The Series 1 ran an Oil Cooled turbo, and the core was different to the series 2s water cooled turbo core. I wouldn't remove it personally, but many have with no problems... I don't think it would affect the in traffic temps much! Try it with a simple blank and see how it goes?

I had the same temp problem, got an afr gauge on mine and it was lean everywhere in the range, so richened it up (im on MS2) and its cured it... Even at idle after a bootful the fans cut in and out nicely now.