My 2c if I may?

I agree with dat141, the thermostat is going to be one of the biggest restrictions in the cooling system. The solution you're thinking about doing shouldn't be of a concern man.

To see a fully open thermostat just put it on the stove in a pot of water and heat it up to get an idea of how much/little they open.

A nice bend piece of stainless as a top radiator hose would look really good too, bit of bling even.