i reckon 8.5 mm should be ok for a cable operated clutch. i.e. not hydraulic a 120? crank
anyhow, pour yourself a cuppa and 'av a read, http://www.laverdaforum.com/forum/index.php/topic,87309.msg245149.html#msg245149
for a cable, Piet & Steve reckon rod lengths of 123.5 mm x 2 + 6 mm (ball) = 253 total.
i used 256 mm total and got a 11 mm protrusion, so i guess 253 mm should give a 8 mm protrusion ?? no? :-\
& have you tried to use the clutch? is there a problem?