water distribution hoses for merc 302

[bdoug]

i'm new to this board and have a question i've been trying to get answered but can't seem to get a yes / no answer.
I have a mercruiser 302 -888 and am switching from the log style manifolds to the center style manifold. Instead of ordering a new thermostat housing to get rid of the hoses that run to the front and back of the manifold, can i just circle the hoses around and bypass the manifolds? or will that mess with the thermostat and not cool the engine properly?

BD