downsizing water pump bypass SB

I've read about this on non-mopar forums, is this feasible on a SB? Has anyone done this?
The coolant and heater hose routing on my manifold is making me take a look at this as an option- for an engine with a heater, can I eliminate the bypass and drill four 1/8" holes in the t-stat flange like the SB chevy guys do? I'll probably have to trade out my radiator to move the upper hose to the passenger side if I can't remove the bypass- or eliminate the heater, both of which I'm trying to avoid.