for god sake...don't run without a thermostat!!!

YES the stat is there to allow the engine to warm up to opperating temp before it starts circulating coolant

YES it is open the entire time (for the most part) once the car is warm, while you are driving

now...
people who have removed the stat for any lengthy period of time probably didn't see an increase in running temp...WHY you may ask...

i'll use a metaphor:
if you were to touch a hot stove, you would burn yourself...correct? that depends actually. if you only contacted the hot surface for a split second you would no doubt feel the heat, but would not cause any severe burns. whereas if you held your hand on it, you would surely burn.

now what is that burn on your hand? it's the transfer of heat from the stove to your skin.

the less time you are in contact with the heat, the less transfer...and the less burn you receive.
--------------------------------

now think of the thermostat. even when wide open it is a much smaller and more restrictive hole for the coolant to pass through. removing that restriction would allow coolant to flow at a much higher speed through the engine. (think back to the metaphor)if the coolant is in the block for less time...less heat is tranfered to it. so when the coolant exits the block it has not absorbed as much of the heat, therefore isn't as hot, and therefore isn't registering a HOT engine on the coolant temp sensor.

so therefore, when the stat is removed it does not sufficiently cool the block, and at the same time doesn't show that the engine is running hot.

if you want to save money, drill several holes in the stat to allow slightly more flow, or check out the $5 stat mod found on www.ls1camaro.net

here is the mod

 

Just wondering why you saiddrilled and slotted rotors will eat up your brakes?
I need rotors real bad and as soon as my broken collar bone heals im going to change them. iwas going to go with d/s cause of my c5 rims but not if they go through pads I tought they were supposed to be better for your pads, keeps them cooler

 

They have edges that take bits out of the pads (especially the slots). These same edges are also stress points which are prone to cracking. The holes and slots that supposedly make the brakes cooler reduces mass. More mass is what makes for a cooler rotor (besides being vented). Go to an SCCA forum and ask about drilled rotors. Nothing but driveway jewelery.

Just get some good pads and some good replacement rotors and your brakes will work as well and be more durable. Plus, if they're eating more pad you know they're creating more dust.