Which coolant or wetting agent?

[WCC]

I have a new rebuild 440 (bored to 496) and it runs superb. I have also flushed the radiator and rebuild the water pump so am keen to know what coolant or wetting mix you use. Temps rarely drops under 40 in winter and summer time we're in the 80s to 90s. Should I still use some anti-freeze mixed with coolant? What coolant ratios would you recommend?
Are there any specific brands that's best?

[Cuda Cody]

I think Anti-freeze does more than stopping engines from freezing.  I think it lubricates and stops corrosion too.

[YellowThumper]

I agree with @Cuda Cody the antifreeze also a lubricant.
2 cars, Challenger and Mustang  68.
Both with aluminum radiators.
Started (clean and flushed) and both corroded and rads leaked because they do more sitting than driving.
I now use this and cannot stress enough how much it is better. Long life as well. Water is so soft that it is almost impossible to not spill when pouring. Really strange how it splashes.
I was able to purchase it at Tractor Supply.

Good luck
Mike

[Brads70]

   Also in addition if your engine uses aluminum parts a sacrificial anode is a good idea. You can easily find them at any marine supply. They can take the place of your drain plug in the rad.

[71-440]

 

A anode is a good idea to keep the aluminum parts from corroding. They have them here at any auto parts stores.

[Chryco Psycho]

Evans waterless coolant is an option as well , expensive but it will last a long time & there is zero water in the system

[WCC]

Awesome, thanks for the advice gents.

[cordodge]

 I heard Honda antifreeze is great stuff, Never used it but might try it.

[Bills Auto Works]

 A 50/50 mix of  a quality anti-freeze (like pictured above) & distilled water is your best bet! Be careful when purchasing the anti-freeze, some are already mixed 50/50!!!!

  I use "Water Wetter" & it actually does what it says! About a 7 degree reduction in water temperature over just the 50/50 mix

God bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/nationwide-single-car-transport-hauling-open-or-enclosed.614419/

[YellowThumper]

  Also in addition if your engine uses aluminum parts a sacrificial anode is a good idea. You can easily find them at any marine supply. They can take the place of your drain plug in the rad.

Been on the shelf now on using an anode because with coolant I noted above. I see zero corrosion when looking into the radiator. With Prestone I would see it in just a very short time. Would be good for an experiment.
Motor, chassis has multiple grounding points as well.

[Chryco Psycho]

I won't buy Antifreeze with a 50/50 mix it is almost the same price but you are just paying for water

[YellowThumper]

I won't buy Antifreeze with a 50/50 mix it is almost the same price but you are just paying for water

[autoxcuda]

I have a new rebuild 440 (bored to 496) and it runs superb. I have also flushed the radiator and rebuild the water pump so am keen to know what coolant or wetting mix you use. Temps rarely drops under 40 in winter and summer time we're in the 80s to 90s. Should I still use some anti-freeze mixed with coolant? What coolant ratios would you recommend?
Are there any specific brands that's best?

Get a reputable coolant additive with anti-corrosive, anti-cavitation, reducing electrolysis, temperature reducing, lubricating properties.

I've used Justice Brothers Super Radiator Cooler. I've had it in for 3 year periods and radiator still looks great.

If you are running straight reverse osmosis water (grocery store). Don't use tap water. I overkill the deal with additional protection from a bottle of Justice Brothers Cooling System Protector.

Read here for a real comprehensive test of anti freeze vs. various coolant additives: http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0703_turp_cooling_system_additives/test_results.html

From the test:
"For the best in overall cooling when mixed with water alone, Justice Brothers' Radiator Cooler takes the lead. Its cruising and freeway temperatures were the lowest, which is where we spent most of our test time

[Strawdawg]

The best I have used is RMI-25 which was a favorite of heavy truckers.  It has a good lubricant package in it (much better than Water Wetter), some stuff to prevent precipitates from dropping out of the antifreeze as it gets older, a very strong wetting agent, a cleaning agent, and some dye so leaks will show up under a black light.

It's hard to find and I usually order it online.  I used to run 100% water plus 8 ozs of RMI-25 from May to November and then go back to 50-50% in the colder months. 8 ozs every six month.

It dropped water temps 12 degs on my front mount car over straight water in 100 deg weather.  Water Wetter did not have much lubricant in it and the water would start having a rusty color in about three months.

I have seen some good things about Royal Purple's Ice since they reformulated it a few years ago.