[Beav]

You really want to have a t-stat in there. It helps the engine maintain it's proper operating temperature and clearances. In other words, the engine's piston-to-cylinder clearance, ring gaps, etc. are specified at a certain measurment that will become optimal when at operating temperature. The engine also runs waaaaayyy more efficiently when fully warmed.

Besides, who'd want to drive up top this winter without heat in the car?

You rarely, if ever, blow a radiator due to overheating. The plastic tank may split where the hottest water is always rushing against it, the radiator cap can go bad and allow the pressure to go so high it blows the radiator apart, etc. What I'm getting at is you need to look for a different culprit to be sure you've corrected the problem, otherwise you've just put a band-aid on a gunshot wound. Good Luck!