drag racing 101

hi, i am new to the drag racing world and i need some advise. this is going to sound pretty stupid to most but i need to know. i need to get a good stall converter for my duster. my question is how do they work/ how do you use them? i dont have a trans brake or line lock. i will be using foot brake only. after a burnout when ya pull up, get both yellows, and go to hold the revs up, with say a 3500 stall converter do you hold the rpms at 3500 or just below at like 3400?? i have not raced any races yet except for once last year with a stock motor and converter. my motor i just rebuilt and is now in the 450-500hp and torque range. i just dont want to look like an idiot at the starting line, because there is usually a lot of people watching. i would be very grateful for any advise i could get.:prayer: