first auto tranny awd install, any suggestions?

[420a-t]

Sooo, I got my tranny out of my car again after installing this supposedly new one I got from a friend in the spring. Turns out, I need to replace a few of my front clutches, kickdown suervo (sp) and my reverse wasn't working, and my reverse piston (I think) was shot, so I need another one of those. The valvebody has a shift kit, full line pressure, etc.

Is there anything better than OEM to replace my front clutches (or anything) with besides IPT stuff? I mean, I have no problem buying their stuff, but if I can get some good parts cheaper than $550 I would love to do that. Are the OEM clutches alright to use? Should I just tell my tranny guy to do an OEM rebuild? I have a re-stalled converter, brand new end clutches, shift kit, full line pressure, tranny cooler with spal fan on it, etc. He wants to charge me $500 to replace all of that including labor, which seems fair. Also, when should I put two flex plates on my car? I think I have an extra one, but if I don't need it, then I don't want to unbolt it from my crank. I'm hoping for a very low 11-second car next year, so I'd like to buy once buy right.

Also, anything else I need to tell him while it's cracked open and out of my car? I'd love to not take this huge awd tranny out every few months. It sucks. Thanks.

 

[twack]

sorry i didnt see this earlier. I just did an auto swap and took pics of all to do a write up, just been busy.