Is there a way to differentiate between a world class T-5 and a non WC t-5 from the exterior?

Can they be identified while still in the vehicle (87 I think is the only year this would be necessary)?

 

All 87's should have non-world-class T5's. 88 was the first year.

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1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
317 RWHP, 418 RWTQ
13.23 @ 107.62 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Member: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

Yes there is a way, look at the front of the case below the input shaft for a bearing retainer that has Timken marked on it, it will be for the world class T-5.

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89 T-Top GTA 350 5-speed (soon to be 6-speed)
(Jet hot coated)1 3/4 SLP headers,flowmaster force 2,no cat's,SLP cold air,MSD 6al,march pulleys,ported plenum,air foil,B&M ripper shifter,180 stat,alston SFC,spohn LCA relocation brackets,ES LCA and Panhard bushings,free mods.

0-60 5.2s
Track Time
60' 2.049
E.T. 14.14@96.7MPH (2270 FT)
13.76@99.4MPH corrected

 

You'll have to remove the bell housing to see that bearing cover. The non-WC have a plain formed sheet metal cap. The WC-T5 have a machined cover with numbers stamped on it. An easier way to tell with it still in the car. Teh non-WC have a short vent plug at where the case of the tranny mates to the tailshaft casting. The WC-T5 have a long black plastic vent tube (about 18") in that location.