I have never understood why water would be better than exhaust heat for the above reasons, especially the potential for a water leak. I am running a set of the old style Fenton "heat box" headers on my 261 and enjoy instant, continious heat to the intake. I realize it may eventually "rot" my intake, but water would eventually "rot" it also.
The engine heat just seems like a better choice. If you "spring a leak", all you would be confronted with is a little exhaust noise.
Joe
