photos by: Jordan Polites
GM EFI Magazine Attends the 30th-Annual Kirban Performance Open House
What seems like the perfect way to celebrate the 30th-anniversary of the ’87 Grand National and GNX, Kirban Performance had decided to host the 30th-annual of their Open House/Reunion Celebration in grand style. It was basically a who’s who at the event bringing together many of the influential Buick enthusiasts from all over the country.
Ever since Dennis Kirban expanded his GTO restoration business into the Turbo Buick foray of high performance hardware and cosmetic styling upgrades. It was one of the first companies to do so and has maintained a strong place in the business ever since.
Despite our Buick not being ready in time for the event back in April, luckily, we were able to recruit one of our most loyal readers to document the event. It brought out a wide range of LC2-powered Regals,, a few swapped vehicles a Typhoon or two, and a few ’89 Turbo Trans Ams.
Dennis, in usual style, MC’d the event by thanking everyone involved for attending and attributing to the show. In a recent Kirban “Inner Circle” Newsletter, Dennis elaborated a bit further, HERE. They’ve also mention plenty of vendors and sponsors for helping with the event.
Vendors/donations at Kirban: Rich Warner, Shine Enterprises, has sent overboard $600 of items, Mark Huffman, TR Custom Parts — sent us 5 $50 Gift Certificates, Paul Castle, Pete Hoffman,SPECIAL THANZ TO THE FOLLOWING RAFFLE DONORS – in alphabetical order:
Auto Zone Warminster, PA branch is donating three car wash kits with buckets. This donation is made possible by Terry and Coraly (CC).
CARS LLC a set of Grand National stainless steel brake hoses.
Casper’s Electronics donated a knock gauge, flex board for analog dash, and positive battery cable ($300 value.)
Derek Freyberger is donating a hand-carved Grand National picture frame that he had a friend make. He had two of them made and is donating one for our raffle.
Brian Weaver, GBodyParts.com, is generously donating OVER $2,000 in parts. There are 14 parts, including a set of 4 reproduction Grand National Wheels (value of $1,100.)
HR PARTS N STUFF Inc., Paul Ferry, is donated a driver’s side motor mount and a crossmember kit.
Limit Engineering donated 6 T-shirts.
Lorenz Racing & Performance donated billet manual boost controllers, a hoodie, and a T-shirt.
Henry Mann donated an assortment of LED replacement house lights.
Metco Motorsports donated a pair of their lower control arms for our raffle. These are a $270 value and can be seen on my personal white Turbo-T.
Nick Micale (Arizona GN) donated four bottles of RMI-25, the radiator product that makes the engine run cooler.
OER (Classic Industries) donated four sets of Buick Regal GTA wheel center caps.
Rich Warner, owner of Shine Enterprises and a customer of ours, will be donating over $600 worth of Race Glaze products for our raffle. His website is – www.mr-shine.com or phone 1-800-677-4463.
Russ, the baker, also be made some special treats for the raffle.
Mike Barnard of Spoolfool generously donated over $800 in merchandise – a pair of front fillers $350 value) his one-piece rear filler ($370 value,) and the new radiator top plate ($125 value).
Mark Huffman, TR Custom Parts five $50 Gift Certificates.
World of Motorworks, Paul Castle, donated T-shirts and hats.
Yum Yums Donuts donated some mugs and T-shirts.
Russ and his friend Don donated three trophies that we will be awarding – LONG DISTANCE AWARD (the Buick Turbo Regal that drove the longest distance, not trailered) – KIRBAN’S CHOICE AWARD (the Buick Turbo Regal selected by Kirban’s as their overall favorite) and the TLC AWARD (the Buick Turbo Regal needing the most “TLC” Tender Loving Care.) See Photo 1 in this issue.
Donations big or small, we greatly appreciate it all! We are very happy with the tremendous response we have received among our suppliers, vendors, and competitors.
We now have over $4,000 worth of goodies contributed for our raffle prizes.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
