Discussion
Well this week, as the weather has been good I have taken to picking up my daughter from school in 'Firebomb'. She announced today that she was leaving in an Ariel Atom and it cost 'fifteen thousand pounds', the teachers and fellow classmates were impressed, I was thinking, can I swing that value with the wife 
Anyway. There is nothing as cool as enjoying toys with your kids. It's massively enjoyable that she's asking questions about 'how fast', where 'it comes from' etc
I did pose the question about selling this am. It was met by a full on teenage meltdown. Tonight an apology and she'd worked out that £15000 would buy 10000 dogs. The mind of a seven year old. Marvelous
edit: and crawling home some bottom feeder in an Lexus 200 proceeded to drive up my rear end and generally be a tit, this, with my daughter in the car. Unreal.
Anyway. There is nothing as cool as enjoying toys with your kids. It's massively enjoyable that she's asking questions about 'how fast', where 'it comes from' etc
I did pose the question about selling this am. It was met by a full on teenage meltdown. Tonight an apology and she'd worked out that £15000 would buy 10000 dogs. The mind of a seven year old. Marvelous
edit: and crawling home some bottom feeder in an Lexus 200 proceeded to drive up my rear end and generally be a tit, this, with my daughter in the car. Unreal.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 14th September 00:46
A few weeks have flown, thoughts of selling passed with the problem of 'what'. I fancy a Mono, but for that money you could finance an F3 for a season and keep the Atom, whilst drinking very decent bottles of red
The Intrax dampers have been a fairly constant source of fettling. No doubt they are track biased. My tinkering has resulted in pros and cons but nothing that I am totally happy with. It's a compromise as they are. Therefore the dampers are coming off, and Intrax, for a fee, are upgrading them to their 'ARC' spec and I'll have more useful performance on the road without losing much on the track, the track that I haven't yet explored, ahem. However, the new setup will rely on hydraulics more than springs.
The Intrax dampers have been a fairly constant source of fettling. No doubt they are track biased. My tinkering has resulted in pros and cons but nothing that I am totally happy with. It's a compromise as they are. Therefore the dampers are coming off, and Intrax, for a fee, are upgrading them to their 'ARC' spec and I'll have more useful performance on the road without losing much on the track, the track that I haven't yet explored, ahem. However, the new setup will rely on hydraulics more than springs.
The dampers arrived safe and sound in Uden, I'm trying to resist calling them every 5 mins, are they done yet, etc. Whilstghe car is on stands I am tempted to make a few cosmetic tweaks, I don't like the standard cap heads everywhere, they'd look better with the heads chamfered. The manifold and exhaust could really do with being coated, whilst I am at it may as well get some bracing welded onto the branch, at least one Atom has failed in this place. Paint the disc bells, erm....
ARE THE F*CKING DAMPERS READY YET
ARE THE F*CKING DAMPERS READY YET
MOT time.
Not the ideal conditions to test the dynamics today, bravely facing the terrible blizzards in the Southeast But it was cold, very 'I cant feel my fingers cold' even with decent gloves on. The sheen on the roads, a thin veneer of filth, like a table in a greasy spoon demanded a bit of care. It never ceases to amaze me how glorified track tyres cope in conditions way out of their comfort zone if you treat them with a bit of respect? This wasn't as thorough a test as driving the Caterham in snow on 48's, but there wasn't much in the way of grip if you asked much more of the frigid rubber than gentle acceleration. It's an easy car to drive in crap conditions, loads of predictable torque everywhere. Only the brakes ruined the party, making it clear that they would rather be elsewhere. Trailing a left foot got some heat into them and normal service was soon resumed.
In a fit of out of character organisation I had called ahead yesterday and told them that if the weather was really poor it would be off. I can deal with fun and a bit of a laugh but not huge risks that involve insurance claims! I was warmly greeted with 'You must be f
king mad' before getting down to business. New number plate stuck on and with the cat was re-fitted all was well in the world.
What I did notice about the new setup was how much more compliant it was, it's a huge change, although it would be given the new spring rates. The drive back was via the slightly longer route and I almost just went out for the morning, I mean after starting at 9am and the car now filthy there was little to lose, but common sense and impending frostbite prevailed. I'm obviously going soft.
