I got the Fentons with 3/8 tubes and heat plate design on my
235 aluminum intake (also McGurk) and it works just as well as the heat riser.
Each exhaust pulse passes a small amount through the tubes across the intake floor chamber into the other header.
I have done the same driving with this setup and also never overheated.
Notice, I don't use carb spacers, as the cast aluminum doesn't get as hot as the original cast iron intake.
Getting the intake hot as soon as possible after cold start is definetly key, especially in the colder months.
On cold winter mornings, I place a small space heater on the ground directed at the intake for at least 30 minutes with the hood closed.
Starts easier and the carbs run smoother the first mile or so, until everything comes up to temp.
I never tried water heated intakes, but in the winter it must take a lot longer before the fuel gets vaporized properly.