There is a known defect with the 96-97 intakes...
They are known to crack even under normal driving conditions, much less any forced induction setup...
TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin.
In this specific case, I think Ford will replace the intake when it goes with the improved part #. (But you will have to wait until it dies.... They won't change it unless it breaks...)
You are luckier than I was, mine went bye-bye the day I put on my blower... (And although the part # is the same for the 98, the TSB does not include 1998 vehicles. So I was stuck buying a new intake...
)
As far as the intake\head swap, you'll want to talk to SD Wheeler... as he offers several different PI head setups...