Thanks for all the info, guys!! Yes, it's a reverse pattern, and I remember John Cope talking me into the LBA aspect of it.. I think I also got upgraded clutches, kevlar bands and koleans steels, in addition to the low 1st gear set from him ... I had no idea what any of it meant, but it sounded like it was 'necessary' to build a solid trans for the car.
I also put in a 2800rpm stall converter .. so the trans is more high performance than my engine, at this point!

Thanks for the explanations to my rookie questions without making me feel like an imbecile - it was a little embarrassing asking questions about how to drive an automatic transmission!!!

So - Never downshift to 1st unless I'm at a dead stop is rule #1 !!
If doing a burnout, start in 2nd gear is rule #2
Drive it like I stole it is rule # 3