I guess 2nd gear start is better, but I always used to start in 1st, right or wrong, no issues, FMVB 727, front of the water, ease down half way and shift 2nd/3rd immediately, tach used to settle on 4800>5000 and with a small amount of smoke from the 14x32 Hoosiers I'd just let off the lock and ease out the throttle gentle or stay in it for some showtime now and again...484hp 440, 4.88's..You shouldn't need to get anywhere near a rev limiter.