I have heard of the "No T-stat will run hot" thing. Been around cars for a couple days and here is what I have been led to believe.
1. With out a 'stat the water velosity a higher rpm can get to a point where it becomes very inefficient at heat transfer. You can also get to where, at high rpm the temp gauge will show a cold reading and the engine is actually overheating. Mostly in endurance racing. (Look at NASCAR they run a "flow restrictor" not a 'stat)
2 An electric water pump fows a given GPM. This is built into the windings on the pump motor and is designed for optimum heat transfer. This setup is great due to the GPM and speed of the pump not being rpm dependant.
3 OEMs have to look at emissions and a hotter motor runs cleaner. Thus the EGR valves, 'stat and coolant lines into a throttle body.
4 If the coolant flow is not controlled cavitation WILL start and you can kill the shaft and or impeller on the water pump.
Running without one on a street car at street RPM will probabily (sp?) be ok BUT with such a beautiful car why risk it? I would throw in a 160 and be done with it. Jon Hanson