Just wondering, why didn't Honda put an EM clutch on the PS pump pulley like the AC compressor has?

It's clearly possible, as there are ppl. on ecomodder who have done just this?

Such a clutch is also easily activated by most competent EMSs such as Neptune, Hondata, etc. based on vehicle speed (providing a ground which activates a relay to control the PS clutch).

 

I don't see the point, why would you need a clutch for your ps?

 

Because it would be cost prohibitive, and literally no factories were doing it. Civics were meant to be affordable economy cars in the 90s. They were designed to keep production costs low. A clutch-belt power steering pump isn't cheap.

 

the valving system inside does well enough to keep drag to a minimum. not having power steering does even better.