Glad to hear your back , the car was designed to have a thermostat , if the engine is a good one you shouldnt have to take the stat out .
Mines done 20k, 5k of which i have done , 2-3 hours at 60 -70 mph , stuck in traffic jams at the Dartfort tunnel temp does not budge as it was meant to do, just maintain the car,its oils and coolants and it should be fine .
Steve