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.
I run mine with standard wheels, a non-baffled sump and non-adjustable suspension.
There are times when I'd prefer the adjustable on track, but it's not a serious issue. Having said that, I've seen enough reports from experienced drivers on the Atomclub forum stating that either dymags or Ohlins will make as much difference to laptime as the supercharger.
There are times when I'd prefer the adjustable on track, but it's not a serious issue. Having said that, I've seen enough reports from experienced drivers on the Atomclub forum stating that either dymags or Ohlins will make as much difference to laptime as the supercharger.
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
I've not had an oil starvation issue, however I think that with sticky tyres and a long corner it can be an issue.
I mostly run AD08R, which aren't that grippy but are predictable and give decent performance in the rain too. Whilst AO48 would be quite a lot quicker, I'd rather not be caught in heavy rain with them.
I mostly run AD08R, which aren't that grippy but are predictable and give decent performance in the rain too. Whilst AO48 would be quite a lot quicker, I'd rather not be caught in heavy rain with them.
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!!
Having run a 3 300 for 3 years here are my thoughts.....
Ground clearance...no problems at all (had way more problems with previous cars...Noble M12 and 996tt)
Brake bias....nice to have but only just. Set your brakes up manually the way you want /like them and you will never change
Baffled sump....Atomclub forum seem to think a good idea for HEAVY track use..just keep an eye on oil levels
All extras....I have bought just about them all......in reality mainly cosmetic nice to haves, down to personal taste.
Suspension.....all set ups good unless you are a racing God, then online will make a difference. Even at the softest setting they are still very hard though.
A basis 3 245 or 300 is a great car....buy on condition then mod as you feel fit and budget allows
They are a great car for road and track...but they do bite if you don't know what you are doing....up to about 100mph they will leave almost everything behind they are that capable!
Black defo fastest, especially if a bit of candy apple red added to the mix
Ground clearance...no problems at all (had way more problems with previous cars...Noble M12 and 996tt)
Brake bias....nice to have but only just. Set your brakes up manually the way you want /like them and you will never change
Baffled sump....Atomclub forum seem to think a good idea for HEAVY track use..just keep an eye on oil levels
All extras....I have bought just about them all......in reality mainly cosmetic nice to haves, down to personal taste.
Suspension.....all set ups good unless you are a racing God, then online will make a difference. Even at the softest setting they are still very hard though.
A basis 3 245 or 300 is a great car....buy on condition then mod as you feel fit and budget allows
They are a great car for road and track...but they do bite if you don't know what you are doing....up to about 100mph they will leave almost everything behind they are that capable!
Black defo fastest, especially if a bit of candy apple red added to the mix
Edited by northnoble on Sunday 13th December 20:55
Edited by northnoble on Sunday 13th December 21:47
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!!
There are only a small number of insurers but there is competition and my last renewal before I sold the car was very reasonable even being in London and with 5 track days - if anyone reads this thread and is concerned speak with the factory or use the atom forum - easy to get details of the insurers still doing atoms - insurance cost should not be a bar to ownership - when you add in depreciation and consumable cost atoms are very cheap to own
Hello TVR
I had insurance issues most of the company's that would even insure the Atom came back with £700 + fully comp with 3000 limited mileage no track days and a couple wanted a tracker fitted, I was a little shocked as my previous car was 500 bhp included 5 track days limited mileage 3000 and was only £380 then I tried Footman James and what a result at a staggering £170 fully comp £60 a track day no tracker req so all covered ready for 1st Jan 2016. TVR your dreams can still come true. yes bought Nicks car and what a beautiful creation these cars are, and a lovely guy to deal with,
If you are up this way by all means drop me a yell and call in.
Regards Russell
I had insurance issues most of the company's that would even insure the Atom came back with £700 + fully comp with 3000 limited mileage no track days and a couple wanted a tracker fitted, I was a little shocked as my previous car was 500 bhp included 5 track days limited mileage 3000 and was only £380 then I tried Footman James and what a result at a staggering £170 fully comp £60 a track day no tracker req so all covered ready for 1st Jan 2016. TVR your dreams can still come true. yes bought Nicks car and what a beautiful creation these cars are, and a lovely guy to deal with,
If you are up this way by all means drop me a yell and call in.
Regards Russell
Edited by highflyer on Thursday 24th December 09:18
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