What are the factory specification for the coolant?

SIXTY6GTO

MEMBER
1989 PONTIAC TRANS AM
5.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
33,500 MILES

I have the car listed above GTA with a 5.7 L V8 and the 8th digit of the VIN is #8. So, that means it's a 350 V8 5.7 TPI. I want to know the factory specification for the coolant so I can put the proper type of coolant in it. I know some older cars call for the original Green GM-1825M spec coolant rather than Prestone. I really want to know what GM recommends for it and go from there.

5 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,039 POSTS

1989 would be the old style conventional green low silicate coolant made by whomever you like, Prestone, Zerex, Valvoline, Peak, Havoline and others. GM didn't start using Dexcool or any type of special coolants until 1996. Don't use the stuff that they sell that says "all makes and models" that is a modified HOAT coolant, and that engine will not like any of the acidic coolants like that. Also being this is an 89 you will want to change out any of the rubber parts of the fuel system if you have to run fuel that has alcohol added. The old lines are generally not alcohol resistant and tend to fail when used with it.

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Sunday, April 28th, 2024 AT 6:25 PM

SIXTY6GTO

MEMBER
62 POSTS

This is the Prestone that I have and there is not much information on it and it may not be the proper one. I think it is not good since it says compatible with ALL colors. What are your thoughts? See the pictures. What about NAPA conventional Green coolant Part #NAF1GAL? I assume anything with a 1825M GM specification? Autozone AZA003?

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Saturday, May 4th, 2024 AT 3:43 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,039 POSTS

The NAPA will work fine.

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Sunday, May 5th, 2024 AT 3:11 AM

SIXTY6GTO

MEMBER
62 POSTS

I found the owners manual and it says coolant meeting GM specification 1825-M should be used which makes the NAPA a better choice than the Prestone by far. That Autozone brand I mentioned also meets that spec 1825-M possibly. Thanks for your help.

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Friday, May 10th, 2024 AT 5:25 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,039 POSTS

The GM spec is just telling you it is the old green coolant. Same stuff they used up until they introduced Dexcool in 1996. Pretty much every engine they made until then used the old silicate green coolant.