I went through this recently I chose the gt2 upgrade and sort of regret it. It made the clutch pedal really heavy and it really sucks in traffic. I don't have the helper spring, not sure it that would help.

I would say unless you plan on keeping the car for a very long time just replace with OEM 996tt parts. The conversion will cost you about $1k more when it's all said and done. More if you do it right, drop tranny and mount it correctly without the bracket. It will only be worth it in financial terms if you have to do the replacement 2x times.

 

I have recently experienced this problem as well and after much thought and research I think I am going to replace with OEM parts as well. If it fails again and I still have the car I may switch to the gt2 upgrade.

 

Did you ever try it wit the helper spring to see if that made the effort more manageable?

 

I took a 996 GT3 for a test drive recently, clutch was HEAVY... Unlike any other car I've ever driven. Got back in my turbo and I thought I put my foot through the floorboard when I depressed the clutch.

Definitely drive one before you decide to do the GT2/3 conversion.

 

The GT2 conversion is definitely requires a lot more force than the OEM assisted clutch. If you just drive it once, you will think it's unbearable. After a week or so, it becomes normal feeling and you barely notice it - at least that's my experience. The upside is that it restores the feel the clutch is supposed to have and adds a great deal to the driving experience. Until recently, Porsche 911's never had assisted clutches...this is the way the 911 was for many years and nobody complained...it's not that bad...extended stop & go traffic is more work, but again, I feel it's worth it overall...

 

I have the GT2 conversion plus a Clutchmasters Stage 2. I have never actually driven the car with the assisted setup so I don't even know what that is like but I imagine I would hate it. I absolutely love the clutch feel. In traffic the only issue I have is that it can be a little grabby. I'd imagine this has more to do with the CM clutch than the hydraulics. But, like you say, it is totally worth it overall for the entire experience.

The stiff clutch also keeps my girlfriend from wanting to drive the car.

 

UPDATE...

We have a winner:

...so it turns out that the accumulator that was just installed had come loose!

So for now, we're just reattaching the accumulator and should be good to go. So that's the good news :-)

The "bad news", is that I'm now the proud owner of a brand-new GT2 conversion kit that I overnighted at some considerable expense, and now have no immediate use for. Please PM me if you're looking for one... (I purchased the kit yesterday, prior to reading BMiller's post and prior to the shop having taking a look at the vehicle--wanted to have it ready to go so I could get the car back before the holidays.)

 

I'd install it or keep it for when you decide to. The GT2 conversion makes the clutch feel like a clutch...the way it is supposed to feel...IMHO. The helper springs and accumulator completely remove the feel of the clutch and hence make it more unpredictable...just saying.