thanks for all the advice. i got my trans back today, fully checked, & flushed with a new bushing & a new drive hub on the converter. line pressure has been increased to help with band application so i'm told. the converter was split & checked & flushed & rewelded. hopefully it's all go. trans man didn't charge me so all is good i hope. he said he's seen the car on tv enough times so i might be hitting him up for sponsorship next season.
i think it was badly installed.