pcv and thermostats for street strip cars ?

My 1964 Valiant came from the factory with a 273,
and a PCV valve.{California cars started early}

I am using a 180f high flow t'stat.

A few years ago, I was drag racing a '67 Valiant 273,
I found that with a 180f t'stat I ran better times, than 160, or 195f.

I never tried running anything without a pcv valve,
as I want the oil fumes/vapor/pressure to get out of the engine,
and figure thats about the simplest way to do it.

A "normal" pcv valve will close if there is a backfire,
and not make the valve covers bulge/blow off.
I have seen that happen twice,
once on a drag race car, and once on the street.What a mess, when the oil got on the headers/ Uhoh Fire. :(