Should you run a car without a thermostat?

I have a 1969 318 with a 455 purple shaft cam,edelbrock intake,600 holley carb and hedders.The problem im having is the car will start pinging when it gets around 180 degrees.I tried setting the timing at different degrees and nothing helps.Tried running boost and that dont help either.Read an article in the new hemmings book and they say you get better flow and reduces pinging.Has anyone run there cars without one.Thanks