See the gouge around the outside edge of the clutch plate ? Thats from what I was describing to you, the bolt that holds the T-stud on, where the fork pivots backed out, allowing the clutch fork to get closer and closer to the pressure plate, eventually when you push the clutch pedal the fork will hit the plate, im guessing maybe you took it really far and it was against the clutch plate already and thats what let you get enough force to bend the lip to the throwout bearing.

Usually the throwout bearing isnt available seperately for the LT1's T56 setup, you are best off going to see tampa clutch supply, tell them you want the LT4 corvette plate and a dual friction disc, the whole setup will be affordable and do well for power handling.