SmallPP

Hi team. I need yor help. In the process of doing an engine swap, I would like to clean up the cooling system on my MerCruiser Alpha 1 Gen1. To simplify, questions are:

1. Can I remove the stock circulation pump and just use a crossover pipe? Why or why not?

2. What nice piece can I use to replace the ugly heavy stock MerCruiser thermostat housing? Does Hardin or somebody else make somthing prettier? I think we have to consider question 1 when chosing due to the fresh water inlet.

3. What is the science with water going into the manifolds and risers? I think I can remove the riser hoses, as they are not used on later years...????

Thanks for your help. Not sure what I have to keep to have the weak factory Alpha 1 water pump keep up.