I'm putting in a new water pump and new 4 core radiator (I'm in South Texas, after all).

I pulled off the old water pump and as I expected the gasket was toast (it's been well over 15+ years) but I noticed that whoever owned it before used Permatex with the gasket.

1. I got a new water pump with gasket from Classic Industries, so should I also be using Permatex with this new pump?

2. I noticed a little bit of rusty water (the draining was predominantly all green with just a little bit of rust at the end trickle). Since I pulled off the pump and the radiator, is there a way to flush the motor and heater core before I put on the new components? I may have put the cart before the horse on this one.

3. What are your recommendations on a excellent coolant and has anyone used Royal Purple's Purple Ice in their cars? I'm a bit intrigued with this additive but wanted to know how effective it is.

4. I put in a coolant recovery system in the late 90s and it came with a 17 lbs closed system radiator cap. I am unsure what thermostat is in the car now (it's been in there since before I bought it in 1997). The motor is a 326, and with this info I post here, what degree thermostat should I use with the 4 core radiator and coolant recovery pressure cap?

Thanks for your inputs!

Bill