Firing up new motor/ need advice

[rick0312]

Hey all,
I am almost at the point where I will be starting my new motor for the first time. Since this is my first time doing this I would appreciate any advice. I do have a few questions:

1) when filling the radiator and Block for initial startup, should I use distilled water only or should i mix a 50/50 solution of atifreeze and distilled water?

2) i wasn't planning on installing my drive shaft until after the initial breakin. i have a 3 speed manual trans and was wondering if it was ok to run through the gears while the drive shaft is not installed? Could this potentially damage the manual trans? (dumb questions I know, but this is my first motor install)

Thanks
Rick