Sorted out my issue. Found out it was the combination of 2 things.
#1 was the new input shaft and the new flywheel bushing were tight and the input shaft was gulled up. I have a feeling this caused some drag thus not allowing full release when using the clutch. I removed the shaft during this transmission rebuild and put it on the lathe and took a fraction off of the diameter.
#2 was the slider ring for 1/2 gear. The teeth on it were rounded thus not allowing it to properly engage quickly and smoothly. I went to a Camaro / Firebird pick yard we have just 20 min away and found a new set of 1/2 and 3/4 sliders. Got them for $90 for the pair. All the other rebuild parts i put in the last rebuild time still looked good so those parts were reused. It now shifts very smooth compared to before and i can wind the thing up to 3500 in first and get her into second now with no issues.
