Leak, Improvements, etc...

[David Maloney]

So I've had #66 for a couple weeks and noticed a leak from the furthest right white reservoir tank (not the washer fluid) onto the floorboard. I am told it is the rear brake fluid tank. Anyone have this issue before and what was the fix? I tried tightening the clamp, but 48 hrs later, still drips on floorboard but not as much.

I am also thinking of adding the side panels and/or front and rear spoilers. Curious as to the consensus on these. Does carbon fibre make a big difference?

I have the EcoTec 300hp in my car, but was told people prefer the k20a. Of those that have driven both, can you share some opinions? I kinda saw this as a "starter" Atom that I would try for a year or so and then go for new or near new if I still used and enjoyed it after the initial excitement of new ownership wore off.

Finally, if anyone knows anything about this particular car that they feel I should know about, please share. Thanks all!

[bolus]

I have the EcoTec 300hp in my car, but was told people prefer the k20a

who are these "people" you refer to? My ecotec has more torque than the hartley V1 in the Atom V8 and costs $45,300 less Long live the ecotec!!

Side panels are for girly men unless then are flames!


Im not sure if anyone hasnt had a brake fluid leak. Here is how I fixed mine:

My leak was from the connection between the top and bottom sections (This is tilton reservoirs ). But after positioning the band better it does not leak anymore. "A" was slipped down into grove "B" You can also see the faint black O ring inside, between the to ties. That o ring has to be between them to seal



a few people have purchased this much better designed all in one part. But this would require re-bleeding everything

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TIL-72-576/?rtype=10

[David Maloney]

A couple dealers (with cars with Honda's in them) indicated that more Atom owners prefer the Honda motors. Thanks for the leak input. I will tackle it this weekend. I was thinking of the side panels for the cooler nights. I froze my butt off a couple nights ago.

[bolus]

Not really a fair argument now that they dont make any more ecotec based Atom's. And I dont remember any of them asking me

A heated motorcycle jacket and gloves will work much better than the side panels.

[MadMaxAtom]

"But this would require re-bleeding everything" Actually,untrue. If you are careful and don't allow the brake fluid to drain from the hoses,the swap can be performed with NO bleeding necessary.

Ecotec engines are quite rugged and can produce great HP,so it really doesn't matter which engine powers an Atom if all you need is a reliable powerplant. If you need a Honda,then everything else sucks.

[David Maloney]

I am working on tightening the clamps momentarily. If that works, I guess there is no need for a whole change out to something else. What do you mean "if you need a Honda, everything else sucks."? Is there any reason why someone would need a Honda over an ecotec or did I miss sarcasm?

[bolus]

sarcasm... there is always a funny debate between the ecotec and the honda guys on who is better. Like the age old ford vs chevy. Honda guys swear their engine is better, us ecotec guys swear our engine is better. But in the end they are both decent engines we just like trash talking each other.

but dont count out your ecotec. You can build that little guy up to 1600hp if you wanted (with lots of cash).

[David Maloney]

Clamps looked like they were on correctly. I am wondering if the seal on a cap might be bad, so I switched caps. I guess we will see.

What about value? Does one engine command more value on resale than the other?

[MadMaxAtom]

Eventually,the plastic clamped to the plastic will leak,again.It is the law of Tupperware!

"Does one engine command more value on resale than the other?" Well...once again,it is all relative. If you desire a Honda engine,then you will pay more for one if the person selling the Honda powered Atom wants more than a comparable Ecotec Atom. I do believe there are more Ecotec Atoms in existence,but that changes every time a new Atom sells...hey,it's all good!

[bolus]

For atom resales? Not really. but there are only about 100 GM based cars and will never be another from the factory so if you bought a new one it will definitely be Honda. The original 9 Honda's that were sold early on were something like $7000 more per car. Replacement crate engines are cheaper for the ecotec.