I always just leave it in drive and raise it to 1200. But recently, a few kids told me to shift it manually. I have a 350 TPI with a 700R4. Where should I shift to second? Third?... Do you suggest this at all? Thanks.

ALWAYS get the jump!

And I would play with your shift points by shifting manually, see what works best.

yeah drive at a light and roll works good for me, i usually load the stock converter to get and get a good jump and then get on throttle pretty good and once the tranny shifts into second gear i wot it..

i also like to make sure no cops are around before i start to launch the car, dont need any tickets.