Paint it, Clear it or Let It Rip?

So I am still waiting on my thermostat water housing. I assume that not having a thermostat relief for the thermostat to sit in the manifold is normal? The relief must be in the mating housing?

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I always "stud" bolt holes in aluminum. Years ago I fought a thermostat leak in a brand new performer and had to Helicoil the threads after several rounds of torquing.