In order to get your reaction times down, you're going to need to get the timing of the lights down. Go down to the track some day and sit and watch the tree. Time it so that you know exactly when the green hits. Actually, you'll probably need to stage shallow and then go on the second yellow. Play with it until you figure it out.
Also, Load up your suspension some by doing a break stand. Just make sure you don't give it too much gas and start to creep. Even trying to hold the revs at 1000-1200 rpm's will help load up the transmission. This takes up some of the slack and lets you leave quicker.
Good luck, and let me know how it turns out. Don't get too frustrated with the AOD. I always wanted a 5 speed (maybe my next car...no wait, that's going to have to be a built C-4 in order to hold that 650 hp from my next motor
), but I got an AOD and after building it up, I am very pleased. I can take almost any 5 or 6 speed off the line on street radials simply because I don't spin. My car skips the tires perfectly all the way through 1st (that fine line between spinning and not spinning), and then it hooks completely at the end of 1st and is gone. I've raced couple of Z28's and I've pulled at least two car lengths almost immediately off the line. After that, it's up to their motor to catch me.
Good luck and just have fun with it. As far as converters go, Precision Industries is the best out there. Don't settle for cheap crap when you get a converter. The money you pay is definately worth it here (read...no breakage). Lentech and PA also make a good converter.
--nathan
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--silver_pilate
'91 GT, Built 306, Wolverine 1087 cam, ported Windsor Jr. Irons, and all the goodies...click the link to the left to see a full list of my mods...
Tried and True 302 Being Built to Outrun You! heh heh heh...
--Texas Panhandle--
Check out my site