Folks

Need some advice from the wise.

I have been going through my '97 tour section by section since I picked it up in October '04. Now I have come to the ATX with 127K on it. A full drop and power flush has been performed, driven with improved shifting and response for 1500 miles, then a Hayden Cooler (600 series)installed, and a drop and refill on fluid. Dropped fluid looked pretty good, still rose in color but fairly turbid (no metals).

I should say that at this time the shifts are fine and the trans feels plenty strong both at regular driving and when it gets romped at high speed, although at 70 plus mph, there "feels" to be an occasional "miss" which I believe may be TQ slip.

Car is now code free (780 miles)and has never thrown a tranny code, purchased with CEL lit from original owner whom I know. Stated it had been on for over a year and all Ford kept doing was replacing O2 sensors and clearing. (Fixed with Manifold, TB, EGR, PCV, and Diff sensor cleaning). I am building to serve primarily as a zippy daily driver (Suburban costs too much to fuel anymore).

I have researched the archives and it appears that the Trans-go shift kit and a new valve body may be all that is needed to assure longevity. I am not sure where I am at on HP, but have added KKM intake, SHO Y-pipe with HiFlo Cat, SVT exhaust w/o resonator. Still to go SVT TB, 3X UIM, and '00 SVT LIM, upgraded injectors, change out SVT mufflers to Magnaflows, chip.

Questions:

1.) Am I on the right track or have I missed something?

2.) How difficult is the CD4E jr kit and VB work w/o a pull?

3.) How accurate (I am a bit edgy about all the drilling, chamfering, etc)

4.) Is this something that is best performed by a reputable tranny shop?

5.) Is the cost of special tools vs labor a wash?

So far all the work has been in my garage, but I have never done any tran work, except for filter and vacuum booster on any car.

I appreciate your feedback.

jkr2wld '97 LX 2.5 ATX Vibrant White