RE: Ariel Atom 3.5R
Discussion
RocketRabbit said:
Usually the guys to watch are in Clio 172/182s
Not surprising, far easier to chuck some 2 bob FWD hatch around than a big bucks track toy with a power:weight that makes the Clio's look pathetic and mid-engine, RWD handling characteristics. I don't blame many Atom drivers for feeling cautious, it's not like you need to be Vettel to buy one, they're probably just having a laugh and trying to enjoy their cars rather than trying to look like some hot shoe.BigBen said:
I have driven an SV but it was not comfortable. I am 6"6 and built like a company director and the Caterham does not have enough room. CSR with lowered floor may help. I suspect Ariel have got a lot of customers because they don't fit Caterhams, certainly the main reason I originally got an Atom. Per my comment above I think the Atom is tricker to drive than the Caterham, but that is part of the fun.
Agree that they sometimes seem slower than sevens on trackdays, however that is on a trackday where the range of abilities is huge, I have passed 300bhp Atoms in my lesser model, I have also been passed by 160 bhp ones that were better driven.
My first Atom was about 550kg but that was pre-Honda engines the Rover K-series being a lot lighter so would expect the current cars are closer to 600.
K series and the N/A Honda unit are very similar weight.Agree that they sometimes seem slower than sevens on trackdays, however that is on a trackday where the range of abilities is huge, I have passed 300bhp Atoms in my lesser model, I have also been passed by 160 bhp ones that were better driven.
My first Atom was about 550kg but that was pre-Honda engines the Rover K-series being a lot lighter so would expect the current cars are closer to 600.
Having driven the Sadev equipped Atom at Palmersport, my perfect non V8 Atom would be the Mugen N/A with Sadev gearbox.
Edited by alexpa on Saturday 10th May 05:30
alexpa said:
K series and the N/A Honda unit are very similar weight.
Having driven the Sadev equipped Atom at Palmersport, my perfect non V8 Atom would be the Mugen N/A with Sadev gearbox.
I think the K series is around 100kg and the Honda is about 25kg more, so a fair bit.Having driven the Sadev equipped Atom at Palmersport, my perfect non V8 Atom would be the Mugen N/A with Sadev gearbox.
Edited by alexpa on Saturday 10th May 05:30
dino ferrana said:
BigBen said:
I think the K series is around 100kg and the Honda is about 25kg more, so a fair bit.
I believe the K-series is more like 85 ish, which opens up the gap quite a bit. So before anything is added in terms of plumbing for the supercharger, you've got 40kg.I wonder what the difference in the weight of the transmissions is.
CraigyMc said:
dino ferrana said:
BigBen said:
I think the K series is around 100kg and the Honda is about 25kg more, so a fair bit.
I believe the K-series is more like 85 ish, which opens up the gap quite a bit. So before anything is added in terms of plumbing for the supercharger, you've got 40kg.I wonder what the difference in the weight of the transmissions is.
The Honda box looks to be closely related to the PG1 so would think it weighs the same.
BigBen said:
It came with the PG1 box and no LSD, I fitted one to mine.
The Honda box looks to be closely related to the PG1 so would think it weighs the same.
As I understand it, the Honda box comes with an LSD from the factory and it's a 6-speeder rather than the PG1's 5-speeds.The Honda box looks to be closely related to the PG1 so would think it weighs the same.
I believe the dry weight of the PG1 is circa 36kg. A wet figure would be better for comparison use, and an equivalent for the Honda box would be pretty nice too, if anyone has one.
I think Scuffers on here has done work like this with Elises in the past, he might know.
CraigyMc said:
BigBen said:
It came with the PG1 box and no LSD, I fitted one to mine.
The Honda box looks to be closely related to the PG1 so would think it weighs the same.
As I understand it, the Honda box comes with an LSD from the factory and it's a 6-speeder rather than the PG1's 5-speeds.The Honda box looks to be closely related to the PG1 so would think it weighs the same.
I believe the dry weight of the PG1 is circa 36kg. A wet figure would be better for comparison use, and an equivalent for the Honda box would be pretty nice too, if anyone has one.
I think Scuffers on here has done work like this with Elises in the past, he might know.
Toilet Duck said:
I'm wondering (hoping) if the charge cooler/pulley swap will be available to retrofit to existing atoms to get the power boost 
Speak to TTS Performance in Silverstone. They are UK Distributors for Rotrex so should be able to help (they also got 397BHP out of my Supercharged Zetec 
)RocketRabbit said:
Factory can happily build them for you. And just because they aren't as expensive, doesn't mean they won't be as well developed. The chassis on the RRR SR2 is a work of art. Westfield have just paid to do extensive research on Reynolds steels for a 17% weight reduction combined with 30% stiffness increase. Besides, if you know what you're doing, building it is an enjoyable experience.
Edited - forgot about Westfield.
The only thing I trust myself building is Lego!Edited - forgot about Westfield.
Edited by RocketRabbit on Friday 9th May 17:30
As you rightly state £84,000 is a lot of money but that for is fully spec'd Atom (as per the photo) with lots of options like carbon fibre panels, aerofoils, Mag alloys etc which aren't essentials.
The premium costs over a standard Atom are the Sandev box and paddles shifter along with better spring & dampers kits which add at least £25k.
I'm sure if you spec'd up the selection of vehicles you mention above they too will cost silly money.
Personally I'm happy with my AA3 245 as I don't go in for track days etc. so couldn't care less that I can't quite match the driving skills of "Lewis Hamilton" etc. I drive to enjoy not "win".
Anyway, back to the 3.5R .... looks great in my eyes but not for me as I get enough whinning from the misses without having to listen to it when out driving. NA for me please.
LESS IS MORE
Adrian
Mastodon2 said:
Not surprising, far easier to chuck some 2 bob FWD hatch around than a big bucks track toy with a power:weight that makes the Clio's look pathetic and mid-engine, RWD handling characteristics. I don't blame many Atom drivers for feeling cautious, it's not like you need to be Vettel to buy one, they're probably just having a laugh and trying to enjoy their cars rather than trying to look like some hot shoe.
That whole post is an oxymoron of epic proportions The Clio guys have the biggest smile on their faces. And you can get in any car and pin it no problem. The difference between taking it easy and right on it is probably 2 seconds a lap, not 10 seconds.BigBen said:
Building a car would be enjoyable, however my point stands that you are not comparing like with like and at no point did I state that they are not as good because they are cheaper, they are just not as good because they are not as good.
Ben
They're not as good because they're not as good (AKA, don't cost as much). Unless you actually have some empirical evidence to back up your claim...thought not.Ben
RocketRabbit said:
They're not as good because they're not as good (AKA, don't cost as much). Unless you actually have some empirical evidence to back up your claim...thought not.
I would suggest the need to provide empirical evidence lies with you who originally made such claims. Still waiting for your £20k (or whatever amount you suggested) Atom beater, but so far we have just had a list of kit car makers. Can you do any better......thought not.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff