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Richard,
I can help you a little with two of your questions. Well, specifically one. :P
I recommend a transmission cooler from B&M. I installed one rated for 19,000 gross vehicle weight, and it was still pretty small. It has multiple fluid paths in case it gets clogged and cold fluid will pass through it easily. Like others before me, I installed mine in front of the air conditioning condenser. I disconnected the stock cooler completely. Putting the B&M cooler in front of the condenser takes a little doing as you have to remove the grille, all four light pods and the front bumper cover, but I think it's the best place for it.
Now, I had some transmission troubles shortly after installing the cooler. It really wasn't the cooler's fault - the tranny had 132k on it. I took it to the dealer and they disconnected the cooler I installed. According to them, the AC condenser gets really hot and would only heat up the ATF. I think that's hogwash - the stock cooler is attached to the radiator, which I expect gets much hotter. But, still, I thought you should hear their story, as well.
As for the torque converter, I have never heard of a different one being offered for the last year of SVX production (1997). As far as I know, the torque converter isn't a problem in the SVX anyway. The transmission itself has the minor issues that give it the bad name.
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