The clip is there for a purpose, to keep the needle from sticking to the seat in prolonged non use. THe clip can be easily installed incorredtly. I've always used the clip, w/o problems. The clip CAN be left out, I've left it out on the last couple I've built, no big deal.
www.cliffshighperformance.com is the answer man, Sean Murphy is good also....don't give up