Plug or not plug?

[hemiEssex]

My small block mopar has two outlets on the front of the motor for the heater hoses to attach to. One is larger that the other and they run to a heater core which I presently do not have. I have an ugly hose run from one to the other and I would like to clean up the engine appearance. Do I need to have these outlets run to each other? or can I just install plugs in place of the hose nipples until I decide to install a heater? If a heater was installed, this would only circulate when the water valve was opened and calling for hot water for the heater. In theory it should not have to be run together and if it was like it is now, would it make your motor run hotter with water circulating without going through a rad? What do you guys think??
cheers
Steve

[MBog]

You can safely plug them off, the bypass hose from the pump to the manifold is all you need.

[Techhead]

The 327 that is currently in my '58 has both upper and lower heater outlets caped off.

[dale48mrc]

Yup,you can cap 'em off, Steve.It won't effect the engine cooling at all.

[Davey_Joe]

yup,... plug 'em stevie......

[tinmann]

How come Mopar guys can't ask a simple car question without mentioning nipples?

[dale48mrc]

You know those mopar guys always trying to compensate for their lack of....(Insert smart ass remark here!):D:D:D:D