As AOD type trans are very susceptible to heat damage, a good plate type cooler plumbed downstream of the trans cooler is nearly a must for any hi perf use. Also, a trans oil temp gauge is very good. For every 10 degrees max trans temp over 170, your trans fluid life is cut in 1/2! A synthetic fluid is very highly recommended as it has higher
heat tolerance plus more additives. for regular fluid, esp plus temps over 170, you need to change fluid OFTEN, esp if racing. Like every 10k miles. If you keep your fluid temps down, and esp w/synthetic, you can extend that upwards of 30K, or 50k if not a whole lot of racing. This is all per a gen ford auto trans engineer. Also, while you've got the pan off, check your 2-3 shift accumulator. It's in the bottom of the case (not in the vb) just ahead of the vb on the driver side. Stock ones are notorious for leaking, further reducing line pressure and causing more slip, wear, and heat in the trans. Newer electric versions of the AOD have the good style rubber molded accumulator that can be used, or you can get good ones like art carr's "zero leak" 2-3 accumulator. Carr's is about $35. check out a good AOD tech article at
www.tccoa.com (tech articles, "trans 101") Tells you all about making AOD's last.