Gee lots of questions.
The high running temperature is purely to aid economy and so lower emissions. If the running temperature was 85°C lots of K series problems would disappear. Emissions would be slightly higher though.
In theory you can remove the thermostat valve and run the engine like that. This wouldn't be advisable here in the UK but California is less of an issue. The engine ECU will always try to ensure that the mixture is correct. However this is only completely true at an engine temp of over 75° C or so. Below that temperature the engine runs in open loop control. This means it doesn't monitor the exhaust gases. This could shorten the life of the cats as the engine might run a little bit rich for longer periods. Other than that, I can't see any other problems arising. The VIS system simply alters induction length at different engine speeds. This helps it's torque output. It has little effect on emissions, per se. However a higher torque will help fuel economy and so lower emissions as a byproduct.
Sorry about so many questions.
Just brainstorming on the open forum. You confirmed my thinking nevertheless. And another question..........
.......since so many people all over the world report Hippos overheating (and all other problems associated with this, to the point of complete engine failure), how come nobody offered thermostats with different temperature ratings? Since I came to LRs from a long line of Jeeps, I know we can choose three different temperature ratings for the Jeeps, and those stats are available in every neighborhood auto parts store.
I did not know that 75C (or so) is when ECU starts leaning the mixture, and all is good as far as emissions. In that case, a 80C (or so) thermostat would be nice to have. My MBZ (S430) has a so called "smog pump" which is basically a fan that blows outside air into the intake, for the first 60 seconds after start (aids in combustion, and reduces emissions until the cats warm up). That car you can't overheat even if you try. System is not flawless though, and carbon build up in the schrader valves and intake manifold has been well documented. Once the air passages in the manifold get plugged up, the smog pump fails (easy to replace, and the schraders are easy enough to keep clean).
Anyway,......went off the path a little here. Since this IS SoCal, and since we see 32F (0C) air temp once every couple of years for an hour or so in the early morning, I think I'll "experiment" with Hippo when this cheapo thermostat gives up. I'll take it out, and see what happens with the operating temperatures. I am not worried about the emissions inspection (every two years), and running it hot before the inspection is a MUST anyway. I have 22 months before my next inspection, and by that time I think I'll replace the engine.
I am also looking for an add on temp gauge, that I can install in the dash. The Jags I had in the past had the same type of temp gauge (it stayed in the middle until it was too late!), and there is a guy on the Jag forum that designed (and produced) a "real gauge" (that's what he calls it) that installs in the cluster instead of the "idiot gauge". I need to see with him what can be done for Hippo.
There are two reasons (actually three) why I'm so involved with this vehicle. First,....for some unexplained reason my wife is in love with it (and I'm in love with her!). Second,....at the time of purchase I was looking for the replacement engine, and one of my former colleagues in the car business (service manager/part owner of a major dealership) scolded me! He said he couldn't believe that I of all people would buy this "British Dud". Continued on saying how bad these are, how they are good for about 80K miles, and then off to junk yard. Jokingly called me a cheap bastard, and suggested I go and buy a brand new whatever. The third reason is that I'm bored, and a little OCD.
So I am determined to keep wrenching on it, until I see well beyond 200K on the odometer, and prove him wrong.