<VV> Engine Cooling Air Flow

[John Ingram]

My 65 Corvair engine is not in a Corvair so it is not connected to  
the standard Corvair heating system.  My question is, what is the  
path of engine cooling air?  Does it flow out the front of the engine  
(heating system connection) and get vented off when the "heat" is not  
on?  Where does the air go before the thermostat activated trap doors  
on the back of the engine open up?
Is keeping the front engine vents open necessary for proper engine  
cooling?
Thank you,
John Ingram