I think the AODE is a bigger transmission in physical size and heavier. I would pick the AOD over the AODE not only due to the fact the AODE is heavier, but because it would be easier to get the AOD to hook up to ur car. There is an after market brain box for the AODE to go into older cars, but I think it gets pricey.
I should say this, the AODE is suppose to be a better transmission in terms of durability....but there are so many good aftermarket compamies dealing with the AOD, you can get it built real nice relatively cheap.
Just built the current one in my car this year (my self), with lots of help. First, any componets you may bned to put it in ur car, u should be able to find at
www.windsorfox.com. The T.V. cable is a must and is well worth the money in ease of installation... this alone not adjusted properly can fry the tranny.
this can get a little pricey, but a good torque convertor is really needed....cause you are going to loose some of your launch off the line when u get rid of the 5 speed. A good shift kit like (bauman enterpirses) is great too.
If you are really worried about durability, a valve body from lentech claims to reroute the oil passages, thus strengthening the tranny.
Unfortunately, to have a good AOD is probably going to cost more than the stick....unless you have a buddy who is good at rebuilding autos. If you choose this route, the parts in my signature are excellent.....I only recommend them cause I tried just about everything else before I came to this combo of transmission parts.
hope this helps,
Ryan