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Such a lack of understanding of something so simple.
The thermostat is located at the "last stop", the furthest point away from the water pump in the cooling system, where the coolant has absorbed the most potential heat. It serves one function: to make the decision of where to send the hot coolant - to the radiator and then the water pump inlet, or directly back to the water pump inlet. If the temp is below opening temp, this choice is to the water pump. At opening temp, the path to the radiator begins to open and the path directly to the water pump (bypass) begins to close. By 10F above opening temp, the bypass is fully closed and the path to the radiator fully open. The water pump never stops circulating coolant through the block. This is why your heater slowly starts to blow hot long before the thermostat opens. Block pressure only varies by water pump RPM, regardless of whether or not the thermostat is open or closed. This pressure can be as high as 40 psi at redline.
Putting a grill block does nothing except allow less heat to escape from the engine block itself. I'd say the difference will be barely noticeable if at all. All I would do it install a good OEM (reliable) thermostat, possibly a 190F or 200F if available, to make sure it is functioning properly. And maybe a block heater if that's your bag. A grill block will only help aerodynamics and make your engine overheat sooner.
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