Britt
You need the tray. no if's and's or butts. Specially if you are running Carbs.
Water will follow the course it most wants to conquer. Your engine internals specifically.
Cooling wise it won't help a damn bit with any stock motor. Even my hopped up 2.0L I cruise @ 85 90 MPH air temp out side is usually mid 90 degrees with serious humidity. Never have a over heating problem. Car runs cool @ idle too. well except in the passenger compartment.
If your motor runs hot thee is another reason. fit it 1st. single carb maybe? Not running stock FI ? probably