Running without a thermostat ok?

Yes. It is ok. But you need a restrictor ring. Same thing your thermostat provides when it's open. If you run a electric water pump you are not supposed to run a thermostat.

To the OP, keep in mind you will always run hotter than whatever T-stat you put in because it doesn't open until it hits that number. This doesn't mean it will run cooler without one or with a colder stat though. That will depend on the rest of your cooling systems capability.

I think some of yall too some stupid pills. Did the OP say anything about an electric water pump? No. He said something about "crusing down shady roads" so he;s clearly talking about a STREET CAR where you do NOT run an ELCETRIC WATER PUMP, but DO RUN a THERMOSTAT. Now, take the electric water pump race3 car talk somewhere else, cause we ain't talkin about that here. Thank you for your cooperation.