Hello everyone!

I wanted to start a thread to document the work I have done, and will be doing on my newly acquired 86 IROC.

My first third gen (purchased october 09) was an 88 originally TBI equipped coupe, and was purchased for short money as a roller. At the time I was 19 years old and found it the perfect gap year project as I worked. Having known little about cars at the time, I jumped right in pulling apart the original blown 305, and learned a great deal about the wonderful simplicity of the Chevy small block engine. Several engines later, I finally pieced together the first power plant for the 88. Cobbled together in a hurry I found myself with an originally tb injected 305, converted over to a 4bbl carb (Edelbrock 600cfm) equipped with hooker headers. I picked up a used 700R4 for $50 of craigslist and bent up an appropriate TV/throttle bracket. That first motor ran strong for what it was, but having known little about the engines condition, and the lack of a temp gauge I soon found myself with blown head gaskets, water in the oil and a knock. After slapping in a truck 350 I was out of space and out of patience with the car. I parted with it for in May and focused on other things.

The 88 was sorely missed through the first few months of the summer and I found myself looking for a new car. The candidate had to have a solid frame and clean body as well as T-tops, as the 88 was a hard top. I was looking for a T5 equipped car originally, but I quickly stumbled upon a nice 86 (my current ride) with a beautiful tan interior. Everything was original except for the steering wheel, and there was no stereo. (which I plan to replace with an original IROC wheel) The body was solid, as well as the frame and there was no rot on the car. T-tops did not leak and despite the faded paint was in nice mechanical shape overall. The power plant was a stock TPI 305, with a 700R4 and posi (disk brake) rear end... I ended up purchasing the car for around 2k.

First thing I did to the car was try out Seafoam, and I have to tell you this stuff works wonders! I put 1/3 of the can in the oil, intake and gas and the car ran much better. Next I replaced the distributor cap, re-adjusted the timing, and put in plugs and wires to get the car running well until the planned 350 was purchased. I also had a new 2.75" exhaust installed.

This is my wish list for the car as of now:

1. Paint (Electric/Aqua blue with gold pin stripe) *IN PROGRESS*
2. Weatherstripping all around
3. sub frame connectors
4. 350 and carb conversion.
5. Sway bars and other suspension work TBD

I have an older friend (Paul Stanley in my KISS cover band lol) who has the required equipment and experience to paint the car with me using a two part urethane based paint.

pics of our progress soon, should be done by 8/20

 

Nice project you got!!