July 2017 COTM **WINNER**
#1
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July 2017 COTM **WINNER**
Congratulations, TkernIROC1986...
Once again, your hard work and dedication has paid off. The story of your car really is an interesting one, and one that myself, and probably several others can relate to. The time, the hard work, the frustration, and the satisfaction. Very cool that your '86 appears so bone stock, yet has an aluminum headed 350. Congratulations on your second COTM win, and more importantly, congratulations on building your dream car and accepting nothing less than your IROC living up to its potential.
My story with this car began in 2011 when I found it in Maryland and I just couldn't say no. I saw it appear and disappear for 3-4 months before I had enough and had to go take a look. The car had a story that you just can't make up. Early on in her life she was stolen, partially disassembled, and eventually recovered. The car was put back together with what they could find, and then sold. The car sat for nearly 15 years, untouched, in Maryland. The second owner wasn't a car guy apparently because he blew the 305 trying to drive it without checking any fluids after it sat for so long. The car was then sold to the man I bought it off of. He took out the 305 and installed an aluminum head L98 350. He used the existing TPI system and redid the multi belt pulleys to make it appear stock. He then lost interested because he couldn't get the car running right. The paint was "fresh" and had some dings, and the motor still wasn't quite right, but it was a solid starter and I bought it. I spent 3 years fixing wiring issues, coolant leaks, exhaust leaks, poor engine installation issues, electrical issues, but I finally got her running right, and man did she move.
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Passmenow (07-02-2022)
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Car: 1986 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI L98 350
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Axle/Gears: 10-Bolt Posi Disc 3.73s
Re: July 2017 COTM **WINNER**
A huge thank you to Linson for putting together COTM every month. His dedication to TGO and COTM is fantastic! Another huge thank you to GASPEDDLER for the nomination, and all of you out there that voted for my IROC. All of these cars that were nominated are well deserving of the title of COTM. A lot of work has gone into making this car so much better and it has come a long way since winning the title in 2013 as well. Recently I affended the all new Chevrolet Nationals in Carlisle PA and had the pleasure of hanging out with a ton of TGO members. It was nice putting faces to the names on here. I ended up winning second place this year in the IROC class and I was the only coupe IROC to take home an award. First and third places were both convertibles. Here are some pictures of the car at Carlisle. Enjoy! And thanks to all of you again!
Last edited by TkernIROC1986; 07-01-2017 at 07:30 AM.
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Passmenow (07-02-2022)
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Re: July 2017 COTM **WINNER**
Congrats on the COTM Travis and the 2nd place at Carlisle. Your car looks great. And as always is was great to chat with you guys.
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Car: 1986 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI L98 350
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Axle/Gears: 10-Bolt Posi Disc 3.73s
Re: July 2017 COTM **WINNER**
Thanks Steve!!! It's always a pleasure to talk to you guys and thanks for being very helpful in finding me the little trim pieces I'm always looking for. You truly are a great friend!
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Car: 1986 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI L98 350
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Axle/Gears: 10-Bolt Posi Disc 3.73s
Re: July 2017 COTM **WINNER**
Thank you everyone for all the kind words! I'm still in shock!