[Question Collection] Hrodger's Questions For Atom 2's

[Hrodger Wong]

i am not sure whether i want to ask separate questions for each item, so i thought that i might just use this one thread i created to keep track of what i asked, if it is okay. I have already asked a few questions in my introductory post, so i won't re-add them here - thanks for the replies, by the way!

I live in Livermore, California, ~1 hour East of San Francisco, 20 minutes from Tracy (if it helps directing me to places to get stuff). Or if anyone is near there to make friends.


1. Where to get an Engine + Transmission? Since the roller kit by Sector111 does not include either, i have never bought these things before separate from a car. i could call to ask about which engine would be right, i am just not sure where to get the parts. is there like a website or dealer in the Bay Area?

I might be a fan of the Atom, but i am in no way car-oriented. i kind of know how stuff works, but overall i am very unsteady with car speak and related content. i can do a tire/oil change, and refill liquids and replace fuses, but that's as far as my knowledge takes me. i watch BBC's Top Gear, but they usually put things into easy-to-understand terms.

2. I cannot decide which to get, the 219HP or pay the extra $2,000 for +30HP. i probably won't be able to handle 300HP, so i am looking to see which amount of Horsepower would fit me well. if it was as easy as choosing computer parts, i would definitely pay more for the +30, but since its only +30 (and a car is serious cash compared to $200 computer parts), seems like a lot for the extra oomph.

3. Padding for seats - if i go the one-piece bucket seat, it does not come with cushions, correct? i assume it does not, so i would like to know what are considered good cushions for the cheap/stock-seats.

4. Is there a pro or con to not getting the windshield? @ $150, i just do not know if it will be worth it.

5. Differences between Atom 2 + 3 - is the Atom 3 reserved for the v8 (500HP?) version and the 300HP models, making the Atom 2's kind of a "standard" variant?



Every time i visit the forum or look at pics and vids here @ work, i am always thinking i could order an Atom NOW, but i cannot, unfortunately. hopefully i stick to my savings regiment and can place an order in several years.

Thanks again for the welcoming help and i hope to be a future owner of an Atom. i guess this is it for now.

[bolus]

The windshield is either a registration issue or a personal choice. I think the lack of windshield is part of the essence of the car. But that's me. But some states require a windshield to register and that's a different story.

The fiberglass seat is more comfortable than you would expect. Decide on cushions after you have driven it for a while.

No matter what HP you go with, you will get used to it after a few months and will want more. It is fine to start with a sensible HP and after you get used to driving and it starts to feel boring, then pump up the HP another 30 or so and it will breath new life into the car. Just be aware that this is a slippery slope

All new Atom's are Atom 3's now. The Atom V8 just has different parts in the same frame. The frame is slightly different from the 2 to 3.

Other's here know where to source Honda crate engines.

Think about buying used too. There are some good deals on Atom's

[Gage]

1. Where to get an Engine + Transmission? Since the roller kit by Sector111 .

You can purchase low mileage used engines with transmission and engine control computer for 3 or 4 thousand dollars, and up. You can also find used engines/transmissions for 5k or more, but you don't need to pay that. You can buy professionally built racing motors for 10k and more. Brand new transmissions can be had for 4k to 6k. Just send me a message if or when you are ready to buy your engine and transmission. It is a fun process.

[Hrodger Wong]

okay, thanks! it will be several years, though.