That's how to identify it, just need to figure out what year 30 splines started.

 

cant you count them when you take the torque converter off? doesnt the torque converter also have identifying markings on it? you'll need those

 

https://www.motortrend.com/features/700r4-transmission-gm-automatic/

 

30 spline input shaft began in 1984 as I recall.

Look at your case. Passenger side. See if the cast curve line is there near cooler line fittins.. Kinda shaped like a camshaft lobe? That is later case. Your case may not have the cast line , which is earlier year case

 

84 is the cut over year for 27 to 30 spline, before 84 as 82-83 it will be 27. 84 you need to pull it out and count. 85 up it’s 30 spline.

Bogie

 

Hey!!! Thanks guys. I'll get it on the lift and take a look. It'll be my luck that it's a 1984, and I will have to take it apart anyway! Thanks for your help!

 

I got lucky! It's a 1986. 30 spline. I am going to order a Freakshow converter.
Thanks again guys!

 

I received my TC from Freakshow 5 days after I ordered it. That is including 2 days of shipping. Can't beat that for service on a custom TC.
Anyway, I have everything re-installed except for the TC cover. This TC has an aluminum base. I'm not sure what the torque value should be. The fastener is metric. Takes a 15 mm socket. I'm not good with metric hardware. Looks slightly bigger than a 3/8" bolt. Anybody got any idea of the torque value? Also, should a blue Loctite be used in this application?
I would call Freakshow, but it is Sunday evening, and I would like to finish this up.
Thanks for any info.

 

15mm head is 10 mm bolt. Torque values are just a hair higher than what you'd use for 3/8" SAE.
I'd use some blue or orange loctite...not red though..

 

Thanks ericnova72! Now I can finish it up and see where and how hard this new
TC hits.