Oh, Brian; I thought of one more caveat. I believe on the 722.3 tranny that 1st gear brings the B4 clutches into play, just as it does when shifting into reverse. These clutches are the first thing to wear out in this tranny, just from shifting to reverse in normal use. If the car started in 1st every time, it might mean engaging the B4 clutches much more often. Could this be a possible wear issue? Perhaps not, as banging into reverse from Park or Drive probably puts much more slip on them than downshifting from a forward gear (2nd) when slowing down. Just an observation, certainly nothing that should halt the project. And those clutche plates are relatively easy to replace - if of course you have the tranny on the workbench.

DG