Loud "pop" after clutch install, won't go into gear..

[Coupe50h]

Can you put it in gear with the car off? if so, what happens when you start it? i think the cable could have broke, sometimes it's hard to tell they are broke, because they will just stretch.
1-2 inches of play is way too much, so you need to figure out what happened there, if it took you an hour to stab a tranny in, even using a lift? something defiantely is wrong.
Now re-using the tob shouldnt be a problem, not recomended, but as long as it turns.
That is why i would never buy any clutch from autoparts store's, I only use motorsport clutches, or maybe a centerforce, because i have those part #'s in my head.
let us know what happens.