Back into the garage, cleaned off all the obvious crap and some WD on the shiny bits. Next stop a drive to the factory for the annual service, new tyres and whatever else it needs.
Not the ideal conditions to test the dynamics today, bravely facing the terrible blizzards in the Southeast
But it was cold, very 'I cant feel my fingers cold' even with decent gloves on. The sheen on the roads, a thin veneer of filth, like a table in a greasy spoon demanded a bit of care. It never ceases to amaze me how glorified track tyres cope in conditions way out of their comfort zone if you treat them with a bit of respect? This wasn't as thorough a test as driving the Caterham in snow on 48's, but there wasn't much in the way of grip if you asked much more of the frigid rubber than gentle acceleration. It's an easy car to drive in crap conditions, loads of predictable torque everywhere. Only the brakes ruined the party, making it clear that they would rather be elsewhere. Trailing a left foot got some heat into them and normal service was soon resumed.In a fit of out of character organisation I had called ahead yesterday and told them that if the weather was really poor it would be off. I can deal with fun and a bit of a laugh but not huge risks that involve insurance claims! I was warmly greeted with 'You must be f
king mad' before getting down to business. New number plate stuck on and with the cat was re-fitted all was well in the world.What I did notice about the new setup was how much more compliant it was, it's a huge change, although it would be given the new spring rates. The drive back was via the slightly longer route and I almost just went out for the morning, I mean after starting at 9am and the car now filthy there was little to lose, but common sense and impending frostbite prevailed. I'm obviously going soft.
Back into the garage, cleaned off all the obvious crap and some WD on the shiny bits. Next stop a drive to the factory for the annual service, new tyres and whatever else it needs.
A lot of work travel has restricted time to drive the Atom, but it’s venturing out. Tonight, after picking up my daughter and playing around in the park we went to the local footy ground for some doughnuts. I was genuinely surprised how a 9 year old reacted, basically she was delighted. She has requested more tomorrow
Looking at the rear tyres tonight I think it’s time to start looking at replacements. Still have a few miles left and they’ve resisted pretty well all things considered covering about 2500miles (guessing 3000 is a sensible limit) compared to the 888’s which gave up at 16-1700.
Rear grip appears down a little, maybe it’s just driven slighter harder these days, not sure? It has to go to the factory for a service but I’ll drop the oil this weekend anyway.
The mileage will be coming down as a new toy is gracing the garage and you can only do one thing at a time unfortunately.
Rear grip appears down a little, maybe it’s just driven slighter harder these days, not sure? It has to go to the factory for a service but I’ll drop the oil this weekend anyway.
The mileage will be coming down as a new toy is gracing the garage and you can only do one thing at a time unfortunately.
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 15th June 18:12
swerni said:
I would have thought, being so light, they’d last ages.
Now I’ve discover bikes, I find myself using the cars less and less.
The Caterham was similar, the Atom has way more torque and just encourages you to dick about. Given the annual mileage is 3-4K it’s not a bother really, especially as it’s only £100-120 a corner.Now I’ve discover bikes, I find myself using the cars less and less.
I’m planning to ship the bike to Italy, where I work on and off. The Atom is just so much fun and you can take a passenger, wearing just shorts and T Shirts in summer. Nothing like them.
Ventured over to the Wings and Wheels today with a couple of others. Fantastic weather and a good drive across. After the bike it’s so low, but so epically brilliant not having to wear leathers! Find myself having a lot more confidence in it strangely, not that it was lacking but it just feels ultra secure (cue spinning madly through hedge).
Some new flush fasteners are arriving this week and then it’s service time, plus some tyres. Good craic today leaving when a young kid was having his picture taken, told him to get in the drivers seat, that’s another one converted, have to try and save as many as possible
Both him and his father were delighted. Picked daughter up, cruised around in the sunshine for a while then headed back.
Anyway. A good day.
Thanks. It's a very 'happy' car. It's only aim in life is to make everyone smile. I don't know what will happen come sale time as I really, really am attached to it. The fasteners really clean the car up, I have them on the wheel and tub, plus any panel that isn't fitted with a quick release. I sourced them from here, but be sure to call them and ask what they actually have in stock as it took a long time to deliver. Personally I think they should be standard fitment on a car of this nature.
