Trying to decide if I "need" a power steering oil cooler for my 2000 LS build.

The factory did not do any sort of power steering cooler and I am wondering if it is needed for a street driven car?
Perhaps a variation of the question is more appropriate.
How do I know if one is needed?

It is on my list of things to complete my build but now that the time has come to work on the front engine of the car, I am questioning if it is a cost effective, or even needed, upgrade. Space is at a premium on a car as small as the Miata.

One thing I remember from reading many of the threads on here is that somebody who was building a street legal track Miata (don't remember which thread cause there are so many) mentioned that power steering line failure is the #1 cause of engine bay fires and oil being dumped on the track so track cars are being switched over to manual steering or some variation of electrically controlled power steering. After reading this, my first inclination was to do away with the power steering components all together but the CTS-V setup I bought has power steering so I am utilizing it.

 

My engine (2000 F body) shipped to me with a factory power steering cooler. It's a simple water to oil cooler plumbed inline with the lower radiator hose. My '90 Miata power steering system also had a cooler, albeit a simpler single tube inline with the return line and pump reservoir. I'm currently working on a hybrid system, using a Miata pump and a custom cast bracket to adapt the pump to the LS drivers side head. Since I have to make custom lines due to the new pump location, I'll be plumbing the F body cooler into the return line.

 

No you don't need one but, one can be sourced from many different types of vehicles at the junkyard for cheap. An external transmission cooler will work as a P/S cooler as well.

 

Thanks for the input.
Since my original plan was to have one, I will stick with that plan.
Trying to do a top quality build without needing to change stuff after completing the build.

 

I think that's a wise choice. As hot as it gets in OK, you'll be glad you did. Keeping fluids cool is always a good idea.