I can't give any experience on PS vs manual on a Porsche, but I can on Chevy S10's.
You could get manual steering or power steering on an S10 from the factory. The main drawback of the manual was in very tight turns at a slow speed. I wouldn't say it was an arm workout, but it sure took more time to turn the wheels. Another drawback of manual was if the front wheels hit a rut or something. I believe the hydraulic fluid would cushion the blow a little before it reached the steering wheel.
Please do continue to let us know how everything turns out. I've daydreamed about what you're doing. I would love to completely strip a boxster down of the all
non-essentials. Delete the AC, PS and switch to an electric water pump.
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Woody
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