High Performance Coolants...Worth The Cost?

[Matt H.]

Hey folks,
Getting ready to do a coolant change in my 69 Camaro and I'm trying to decide if its worth ordering the expensive stuff rather than just getting what I can locally. The car has a 477 CI big block with aluminum heads, a Be Cool 700 HP aluminum radiator (this engine's estimated HP is about 540 or so) with dual SPAL electric fans. We have had some serious overheating issues with this car in the past so I try to be pretty meticulous when it comes to the cooling system, not to mention the concern of corrosion with all that aluminum. Currently I'm running Be Cool's premium coolant but this being the first coolant change with the car I have nothing to compare it to.

I've read a little about just using distilled water with Water Wetter or some other additive but I'd rather not have to flush and refill the system when it gets cold. I've looked around town for a place that carries any type of high performance coolant but no luck--I'm pretty much stuck with whatever I can find at Autozone, O'Reilly's, or NAPA.

For those of you who have tried the expensive stuff like Be Cool or Evans, how do you think it compares to the regular coolant from the box stores?

Thanks,
Matt