104,000 miles and my Transmissions(?) goes?

[zombiegeisha]

For one, ever since I've had my car (bought in new in 07, automatic transmission), it likes to takes-off whenever I'm coming out of the light.

I just thought it was the cars' peppiness. Now I'm wondering, is it due to a defective transmission?

Maybe it's my torque converter?

I drive 50 miles everyday for work on the highway in Florida. Yesterday it was especially angry.

It would feel lazy, like the e-brake was pulled up, more noticeably at each interval starting at 40 then 60 then 80.

This morning it seemed better, it started to get angry when I hit 75-80mph. It also gave that friction-metal smell around that point. A similar smell happens when I would punch the motor (not that I'd do it often, but I-95 sometimes causes you to do so). Have you guys had this smell happen when you punch it?

I'm so sad right now. I love my putt-putt.

Anyone have a similar problem? Other ideas are the VVTI or maybe the ECM?

No check engine light. Advance Auto has the trouble code reader for free. Planning on taking it over there for that after work.