[silver_pilate]

In most street cars, you'll go slower with an AOD. That's not to say that they can't be fast, but mod for mod, 5-speeds will run faster secondary to less rotating mass.

Now, if you were running quick at the track and making a goodly amount of horsepower, then a built AOD could work towards your advantage. They shift faster and more consistantly than any 5 speed, and when you're pushing big power or running brackets, that's a definate plus. Transbrakes help at the track as well. Also, with an AOD, the pedal never comes off the floor (only way to match that in a stick is to power shift, but if you miss a gear in a heavily modified car, you could break something that way).

I'd stick to what you have unless you want to venture into some serious track racing.

--nathan