Transmission solution - need advice

I need an AOD trans, with enough beef to handle 350-400 hp and could use some advice... PATC, TCI, B&M, Phoenix... ???

Any recommendations/horror stories for the transmission companies and their products? Are there other companies you'd recommend?

So far I see my options as:
1. buy a core and have it rebuilt ($1200 bucks for a rebuild!! The company I called won't back up their work if it's built for higher performance and that price is stupid, IMO)

2. buy a core and rebuild it myself, which I'm confident I could do but it will take me forever to get it finished, and after buying the parts I want, and tools... will it be worthwhile?

3. PATC - seems to have the best bang for the buck - more upgraded components at lower price

4. TCI, B&M - I'm more familiar with these names, higher price by a couple hundred $$

5. Phoenix - Texas company... about same price as TCI/B&M

 

I had okay luck with a TH-400 from TCI.

I had terrible luck with 4L60E transmissions on a '95 GMC I used to own. I ate up the transmission twice in the few years that I owned it. I think a 4L60E is a piece of crap and I will never buy anything with that transmission in it again. You keep getting computer error codes that say "lock up torque converter slipping". Once the lockup torque converter slips, it eats up that clutch, which turns into fine sand that clogs up everything and it starts doing all kinds of terrible things like making super harsh 1-2 shifts that feel like you've been rear ended by a Peterbuilt. Maybe it was just that one year of 4L60E transmission, but I read and heard that tons of other people with the same transmission around the same year had the same kinds of problems. I think it's just a defective design.

I think if you have a lot of power, get a TH400 which will be bulletproof, and switch rear end gears if you're trying to save gas.

I know there's probably lots of guys who had no problems with their 4L60E, but I'm just letting you know my experience with them.

A well built TH400 with a shift kit and heavy duty parts is pretty much bulletproof and shifts nice and firm. I think all the AOD transmissions are kind of whimpy in comparison.

 

I have been using "Monster Transmission" www.eatmyshift.com for my cars but unfamiliar with their other than GM trannys.