That's old school thinking NOS. The technology know-how is there to make the AOD a bitc$in' piece nowadays. Between people like Lentech, Art Carr, Level 10 and others, there are AODs and AODEs out there performing fantastically in both street and race applications. They may be a little pricey on first glance, but just like any other part of your car, if you want performance and durability it costs more. Go get a Mighty Mite C4 and tell me what you'll spend for the entire setup. Probably the same as a Lentech (with converter). As far as never seeing 11's, I credit my Lentech with not only PUTTING me in the 11's, but also KEEPING me deep into the 11's.
When you compare your ratios, you've also got to consider the torque multiplication that you get with the converter. On my 11.46 run this past weekend, the car went an all-time best of 1.555 in the short which is better than it ever did with the T5, and is darn comparable to the stick guys I'm racing against. O/D's not meant to be used on the track either, its a street gear meant for driveability and economy. Even a Lentech unit is limited in the HP/TQ that OD will carry. My O/D is still funtional in my Lentech but I don't use it going downtrack...lockup's another deal altogether though.
My vote goes AOD.
------------------
Jeff Chambers
Trophy Stock #3
11.462 Seconds / 117.43 MPH
Chambers Racing Team