I called about the parts and they have assured me they are the correct parts and diameters.
As far as alignment, I did use an alignment pin and the tranny bolted up to the block without any issues, so the clutch plate is centered on the tranny shaft. The pressure plate self-aligns when it is bolted to flywheel so that is all squared away. I think it is kinda hard to screw up any of those steps...am I missing something. The t/o bearing can be screwed up but I think I installed it correctly. As far as for balance RAM is a pretty reputable and I believe they balance them.
No parts are flying around (yet
) and the pedal has a smooth action with the engine off.
I am not sure if I am adjusting the pedal correctly. Could I be over-pushing the pressure plate inot the clutch plate and that is the grinding I'm hearing. Like I said before the car is on stands so as soon as I start to move teh shifter toward a gear the wheels start to turn (which is why I kept pulling the arm in). If I am being stupid let me know cus I would hate to pull the engine to realize everything was correct except for the guy behind the wrench.
I wonder if James it on to something, could be performace product making performance noise. I also have a short shifter but the noise sounds like it is coming from the clutch area.
thanks for the help, keep it coming..I want the engine to stay in the car!!