Thank you for the input!

@Scotty: Yes it's a road course. Both my 97 and my current 01 seem real eager to make unhappy p/s noises. I had the rack replaced about 10k ago. Perhaps I just need a new pump, or maybe they are all noisy from time to time?

I'd definitely be interested in a cooler! Are there any kits out there?

Also could you say, put on a larger pully to underdrive the power steering? Would that lower the stress on it?