Water pump ?

[quote="Dart67";1970084452]I have run my 273 since 1980 with allen headed pipe plugs in the waterpump heater hose hole and intake manifold holes.

In 33 years never had a problem or a leak.


Herb[/quote]

Those aren't dead ends. Caps on the ends of tubes are. However, plugs are tapered so if you crank them in good some thing can give. The OP now has the knowledge that it can be done, the question is can he do it without cracking the manifold or the pump housing. I'm not even sure why someone in Indiana would not want the heater. As prone to overheating as these cars can be, you would think a person would want as much cooling capacity as possible.