Should you run a car without a thermostat?

Dart GT, if you disconnect the vacuum advance and the car stops pinging, then you will need to run without vacuum advance.

I've got several buddies that are unable to hook up their vacuum advance for the same reason. Most just install a re-curve kit to eliminate the vacuum requirements altogether(mechanical advance) and, once reinstalled, just run your rpms up to about 3000 for a few seconds and set your total timing. Usually somewhere around 28-34 degrees.

Southernman