Thanks Daze57.
Well, I got it back from the mechanic today... Engine problem was not the head gasket... it was the intake manifold gasket. Mechanic had to replace the spark plugs, oil and coolant too. They did not find anything wrong with the tranny, except a stupid mistake on my part. I connected a vacuum line from the engine to the breather hose on the transmission... I was sucking tranny fluid into the engine and burning it. duh, me stupid
I would never have found that.
If any of you guys in the Phoenix area ever need an excellent mechanic, I highly recommend ATD Automotive!! They are off of 2010 W Parkside Lane #126. I drive all the way from the east valley to see them.