Yes, we swapped in a clutch off of an 82 and I didn't see an appreciable difference. Might get some snow tonight so maybe, just maybe by tomorrow we can give it a plugged primer test.
As far as clacking and rpm, I guess I initially thought it was the clutch, but what was curious last night is that none of the other sleds sounded the same. I can't say much about RPMs because I kept it below 3800 so as not to engage.