You could do like I did mine. Just knock the entire valve out and plug the holes, make a block off plate to install between the intake and exhaust manifolds to block the exhaust heat from getting to the intake. You live in South Carolina. Unless you drive in the dead of winter, you'll be fine. Even then if you allow it to warm up good before you drive it. Mine will idle 30 seconds after starting with the choke not hooked up and WIDE open.
