I would like to know if I can remove the cooling system that loops through the carbs? Actually, the system has already been removed, but I have it bypassing the carbs. This is in SoCal, so cold weather is not really a factor.

This is on a 73 240z with 4-screw SU carbs on a 77 L28 engine.

Will it hurt if I remove the bypass hose completely, that is the hose running from the thermostat housing to the heater return tube? How can I cleanly tie the heater hoses back into the return?

I removed it on both my 73 and 74. Just get a brass plug to fill the hole in the T-stat housing. I don't remember the other end, i may have cut the hose to about 3 inches long, then plugged it with a large diameter bolt held tight with a hose clamp. Been awhile since i messed with it...

Anyway, no problem removing it.

Mine is long gone and don't miss it. Also in SoCal

Settled, will be removed.

I am working on striping items that are not needed.

For an even more sanitary look, keep an eye out for a pre-71 510 thremo housing. It doesn't have the extra hole machined into it. Not only will your manifold heat be removed, It will look like it was never there. It's actualy not a manifold "heat" feature. It's more of a temperture stabilizer. But, no worries. She'll run just fine and you'll have less hoses to deal with. Plus-Plus in my book.