Is it possible or does water travel thru the intake on the above model? Have a 2000 sc2 and was told it was over heating because there is a crack in the Intake manifold. There is no water in the cooling system. If so how much of a pain is it to change out? Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give.
Kevin

My '99 SW1 has coolant in the intake manifold.
The gasket failed, I chickened out on doing it myself. I looked at it in the shop, and it appears it could be simple after you remove to top engine mount. (rock the engine over to get the lower bolts)
The tech said the gasket had almost failed at the water jacket, and I would have been sucking coolant into the engine.
I'm guessing this might apply to your DOHC.

both the DOHC and SOHC models 2000+ had intake gasket problems even though they are different designs. An updated 2 peice gasket has been released for the DOHC models with coolant leaks. most likey just the gasket needs replaced and the surface of the manifold cleaned, a skilled and experenced tech can do the job in 45 minutes. book time is closer to 5 hours i beleave

If You have an over heating issue as you stated I would first look in to the temp sensor (the Two wire sensor on the drivers side of the head), if corrosion is present replace sensor and connector. If this is OK check cooling fan operation, with AC on car running (compressor clutch engaged) the cooling fan should be operating if not replace fan motor. If Your concern is lose of coolant and the water pump and radiator ( check drivers side by tranny cooler lines/ in front of battery for cracks) is dry look around back side of head where the intake meets the the head for crusty dryed coolant if this is present most likly the intake gasket.