Feeling the hoses? Eh? What you just squeezing them?
You can bypass the VSV so the HCV is open full time by running the vacuum line that runs to the VSV along the firewall directly to the HCV's diaphragm (the bell looking thingy). If you need a diagram, I may be able to find one, but it's a very simple task.
If the HCV is closed only a trickle of water will flow through the heater core; So, naturally, you wouldn't feel much of anything.