If you're in the market for a clutch that can handle the heat—literally—let me introduce you to the ACT Heavy Duty/Performance Street Rigid Kit, model PO2-HDSD. This isn't just another part; it's a serious upgrade for your Porsche 996 C2/C4 from 2002 to 2004. I've had my fair share of clutches, and this one stands out for a reason.

What sets this kit apart is the Heavy Duty pressure plate. ACT has designed this with a unique diaphragm that ramps up the clamp load while cutting down on deflection. This means not only will you feel the difference in pedal response, but you're also getting a longer clutch life—something we all appreciate when we’re pushing our cars to the limit. Each diaphragm goes through a four-stage heat-treating process, which really amps up performance and durability.

The pressure plate itself is built like a tank, thanks to precision cover stampings that provide the kind of rigidity you want when you're shifting hard. And let’s talk about the performance street rigid-hub discs. They’re made from premium organic materials with a high copper content, which helps with heat transfer—no more worrying about fade during those spirited drives. Plus, the steel-backed lining gives it that extra burst strength, so you know it can take a beating.

Now, if you're like me, you appreciate a bit of technical detail. The chrome-moly hub is heat-treated for added strength, and the rivet design is meticulously chosen for maximum durability. This setup is the lightest street disc you can get, which means quicker shifts and a more engaging driving experience. It’s got race-proven performance while still being manageable for everyday use.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Light to moderate pedal effort—definitely a bonus for those long drives.
• Smooth engagement with a bit of gear rattle, which just adds to that raw driving feel.
• Designed for both street and race use, so you don’t have to compromise.
• Each unit is 100% clamp load tested and dynamically balanced, ensuring reliability at high RPMs.

As for the specs, it’s got a clutch disc diameter of 9.4 inches (240 mm) and a torque capacity of 525 ft/lbs—so it’s ready to take on whatever you throw at it. Just keep in mind, it doesn’t come with a master cylinder or pressure plate bolts, but it does include grease and a pilot bearing, which is a nice touch.

If you’re thinking about installation, you can find the instructions here. Overall, if you want a clutch that feels like it was made for the track but still works great on the street, the ACT PO2-HDSD kit is definitely worth considering.