Adding on to what docdrs said, if you want to connect to the cool side, the only place you can do it is between the thermostat and impeller pump. The water feeding the dripless has to come off the "pressure" side of the raw water (impeller) pump. Once it goes into the engine it's hot. Most of the dripless kits I've seen come with 1" fittings and the only hoses on my engine that are 1" are the ones to the risers. So if you want to do the cold water, you'd have to make an adapter of some sort. This is my first season with the dripless so I can't comment on the longevity. If yours has had it since '08, seems like it's doing OK though. Most of the dripless designs have replaceable seals. It's a little bit of a hassle but totally doable to change them. That would probably be easier/better than messing around with the plumbing, especially if it came from the factory with your current setup.
2006 Launch 24 SSV Gravity Games w/8.1