Phil,
A certain guy in Alice springs advised me this way. For the first 1,000 kms, use a mineral based
oil, then change and use a
synthetic based lubricant. Admittedly this was the advice for an LS1, but Boxhead did say that it applied to all engines.
Beejay may have some advice on what lubricants are to be used (or not) in a gearbox.
I will also be interested in the coolant answer as we are also going to use an aluminium radiator. Just in keeping with the power generating device.
Cheers