Choke block-off cover plate ??

[ForceFed70]

My edelbrock performer 351W intake manifold has a "Choke block-off cover plate"

Does anyone know what the consequences of taking it off would be?

What is the purpose of the choke connecting to the manifold?

 

[shotsy]

I think It pulls heat from the head up through the manifold to operate the choke. I just made a block off plate out of a flat piece of steel for my 351C and sealed it up with a bit of permatex and havent noticed any problems? take it off and fire it up, see what happens