There were definitely ups and downs, and a lot of learning during the past 3 years. Fortunately I didn't count the hours but took a lot more effort than initially expected.
Thanks everybody for encouragement and tips they helped a lot.
Winter is unfortunately pretty much here again, but at least it's time for some minor updates (hint: brake system upgrade, in a new thread)
I've used Hylomar non setting compound on the shoelaces, not sure yet why one side is weeping.
If there was any oil on the mating surface the Hylomar won’t have sealed.
Cracks have been repaired. Turned out that on the L.H. side outside in the wheel well the lip was cracked the same way as on the R.H. side. The cut in R.H. rail and the quality of the weld done in the factory was a joke. Besides these front rails are like rubber, made from thin sheet metal without necessary strengthening. No wonder they crack. They can mainly move in the vertical direction. Strengthening them partially is not possible because the forces will cause cracks further down. The only possible solution is rebuilding them from thicker sheets all they way until they join the main structure.
What I don't understand, they didn't learn from the earlier Biturbos?
...
Alpa, nice to see you! That's radical indeed. Where do you attach the end of the tubes?
Agreed reference the pics. It sits perfectly on those Cup Springs.Great pics of your car in the magazine
Clutch / Gearbox noise.
The 6 speed Getrag box does have a noisy lay shaft bearing, mine has done it for years. Noise goes away when clutch pedal is pressed down.
If you look on the internet it is a known issue and even rebuilding the box doesn't always fix the problem, it causes no mechanical problems just an annoying noise.