Good day out today. Met with the rest of the loonies and headed out to Caffeine and Machines, which I can recommend.
IMG_3499 by roo_p, on Flickr
Had some fun on the way back, tbh, I'm wavering on the Atom 4. The K20 screams it's head off and I don't really need to go faster. There is something I do want though.
Watch this space
IMG_3499 by roo_p, on FlickrHad some fun on the way back, tbh, I'm wavering on the Atom 4. The K20 screams it's head off and I don't really need to go faster. There is something I do want though.
Watch this space
Another visit to the cafe today, I really like the place, chilled out and loads of cool things to look at.
Loved this. The owner was a nice chap. Built it himself from a '54 shell, factory RHD car from Belgium.
IMG_3743 by roo_p, on Flickr
Big tubs, very bright
IMG_3741 by roo_p, on Flickr
IMG_3742 by roo_p, on Flickr
Probably one of the coolest things. A quick look inside revealed a shifter which gave the game away. Big block. Lovely.
IMG_3744 by roo_p, on Flickr
Nice RS
IMG_3739 by roo_p, on Flickr
Another soft spot. You can see the Atom lurking in the background. It was too cold to piss about with the phone today!
IMG_3740 by roo_p, on Flickr
Gave it a good clean yesterday to get all the winter protection off of the engine and box. A fellow owner has been talking about a new engine build, one that would make 370-390 without having to use any more boost, therefore not require additional intercooler and oil cooler. For the price, it does sound pretty spectacular. Also, i've been discussing the Sadev, I think it would be really, really entertaining.
After the Italian tune up earlier the car feels pretty good. Front tyres are gone, but I was just waiting for now to replace them. The V70's have been great, just a shame they can't make them on demand
, switched to ZZR's now and the rears so far have been solid.
Other news, had an invite for Kop Hill again, can't wait, probably the highlight of the year for me, so many nice people involved and always a good day (wet or dry) Heard a rumour a very special car is there this year.
Loved this. The owner was a nice chap. Built it himself from a '54 shell, factory RHD car from Belgium.
IMG_3743 by roo_p, on FlickrBig tubs, very bright
IMG_3741 by roo_p, on FlickrIMG_3742 by roo_p, on FlickrProbably one of the coolest things. A quick look inside revealed a shifter which gave the game away. Big block. Lovely.
IMG_3744 by roo_p, on FlickrNice RS
IMG_3739 by roo_p, on FlickrAnother soft spot. You can see the Atom lurking in the background. It was too cold to piss about with the phone today!
IMG_3740 by roo_p, on FlickrGave it a good clean yesterday to get all the winter protection off of the engine and box. A fellow owner has been talking about a new engine build, one that would make 370-390 without having to use any more boost, therefore not require additional intercooler and oil cooler. For the price, it does sound pretty spectacular. Also, i've been discussing the Sadev, I think it would be really, really entertaining.
After the Italian tune up earlier the car feels pretty good. Front tyres are gone, but I was just waiting for now to replace them. The V70's have been great, just a shame they can't make them on demand
, switched to ZZR's now and the rears so far have been solid. Other news, had an invite for Kop Hill again, can't wait, probably the highlight of the year for me, so many nice people involved and always a good day (wet or dry
) Heard a rumour a very special car is there this year.Turn7 said:
Ha, I saw that '54 Chevy on the road today! We were on route to Stoneleigh and it was going the other way......beast of a thing,
It was really well finished. The owner was really honest about it all, he said he worked in a normal job, worked a lot of overtime and spent his money on his car. His mates who helped out with body, engine, box and others made it happen. Guys like this really make me tick. Anyone with a few quid can buy something, but it totally misses the point. I have friends with various Ferraris and lambos and honestly, they probably haven't ever had, or needed to even change the oil Apparently the '54 is a PITA to get parts for, '55 and '56 are better. Wish I'd had more time to chat with him.
Always a good morning up there.
Turn7 said:
Marlboro is classic, do it....
Re engine - I thought you had the new model on order, unless Im mistaken ?
I do, but it’s ages away and I’m not very patient Re engine - I thought you had the new model on order, unless Im mistaken ?
The trick will be making it not look like a crappy replica job. Found a good place for the work, just have to give them the outline. I’ve always loved the flouro Marlboro colours.
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