918 - “A BOOST OF BUICK PERFORMANCE” Owner’s Manual Holder - $14.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to the option to order one or two fender covers.
GM LICENSED -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” FENDER COVER
The “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” logo is silk screened in white, red and tan on a 34″ x 22″ black fender cover and is GM licensed.
It is made from a non-slip PVC foam cushioned material, so it won’t slide off the fender. Because the surface is non-slip, it holds your tools in place and minimizes potential chips and scratches. It resists most automotive fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.
This recognizable logo is sure to appeal to any Buick owner. We offer it individually as Part #7547 or as a pair Part #7548.
These fender covers are a must-have addition to your garage items, and can also be stored in the trunk in case you need to protect the fenders while away from the garage.
Our photos show the fender cover flat and as it appears folded.
This fender cover also makes a unique gift for any Buick enthusiast or mechanic.
7547 - GM Licensed -
“BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Cover - $29.95
7548 - GM Licensed -
TWO “BUICK MOTORSPORTS” Fender Covers (2) - $54.95
CLICK HERE - For the link to the option to order one or two fender covers.
BUTYL TAPE - 5/16” DIAMETER 10-FOOT ROLL -
This butyl tape is black, 5/16" diameter, and comes in a 10-foot roll.
The list of uses for this product is endless. Butyl tape has a strong adhesive and excellent sealing effect. It has very good waterproof performance. It is a "tape type" sealer used by glass shops to seal windshields and rear window glass.
It is not available in most auto stores, which is why we now carry it. Its unique feature of controlled compressibility allows easy installation and yet will not squeeze out when pressed. I have been using it for a variety of projects for many years.
We include it with several of the parts we sell, such as the LED Third Brake Light and the foam filter for the wastegate solenoid. In both cases, it is used to hold the part in place. It’s ideal to fill small holes in the trunk. Buick used it to seal the quarter windows.
If you have a section of wind noise on the weatherstrip seal to the door glass, simply put a section of butyl tape between the molding and the weatherstrip to "puff" out that section of the weatherstrip. The problem is solved. If you have T-Tops and are replacing the metal T section, it’s ideal to use this between the T metal bar and the roof area.
It’s ideal to help seal any moldings in place or lose trim.
Every owner should have a roll of butyl tape in their garage or workshop.
#7919 - Butyl Tape - 5/16” Diameter 10-Foot Roll
CLICK HERE - For the link to this Butyl Tape 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 -
Wishing all our readers a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Also like all of you I give thanks for the various drug teams that have various vaccines ready to go.
Your Health is Your Wealth. A quote that carries a lot of meaning during these times where the virus seems to be gaining more momentum.