Slant 6 to survive canadian winter ???

My beater is a 77 Aspen. I have a block heater, studded mud and snows, and 180 lbs. of sand in the trunk. I went over two snow packed icy mountain passes last days off with out any problems. A working choke is a must. The block heater is a luxury item. It is a Super Six and I started it last year at -20 when it had been sitting for months just to see if it would start. This was without the block heater. I plan on driving it when when I get home next month. The main thing is to keep the salt washed off of it.
Mike