Hello, can anybody help. Been checking the K3 over for its MOT and noticed that the lower mounting point where the subframe bolts to the body is not fully located inwards and sticks out abit so is this normal? I am running 15" MGF alloys, maybe this has something to do with it, any comments would be appreciated, thanks.

I assume that you mean the tubular rubber mounts that fasten to the tub. From memory I think that my back mounts were flush to the rear edge of the moulding but having fitted a 1.8 injection engine in I have had to make 15mm thick spacers to push the rear subframe further back for clearance reasons. I have replaced my front metro subframe with one I made myself (see newsletter September 2013) but still used the same mounting points. I will have a look tonight and take some measurements.
PEEPS.

Ok that sounds interesting, why the need for the spacers? I have a 1.8VVC engine and on heavy acceleration the rear end seems to dig in and rock the rear clam if that makes any sense. This engine is alot torquier than 1.4 that was in it before maybe this is pulling it out. Also the rear clam body alignment gap(nearest the wheel) has been getting wider as a result too, it is abit worrying. Thanks and look forward to seeing your mods....

Jacked the car up tonight and the subframe mounts appear to be back in position, so let it down and they had moved out again. Decided to take the mountings off and have a look, the nuts would not come off because the bolts were moving too. What a pain, seats out, rear trim out still could not get to the top of the bolts. Had to get the fuel tank out aswell to get good access to the bolts but finally got one off. The rubber bush had come away from the bracket so that is obviously the problem, I would think. I have a MGF subframe in storage so compared the brackets and bingo they look the same, except I need to drill an extra hole. Will hang fire on fitting them as the spacer you mentioned will probably need to be installed. For future ease of replacement I may weld the bolts to a bracket too.

Ok, looked at mine last night and the reason for the spacers was that the gearbox mount buttress and the engine mount buttress would have both fouled the tub. They are now about 5-10mm clear. I used an MGF subframe and details of what needs doing are in the december 2013 newsletter. (let me know if you need it e-mailing) Basically there are two lugs on the front of the subframe that need grinding off as they are too wide for the mounts leaving the original metro centres intact. I also couldn't use the MGF engine mounting buttress as it is way too big so I changed it to the metro engined one. Gearbox mounting buttress also needed slimming down to clear the tub. Only problem now is that the wheel is a bit close to the rear of the clam arch but I will see how it goes when it is all back together, hopefully for Donnington show. I am using 14 inch wheels with 185/55 tyres which only just go over the MGF rear suspension.

Thanks for the info, I am pleased the spacers were not needed for any geometry issues and I don't seem to have any clearance issues thankfully. MGF(used but OK) mountings fitted and all seems good, need to to wait for a test drive now as I have to put the petrol tank back in. Will have to keep an eye on them for a while to make sure and now my rear clam fits a whole lot better too. The 15" wheels are a very tight fit on the arches, infact they do rub on wheel (extended) arches occasionally. Really appreciate your advice and will let you know it drives asap.

Went for a test drive today, it feels alot tighter at the back which is good. Rear wheel arches are rubbing on the tyres now though so another thing to sort out but still very happy.