Which of these would be best for cooling my Maggie?? I read where distilled should be best bc it can dissipate heat better..? anyone have any info on this? Thanks.

 

any difference?

 

I don't know numbers, but I do remember that pure water is supposed to be much better at transfering heat than antifreeze is. The problem with water and especially distilled, or worse yet deionized water, is that it causes heat transfer inhibiting corrosion in aluminum. Antifreeze has additves just for this reason. 50% is the generally accepted mixture for best freeze protection vs. economy, the freeze point doesn't go enough lower with pure antifreeze to waste the money, and you lose even more heat absorbing ability with less water.
My opinion is that you should use a 5% mixture.

 

Subscribed... same question. And I thought the point of using distilled water over regular or tap water is that is wasn't corrosive, is that not correct?

 

It is because it doesn't leave a coating of minerals is why it is preferred. These minerals interfere with the additives in antifreeze. Either way, I don't think it's critical, I think it is GM that said if it is drinkable, it's OK for a cooling system. I still think some antifreeze is a good thing for corrosion protection, but I'm just some guy on the internet.

 

Its also known that the corrosion from the minerals in the tap water can cause pits and damage to the water jackets in aluminum heads and parts.

 

If you want the best heat transfer use de-ionized water and a product like water wetter or just straight engine-ice. It will cost you but will allow for a lower surface tension on the coolant and allow for more heat transfer.