hi Garry..
(and yes Muzza, it one of those, should work but doesnt issues, lucky me.. lol)
I managed to speak with Mal Wood, the Tremec importer after my last post. He advised 10mm preload is not sufficient for the slave cylinder, and more than likely the one I had popped once the pedal was pressed the first time. (Many thanks to the engine builder who put the thing together, but was apparently accustomed to a LS1 / T56 set up)..!
The clutch plate checks out ok, has been installed for six months or so. I also had the pressure plate tested while it was out. Will get the new thrust / slave cylinder, including the spacers to increase preload to 16mm and take my time with the bleeding.
Will let you know in the next few days if Australia post comes through..
Cheers
Chris