Alright so reworking a 2.5 with a 5 speed and the old clutch was nuked, as well as the flywheel. New items procured and went to install them, and as I tightened the bolts down to spec on the new pressure plate the tine started laying flat. Initial install showed that the throw-out bearing didn't seem to be making much contact (like none). Is it possible to adjust the arm, or is there something wrong with the clutch?

The fingers are supposed to lay flatter as the pressure plate is tightened to the flywheel. As for the throw out bearing, there is always some lash between the bearing and the fingers that must be taken up before contact is made. How did you move the clutch lever arm to determine that there wasn't enough throw to release the clutch?

It moved by hand. There was LOTS of open space between the throwout bearing and the pressure plate (about 3/4" of travel), then finally it resistance.

Sounds about normal to me also. The slave has a spring inside that keeps the piston in position so the play will be gone once all is installed. So as long as the slave still has travel you should be OK.

Remember that the hydraulic system normally takes up that slack so you never really notice it until you disconnect the slave cylinder. Make sure you have the right TO bearing, then make sure that there is enough travel left on the clutch arm to rotate another inch or so after it contacts the fingers, without interfering with anything.

Thanks. I will try it today.....this has been the stopping point on getting the engine back in the car.

Is the throwout arm cast iron or stamped steel?

Visible in pics...but it is cast.

What you described during your install is exactly how it's supposed to work. When you install the slave cylinder, it will take out the slack in the clutch release arm. And your clutch should work normally.