engine back in car, snap ring is seated in its groove yet when I go to press it in with the clutch fork the snap ring slides out of the groove and won't slide into the pressure plate. any ideas or do I have to pull the trans?

 

so no help. I guess I pull the trans

 

snap ring goes on the pressure plate first. then once the trans in installed you push the throw out bearing into the snap ring and it locks in place.

 

Its either bent or damaged. Unfortunately trans will have to come out.

 

I agree with the Huk on this one. If the ring is bent or warped, I would suggest to get a new one.

 

We install the ACT monoloc wedge collar in all aftermarket clutches to avoid this issue.

ACT HD Clutch Kit (93+RX-7)