If you intend to keep it as opposed to building it for resale, build it the way you want it. If it's something you plan on selling down the road, as automatic cobra will have a lot smaller interest group.
That being said ...
A good automatic in a cobra makes for a wickedly quick car that will embarrass most guys who drive manuals. Not only is it quicker, it's more reliable. And if you're making serious hp, a manual can't touch an auto when it comes to consistency. A properly setup automatic car will hook up better because it doesn't "shock" the suspension as much as a manual trans. In high hp, light weight cars such as cobras, this is what kills consistency.
The AODE is a great trans for this conversion, as it can easily handle any amount of hp you are going to make in in FFR (upwards of 600) and you can also run the Baumann TCS eliminator which gives you complete control over the shift rpms, etc. Here's some good info on it from Alternative Auto:
The Baumannator TCS allows complete calibration of all transmission events in an AODE equipped Mustang. Upshift and downshift points can be adjusted graphically as a function of load (throttle position), allowing each shift point (1-2, 2-3 and 3-4) to be tuned independently at each load point between closed and wide-open throttle. Meaning, the WOT 1 - 2 shift can be set to happen at 5800 rpm, the 2 - 3 shift at 6000, and the 3 - 4 shift at 6200. The shift points can be accurately tuned based on the vehicles power band and gearing. Overdrive (fourth gear) can be used at full throttle without any difficulty, while the inherent flexibility of the system allows tuning to avoid the constant 3-4 and 4-3 part-throttle shifting ("overdrive hunt") found with most non-electronic transmissions.
And here's a good article on it:
http://www.alternativeauto.com/waterbox/wb-archives/baumannator.html
I think it runs about $400, which is the best $$ you'll spend after you drive a car equipped with one. It also gives you the ability to electronically shift your trans (up and down) using two switches mounted on your steering wheel.
Cobra9268, that sounds like a great deal on your AOD-E setup. If I was closer to building my next car, I would speak with you about it...
Mike
PS You can also mount the cobra style shift levers on the AOD shifter platform if you just don't like the look of the auto shifter.
[ November 23, 2002, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: MikeBraddock ]