i know the general rule is don't use dex-cool, but rather "prestone dex-compatible". i'm rather confused on this...is it better to use the red-orange stuff with the dex-cool logo on it that specifically says it'* approved by GM, or use the "extended life" (yellow stuff) that mixes with all brands and types of coolant?

In your 96, use the Prestone Dex-Approved red-orange stuff

Prestone sells orange Dex-approved extended life coolant. Some people say this orange stuff is Dex. Others say that Dex-approved or Dex-compatible means it mixes with Dex and works like Dex but isn't Dex.

Prestone sells a yellow or yellow green extended life coolant that lasts as long as Dex, but is formulated to mix with "any type or color".coolant. If you are really paranoid about not using Dex, use the "mixes with any type or color" coolant. Nobody thinks this yellow green stuff is Dex.

wouldn't the dex-approved be okay if you're using the aluminum-framed LIM gaskets, wasn't the dex eating thru the plastic of the regular gaskets?

It was part Dex and part plastic that made the plastic gaskets go to crap

The prestone is "dex-approved", it'* not Dex though

well, i already bought the extended life yellow stuff, i figure it can't do any harm, but i would like to know for future reference, or for my mother'* car which i plan to flush the cooling system in soon...thanks for the info

Moving to General...

You'll find the board quite mixed on which to use. Both sides have knowledge people on it. I use the "all makes/all models" in all of the vehicles that I maintain. You'll find many service centers doing the same. The "all makes/all models" is the G05 type coolant used by Ford, Chrysler, and many European makes.

I use the Prestone Dex and change it out every 6 months; which is every other oil change for me.

I don't think it'* quite the same stuff as factory Dex, but I have no proof of that. One thing I do know, is that the stuff works very well; it keeps my 3800 nice and cool.