Slick 60's

Started up my newly installed 390 with original 352 exhaust manifolds with exhaust control valve below the driver side manifold. Ran the engine at idle for about 15 minutes (thermostat had opened) but the exhaust control valve never opened. I'm not familiar with these valves or their purpose, and it may have been missing some parts/springs for all I know. The valve moves freely and has a return spring action that's working, for what that's worth. How long should that valve take to come open?

Drove the truck a bit yesterday and it sputtered when the throttle was cranked open. Could that closed valve been to blame?

I live in a mild climate. Could I just wire the valve open? I would have removed it altogether but then exhaust pipe wouldn't fit, and was looking to avoid unnecessary cash outlay.

Thanks for any input.

If you can open the valve cold by hand and it closes, it's working as it should. The bi-metal spring relaxes when hot and allows exhaust gases out with out back-pressure. This valve when closed forces hot exhaust gas through the intake manifold to heat the incoming air/fuel mixture and makes for a smoother running engine when cold. Manual choke I assume? Yes you can tie it open and in a mild climate this will not have a negative effect on cold engine performance. FWIW