with my 340 and 10" slick i HAD to start in 1, not enough torque with a stock-esh converter.
Hit 6 grand shift to 2nt hit 6 grand shift to 3 and let it grab.
With my 408 i start out in 2n(because i can) shift to 3 and roll throttle back out to grab. same 727 and converter in both engs. when i rebuild it, it will get an alu drum, just for piece of mind... a bolt in sprag my not be a bad idea as well.
