Question for everyone

**spinmetals** · March 14, 2013, 11:39 AM

I would like to use the Atom primarily on the street. Who is to say, I might do a track day or two,but street is what I like.

My question is simply what are your experiences, suggestions and advise. How should the car be ordered, what accessories would be good to have, what to avoid and is this a reasonable endeavor?

I am nearly seventy, have been a car nut for years, owned everything from a hummer to a Ferrari (sublime to ridiculous), bikes, airplanes, and build a kit Cobra. So I'm not unable or unwilling to work . . .

What I really need to know is if the ride and other stuff can be made 'daily friendly'?

Please feel free to be forthcoming.

Thanks, Cliff

**FrankRizzo** · March 14, 2013, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by spinmetals

I would like to use the Atom primarily on the street. Who is to say, I might do a track day or two,but street is what I like.

My question is simply what are your experiences, suggestions and advise. How should the car be ordered, what accessories would be good to have, what to avoid and is this a reasonable endeavor?

I am nearly seventy, have been a car nut for years, owned everything from a hummer to a Ferrari (sublime to ridiculous), bikes, airplanes, and build a kit Cobra. So I'm not unable or unwilling to work . . .

What I really need to know is if the ride and other stuff can be made 'daily friendly'?

Please feel free to be forthcoming.

Thanks, Cliff

Hey Cliff. Welcome to the board!

For a daily driver, I think the windshield, and side panels are probably good things to have. I have the side panels and know that they deflect a lot of very small rocks that otherwise accumulate in your car. Since I have an Atom 2, and use it primarily for track work I have opted to NOT have the windshield, but I can tell you, I wear my helmet when in the car for any real distance as the time that I was smacked in the head by a flying rock thrown by another car was the point that I decided that this was necessary. So, if you're looking for a cool cruiser, this is it, just get those conveniences that I (and no doubt others will follow on with) consideration, and I hope you're prepared for the attention!

Pull up to a traffic light, and look around. EVERYONE is looking at you.

**Dbwy** · March 14, 2013, 05:08 PM

Welcome!

I purchased my car with the idea of driving it primarily on the street. I too like street driving, although I have tracked the car also.

I ordered my car with the side panels, and windshield, among other options. In my opinion, the windshield makes it a lot more convenient for long freeway trips. I thought the ride quality would be a lot worse, but it's actually a very comfortable ride.

Other than that, being your age, you should maybe locate a car, get in and out of it a few times to make sure it's something your comfortable with.

**bolus** · March 14, 2013, 05:22 PM

welcome Cliff. I agree with having the windshield if you plan on just street use. Much easier to talk to the passenger and makes for a more comfortable ride.

Otherwise it will be an easy car to drive and maintain. It may go like crazy when you put the pedal down, but you can still cruise around with ease at 20 mph if you want.

By the way, here's Eddie Hill on track with his Atom (the first one). He's 77 (I think his birthday is this month too. Happy birthday Eddie!)

**MadMaxAtom** · March 14, 2013, 06:23 PM

I like the windshield....after the end of a three day event at Watkins Glen,the grasshoppers are so thick on the glass...you could scrape them off and make soup. Yuck...

IMG_9807 copy.jpg

Passengers seem to appreciate the screen as well.

**RandyLamp** · March 14, 2013, 07:18 PM

Hi Cliff, that's me with Eddie in the video that Bolus posted. After my first track day, I upgraded from the standard to the sport brake (Wilwoods all around) option. After two Atoms and thousands of miles on street and track, it was one of my best choices.

BTW, I'm 62 and would still have my Atom except I've just gotten too busy with other things. Maybe again when I'm 70!

**FourFather** · March 14, 2013, 09:12 PM

Quote "By the way, here's Eddie Hill on track with his Atom (the first one). He's 77 (I think his birthday is this month too. Happy birthday Eddie!)" Unquote

Bolus, thanks for the birthday wishes, and yes -born on March 6, on the 100th anniversary of the battle of the Alamo, which does indeed make me technically 77 years of age. The Atoms- I have three right now-, are my favorite toys, and I am blessed with several really fast cars, boats, and have my pick of sportbikes from Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha. The Atoms get about 95% of my playtime, and have done so for about seven years now.

I just don't know where else you can have so much fun, with so little maintenance or expense, than with these Ariels.

Eddie

**spinmetals** · March 17, 2013, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by Dbwy

Welcome!

I purchased my car with the idea of driving it primarily on the street. I too like street driving, although I have tracked the car also.

I ordered my car with the side panels, and windshield, among other options. In my opinion, the windshield makes it a lot more convenient for long freeway trips. I thought the ride quality would be a lot worse, but it's actually a very comfortable ride.

Other than that, being your age, you should maybe locate a car, get in and out of it a few times to make sure it's something your comfortable with.

Do you think ZR rated street tires wold make it any better, I've had the michelin and they were a great setup. I can always have a track set . . .

**spinmetals** · March 17, 2013, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by RandyLamp

Hi Cliff, that's me with Eddie in the video that Bolus posted. After my first track day, I upgraded from the standard to the sport brake (Wilwoods all around) option. After two Atoms and thousands of miles on street and track, it was one of my best choices.

BTW, I'm 62 and would still have my Atom except I've just gotten too busy with other things. Maybe again when I'm 70!

They're now standard, are the alcons really worth the rate?

**MadMaxAtom** · March 17, 2013, 02:19 PM

"are the alcons really worth the rate?"

More important is to match up your pads with what you intend to do primarily with the car. I found my stock Alcons, with the stock Pagid pads "woody" feeling until I switched to Carbotechs. The Pagids (4-2 compound) seem to take forever to become consistent,and for street use or autocross,I hated them. The different pads have much better feel (and overall bite) for what is happening,cold or hot since swapping in the Carbotechs.(I have found my other cars like their pads as well.) They make braking confidence inspiring.
* Brake bias is also a personal matter,and depends on tire use as well.Stock is bias front. I reverse that. Personal choice.
The Atom is the kind of car you must set up to your own tastes to get the most out of it. Luckily,it can be adjusted to suit most every taste. Plus,you must invest time behind the wheel to get know the car,street or track.It is not your fathers Oldsmobile.
Bone stock,they are about as much fun on 4 wheels as I have ever driven. Set up to ones own tastes..they are magical.

77 years..that's gotta be a misprint!