Gneral rule is more is NOT better. You only need a pea sized amount to spread across the surface. The Artic stuff will usually come with a plastic spreader to smooth it out after applying a pea sized amount at the center.
The 454s are timed at 4BTDC with the connector disconnected. Once connected they are generally setting at 15-16 degrees advanced at idle. If you have an OBD-1 live scan you can see what the timing is prior to pulling the distributor and use that timing as your base setting when reinstalling the...
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What!
Distilled is the safest in terms of corrosion resistance in terms of plain water. Don't know where you heard otherwise from. Do not go lower than a 30 percent coolant vs distilled water ratio.
If anything the OP needs to look at the front side of the radiator to see how clean the...