It would be interesting to know the root cause of the cracks. Is it road handling stresses / hitting a speed bump too fast , or the sheer torque of the motor trying to twist itself out of the frame and rotate around the prop shaft , or something else.
I have not seen a description from anyone who has had cracks properly describe them or supply pictures ... anyone ?
I don't honestly know whether it is engine vibration that is the root cause or suspension loading...could easily be a bit of both.
As for pictures here are some to show what can be found; the first is of a late 2012 chassis which had the bolt in cross brace but no stiffening plates and was taken with the engine out. The others are of a late 2013 chassis which has the bolt in cross brace and the stiffening plates but not the triangulation tubes of the 2014 chassis nor does it have the new bolt-on triangulation arrangement. I had looked at the suspect areas after returning from TOTH without seeing anything but when I had a look a couple of nights ago I spotted the crack immediately then cut some tie wraps to get the headlight cable out of the way and got in with an inspection mirror. Probably only 500 miles between checks and only on my last run out at the weekend did it start making a variety of new squeaks from the front left corner.
2012 chassis - engine out - right hand side.
2013 Chassis - left hand side - inspection mirror under end of stiffening plate.
2013 Chassis - left hand side - close up of upper side of tube
2013 Chassis - left hand side - close up showing underside of tube in inspection mirror.
I am now waiting for the return of my M3W to Malvern for rectification. The logistics are being sorted out but the workshop is apparently booked out till the end of September with three wheeler work and Mark Evans is on holiday till the 20th so when exactly I get to drive my car again remains to be seen.
