Just in case anybody else wants to know...I rang up heaps of places and found someone who has dealt with a few.
Automatic Transmissions R Us in Osborn Park
Went there and they were very helpful and seemed to know what they were talking about....concluded it was the torque convert and could cost about $1000 to $2000 to replace with new torque convert.
Seems at least 4 cars have had the same problem before that they have seen.