Few Atom 3 queries - newbie
Discussion
Hello All
Just can't keep away, so can owners past and present offer some advice to a potential purchaser please reference Atom 3 300:
Do Atoms struggle with rough moorland B roads / speed bumps?
Had lots of sporty cars and worst was 996 GT3 and it's plastic bib spoiler / snow plough, but even that was manageable. Atom doesn't appear to have a low nose, the exhaust doesn't run underneath - is the chassis low or rad pipework?? Legal 100mm clearance adequate??
Anyone regularly run an Atom on trackdays that has no baffled sump?
Factory suggest they are desirable not essential - ensure she has plenty of oil and all will be fine?
Is a brake bias necessary? Can they be squirrelly on the brakes or is this more down to correct geo set up? Car most likely big Alcon front, sport rear - so naturally front bias - stable but prone to locking fronts?
What's the standard billy suspension like - well set up? Palatable - pliant and neutral ?
With the correct geo settings caster, camber, toe, etc. are they suited to road and occasional track work or best suited to just one discipline? Or are adjustables necessary not just desirable?
It appears only too easy to spend spend spend - ohlins, dymags, carbon, wings, etc. Whilst very nice do any truly transform the car??? Ie is a standard ish Atom a bad car - or huge fun and capable out of the box???
Oh, are the all black ones the fastest ;-)
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Just can't keep away, so can owners past and present offer some advice to a potential purchaser please reference Atom 3 300:
Do Atoms struggle with rough moorland B roads / speed bumps?
Had lots of sporty cars and worst was 996 GT3 and it's plastic bib spoiler / snow plough, but even that was manageable. Atom doesn't appear to have a low nose, the exhaust doesn't run underneath - is the chassis low or rad pipework?? Legal 100mm clearance adequate??
Anyone regularly run an Atom on trackdays that has no baffled sump?
Factory suggest they are desirable not essential - ensure she has plenty of oil and all will be fine?
Is a brake bias necessary? Can they be squirrelly on the brakes or is this more down to correct geo set up? Car most likely big Alcon front, sport rear - so naturally front bias - stable but prone to locking fronts?
What's the standard billy suspension like - well set up? Palatable - pliant and neutral ?
With the correct geo settings caster, camber, toe, etc. are they suited to road and occasional track work or best suited to just one discipline? Or are adjustables necessary not just desirable?
It appears only too easy to spend spend spend - ohlins, dymags, carbon, wings, etc. Whilst very nice do any truly transform the car??? Ie is a standard ish Atom a bad car - or huge fun and capable out of the box???
Oh, are the all black ones the fastest ;-)
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Many thanks !!
Not hunting for lap times, so if she's fun to drive and predictable / safe - jobs a good un!
Run an M5 at the minute and always run her in comfort suspension setting, same for my old R8 - not quite as pointy but seemingly there's more grip and traction available in the softer settings as long as it's not a wallowy ride. Atom being so light must benefit from softer settings on our rubbish roads - and my local circuit is Oulton and that's pretty bumpy in areas if I get to go play.
No oil starvation issues then? Soft track tyres or standard road ?
Thanks again
Not hunting for lap times, so if she's fun to drive and predictable / safe - jobs a good un!
Run an M5 at the minute and always run her in comfort suspension setting, same for my old R8 - not quite as pointy but seemingly there's more grip and traction available in the softer settings as long as it's not a wallowy ride. Atom being so light must benefit from softer settings on our rubbish roads - and my local circuit is Oulton and that's pretty bumpy in areas if I get to go play.
No oil starvation issues then? Soft track tyres or standard road ?
Thanks again
Cheers - pleased to hear you've not had any oil issues, has anyone - I've not heard of any and the factory suggest not if oil is near full, just want to confirm with the owners
Agree best all round tyres are preferred so you can play in all weathers , or just if you get caught out in a down pour - we do seem to have a fair few of them!!
Agree best all round tyres are preferred so you can play in all weathers , or just if you get caught out in a down pour - we do seem to have a fair few of them!!
Thanks for the honest advice / comments.
Had a bit of a surprise on insurance costs, worse than a road registered Tuscan challenge car and an R500
Afraid to say this swung the balance and my head is now ruling my heart, Atom is now off my Christmas list - sorry Nick (gorgeous orange Atom on PH sales)
I will just have to get my Atom fix at Palmer Sport again, looking for a fun sports car with a roof, probably with 12 cylinders.
Your black / candy apple Atom looks gorgeous by the way!! Simple but effective! Enjoy the most of the mild weather.
Had a bit of a surprise on insurance costs, worse than a road registered Tuscan challenge car and an R500
Afraid to say this swung the balance and my head is now ruling my heart, Atom is now off my Christmas list - sorry Nick (gorgeous orange Atom on PH sales)
I will just have to get my Atom fix at Palmer Sport again, looking for a fun sports car with a roof, probably with 12 cylinders.
Your black / candy apple Atom looks gorgeous by the way!! Simple but effective! Enjoy the most of the mild weather.
Cheers - tried my usual suspects and a few recommended Atom insurers.
REIS were the cheapest but was £700+ for 5k miles incl commuting - lots more than expected. The other "kit car" insurer was over £1,000
A couple of others had stopped insuring Atoms???
I note Nick has sold the Atom based on another newbie thread, as expected as sounded like a minter - well done Nick , congratulations Highflyer!!
REIS were the cheapest but was £700+ for 5k miles incl commuting - lots more than expected. The other "kit car" insurer was over £1,000
A couple of others had stopped insuring Atoms???
I note Nick has sold the Atom based on another newbie thread, as expected as sounded like a minter - well done Nick , congratulations Highflyer!!
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