I have already deleted the ac compressor, freon can, etc. I would like to remove the bulk off the firewall but was wondering will I still be able to retain my heat. I still need it in the staging lanes when we run in October. I know where to get the block off plate from, just need a little help with the rest of the system.

 

consider fabbing a block off plate that will let the heater lines pass through it.

 

That shouldn't be too hard. I could either cut the holes and install a nice thick grommets or maybe get some fittings and install some bulkhead fittings.
I have never seen a 1LE car and I am curious if they are missing that huge box in the engine bay. With that gone, I probably wouldn't have to drop the starter and get under the car as that is the only plug I can not reach from the top.

 

I did this in a 3rd gen once. I cut the box in half, cut a Ranger HVAC box in half, then cut this:

out of thin aluminum. I screwed it all together with some RTV or gasket maker to seal it all.