Power Steering Overheat
Race level driving can wreck havoc OEM power steering systems and easily outrun factory power steering parameters. Inside the power steering system? You guessed it - oil. Sometimes even ATF. The factory power steering system might be fine for interstate jaunts or one-finger fancy parking, but throw in drift day clutch dumping and high RPM autocross action and the smoke show from power steering overflow hitting the exhaust manifold won't be pretty. A power steering oil cooler upgrade adds capability and is a lot less expensive than replacing a pump and steering rack full of disintegrated pump bits.
Universal power steering cooler kits can help power steering systems survive high RPM race punishment.
Choice is Good: Stealth or Style
Stock oil coolers can get the job done but cost is often in competition with capability in the complex world of automotive manufacturing. Besides. Cranking up boost, towing, amped out driving behavior and/or race use can outpace even the best factory engineering. The good news is performance-minded folks like the crews at Mishimoto and B&M are hard at work figuring out what works and what doesn't. Everything from application specific factory fit with stealth black finish to race-inspired Shakotan-style external front mount hoses-gone-wild upgrades are out there. Make your choice. Keep your cool.
Photography courtesy of B&M, Mishimoto, and the RXSpeed staff.