Let me use this as a "teachable moment" to model how we might operate.
No, Matt. Per 9.1.3.B INTENT, "Other than those specifically allowed by these rules, no component or part normally found on a stock example of a given vehicle may be disabled, altered, or removed" (emphasis added).
The action of not filling the power steering system with fluid, per the manufacturers original design and specifications, disables the system as a whole and alters its functionality. Absent any specific allowance to realize that outcome, your proposed action is not in compliance with the INTENT described in the ITCS.
Done.
If someone wants to change the pulley, they can change the pulley - right up to the point where it disables a "component or part normally found on a stock example of a given vehicle."
Again, I do think that a tweak to the AUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS statement would give us another useful tool to prevent creep. I'd suggest that it might be more useful if it said something like...
"Modifications shall not be made unless authorized herein. No permitted component/modification shall additionally perform a prohibited function or result in a change not otherwise specifically allowed by these rules."
K
This is exactly why I asked this question... I'm considering the "PS fluid is free" part to include air as my fluid of choice. Air is a fluid, correct? The PS pump is horribly inefficient at pumping air, but it's still trying to pump it.... now there's a tortured interpretation for you.
It's a different matter for me since I'm in STU and allowed to de-power the rack. But I was asking since that was my first thought when this thread came up and I'm sure someone will try to pull exactly that. Air as a fluid is no less strained than a bearing pressed into a pulley, IMO.
Ron.. I'm in STU so it's legal, mind you.. But I de-powered my rack by simply dumping the fluid, looping the lines, and removing the PS pump.
I did this for a couple reasons:
1. Nissans are famous for leaking power steering systems. not necessarily cooling issues, but the lines ALWAYS weep and the reservoirs almost always leak through the cap vent under racing conditions slosh fluid around. This isn't necessarily a reliability issue, but more of a less maintenance + clean engine bay + lower risk of fire issue. (The PS system on a 240SX is directly in front of the exhaust mani/header and the hoses terminate directly below the header. you blow a hose on this sucker and you're in for a world of hurt)
2. after popping a line on track at a DE (flying rocks hit the alu cooling loop along the crossmember during an off-course excursion), it caught my left front wheel well on fire when the PS fluid hit a hot brake rotor.
To replace the ruptured factory loop, I installed a small oil cooler in front of the radiator (below both pump and reservoir so no air pockets).. then I bled the system and fired up the car. Everything was fine for ONE lap on track before the system crapped out.
To finish the track day, I de-powered the rack trackside and finished the day.
I replaced the rack PS pump, lines, and OE cooling loop from a donor car when I got home.
next track day it crapped out on me again.
so I de-powered the rack again, got a larger diameter steering wheel, and never looked back.