.02 from a guy with a Gearvenders...

first, as was said above you don't have to fabricate anything to run a GV unit it bolts right up. Second, a C-6 and a GV are both stronger than an AOD. Third, I've had 3 vehicles with AOD's and they suck, period. I've never had a "built" one however just stock stuff in Ford products. One was an 87, one a 2001 and one 2004. They did everything poorly but in fairness never broke completely. Most of the time I drive with the OD locked out.

Finaly regarding fuel economy, I doubt OD makes much difference in an FE since I still get around 10 mpg. I never ran the car without the OD so I have no base line but it don't seem like it could be much. I run 3X2 so I'm on the small primary most of the time. It is much nicer cruisin' with 3.7's however.

JMO, Mark

Have;
1965 Custom T-Bird 428 C-6
1994 Lincoln Mark VIII (for sale)
2004 F-150 FX4
1969 XKE (new project)
Had;
1987 Mark VII (200K miles)
2001 F-250 Lariat(ripped off and sold)