914 2.0 cooling question, Any potential downside to this proposed modification? Options

[parrish911]

I have a '73 2.0 that is primarily used for auto-x with occasional weekend drives. I live in Tampa, FL. There is a copper bellows type thermostat that is used to control a flapper valve that routes cooling air. The bellows expands with heat and gradually opens the flapper valve, directing more air to the cylinders.

My question, is there any downside to bypassing the bellows and leaving the flapper valve in the always open position? I don't really deal with 'cold' weather and I am not convinced there is any benefit to having this on the engine, given how I am using the car.

I would welcome your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

Steve

[Alapone]

Nathan, thanks for the response. Maybe i am wrong in assuming the thermostat is gone. I have not thought to check if the flaps are free. What happens at cold start is 90seconds to 3 min of happy idling and then the revs drop off and the tach bounces between 0 and 800 rpn at short intervals. This goes on for about ten minutes if left idling or a little less if driven. Does this sound familiar at all? We agree that what i described on the running temp is way too high? I have heard from a couple owners that these cars run hot. I have not gotten a heat measurment yet all i know is what the gauge tells me. Lastly where is the oil cooler located on the car? Like I said I am very new at this.