So after several attempts at trying to install, I have given up.
Can someone please guide me on how to put the lock cylinder in the right orientation, along with the clip that secures it. I thought I had it but it just pushes in when I insert a key...wash rinse repeat.
Thanks in advance.

 

Have you try looking at the Manuals, some of them have great info about replacing parts.
http://foxed.ca/foxed/index.php?page=rx7manual
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/94-fsms-available-download-449950/

I hope this helps.

 

There's really nothing at all complicated about the lock cylinder.

All it is, is a metal clip that looks like a circular paper clip. You just pop it off with a flat-head or something, and you pop it back on with the new one. The plastic that holds the clip has notches and groves on it where the clip latches into place. There's nothing else to it

Unless the plastic broke

 

So Im asking because I have no reference (no locks previously installed), the lock can go into the slot in a couple different ways, and the way I think clip goes in doesnt seem to hold it in tight. So that is why I am asking. I have been unable to find any pictures of proper orientation, but I will look again in the manual links provided.

If someone has a picture of the lock/clip orientation I would appreciate it. Maybe my clip is just worn or bent?

 

Here is what I have tried and its not very secure....
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images...727200139.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images...727200047.jpg/

 

anyone...the service manual is very blurry and doesnt even lend a clue.

 

Sort of looks to me like one side of the black plastic trim has a piece broken off.

You have the right idea - the clip holds the trim on two sides using slots and also holds the cylinder in place. If one of the side slots is broken, it won't hold.