I have been using the first gear. I can start with second if I want. I’ve been practicing two fingered shifting and allowing the shifter knob to float. It’s sliding into gear much easier, no need to manhandle it.Gotcha, it won't really be accurate until you replace the speedo gear, I forgot about that.
You will have first hand real life bona fide results soon enough.
I bet u take off from a stop in 2nd now, from a red light for example ? With your 4.56s I mean that 1st gear.... do you still use it in normal traffic?