finally getting set to start up the newly rebuilt L82 engine in my 78 silver anniversary paint 4 speed and I
was wondering if it makes any difference and if I use extended life antifreeze or just regular prestone? any suggestions out there on this and initial start up would be greatly appreciated. Also I been told that this being a four speed L82 silver aniversary paint is a fairly rare bird any data on this would be also helpful thanks!!

The factory extended life coolant caused many clogging problems with regard to the a/c, heater, and radiator. It would to turn to a gel like substance over time and clog just about anything in path.
I don't know about the new stuff, but after having been through these problems and repair/replace bills, I'm staying with the old stand-by with a change/flush every year.

Joe, did someone mix the Longlife and standard antifreeze in your car? It will gel when mixed. But it would have to be pretty bad to gel by itself.

The long life does last longer, sometimes. But it does get dirty, and needs changed anyway. It often does not go the 5 years.

I agree. I would just uses the standard stuff and change it every two years. If you want to go a step up, go to NAPA and get the green antifreeze that is acid and electrical neutral. Cost a bit more but does not break down as quickly. Again, I just flush all of my cars.

Just read a interesting article( entitled Coolant Confusion) from Motor magazine that attempts to explain the various coolants. Got my head spinning, but then it doesn't take too much to do that.

It references their web site as www.motor.com

Take a peak, if you get a chance

NJ BB Ken