304 Heater / Coolant Flow Question

I am not going to be running my heater. Basically my Jeep is a show Jeep so I am changing some things around underhood.

My question is can I block off the port on the intake manifold that goes to the heater and also block off the port on the water pump that goes to the heater? Will the flow of coolant through the block be alright if I make those changes ?

Thanks gents! I owe you all some pictures of how the engine on the Jeep is looking .....

 

your just by passing the heater core, connect the hose from the water pump to the port on the intake manifold. I have been running mine that way for years due to a leaking heater core. Actually just replaced the heater core and have yet to fire her up.

 

Can each one be blocked off or do you need to run a hose from one to the other ?

 

You can do either. I know a guy running a 290 that has had them blocked for years. Personally I'd run a bypass hose from one to the other to keep the coolant flow.

 

Where can I buy the coolant fitting that goes on the intake manifold. I unfortunately tossed the old one.....