crxgator

id get the stock k20 and if ever needed to all-motor route...how sick would that sound with ITB's right next to your head...

firefighter81

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crxgator &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">id get the stock k20 and if ever needed to all-motor route...how sick would that sound with ITB's right next to your head... </TD></TR></TABLE>

I've been considering this very seriously. I had ITB's on my AE86 way back before they were every ricers favorite car and I loved it All motor would be a more expensive route, but it would be easier in a car such as this where room is very limited. But I don't know if the ITB's would be efficient with the intake setup the way it is, I'd have to decide that once I got it.

Build it to rev to 10k and have the closest looking/sounding thing on the street to an F1 car.

Mooneyes13

^^ like that sig bro

so if im ever out that way, can i count on doing a photo shoot and getting a ride? heh

firefighter81

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mooneyes13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">^^ like that sig bro

so if im ever out that way, can i count on doing a photo shoot and getting a ride? heh </TD></TR></TABLE>

Of course, you're gonna have to wait till I get back to the US in 2007 though. So you might wanna find someone who is actually gonna have one slightly sooner if you wanna do a shoot.

Mooneyes13

bored as **** at work....
VTAK

kaiba

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mooneyes13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">bored as **** at work....
VTAK

[/img]</TD></TR></TABLE>

These two look like small version of F1.

firefighter81

the same front and rear spoiler package is available as an option, in Carbon it's about $5k, and in aluminum about $2500. The limiting factor in the top speed of these cars is downforce and aerodynamics, the spoilers do bring up the top speed significantly, however I'm not sure how much exactly.

Westrock2000

The only thing that seems questionable at this point is the one piece plastic seats. They don't look all that comfortable. So I wouldn't have a problem putting something more padded in, but I don't know if that center plastic part covers anything. Though something could be fabbed up pretty quick. Maybe even a cupholder Again though, they may actually be descently comfortable.

Plus I would HAVE to put a radio and two speakers....nothing fancy just something to listen to while cruising

integra15

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by firefighter81 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

*sigh*

YES, it is completely street legal, it's not an exemption or anything like that. Haven't you ever seen a sandrail registered to drive on the street? Or a custom built car? It's registered the same way. Motorcycles are street legal and are much more dangerous than this car. I know absolutely 100% positively that in can be registered in Washington state, because I know the owner of two in WA state, and he has them both registered and it was very easy to do so. The fact that it can be registered in Washington state is all that matters to me as far as that goes, because it's my home state. I could give a **** if the People's Republic of California or any other state doesn't let residents register it. The US government for the most part isn't going to give a **** about letting this car be street legal, because it isn't going to noticeably cut into US auto manufacturer profits. The company is very small, will only be churning out 200 or so a year (maybe more), and not everyone is going to want to spend $40k+ on a toy car.

The car may not look safe, but I guarantee you, in a t-bone type or rear end collision, you'll be better off in an Aerial Atom than you will be in most other cars on the road. Because you are surrounded by a very strong frame, not just some metal/plastic doors with weak *** door beams. In a rollover accident the car has been designed to protect the driver, even more so with the optional roll bar. You don't need an airbag, because you are strapped in with a 5 point harness in seats bolted directly to the frame, you aren't going anywhere. If you're smart you'll be wearing a helmet in the car, although it's not required. The only inherent danger I can see this car having is being that it's so low to the ground, soccer mom's in their Ford Excursions might not see me and attempt to run me over. All that means is when I do drive it on the street I am going to have to drive VERY defensively.

But one of the positive sides to it being so low is I can finally pull a Fast & Furious move and drive under that pesky semi-truck </TD></TR></TABLE>

I didnt say it wasn't street legal, I'm just wonding how they pulled it off. And your right, I would hate to see what would happen if someone rear ended that thing

firefighter81

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Westrock2000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The only thing that seems questionable at this point is the one piece plastic seats. They don't look all that comfortable. So I wouldn't have a problem putting something more padded in, but I don't know if that center plastic part covers anything. Though something could be fabbed up pretty quick. Maybe even a cupholder Again though, they may actually be descently comfortable.

Plus I would HAVE to put a radio and two speakers....nothing fancy just something to listen to while cruising </TD></TR></TABLE>

Everyone that I've talked to said they are actually very comfortable and supportive. Both Top Gear and Fifth Gear noted that they are reasonably comfortable, alot more comfortable than they look. The only problem I can see is setting it up for multiple drivers if they aren't the same height. The Atom is very accomodating to taller drivers with long legs, which is great for me, being 6'2". The seat is adjustable, but not without removing bolts from each side and then sliding it forward and bolting back in. If you don't like it, they have the option of two adjustable Recaro seats as well, for an extra $1500 or so. I would consider the Recaro seats from an EVO IX, I love those seats, just not sure how well they would take a freak rainstorm. Perhaps have plastic covers handy in the trunk in case of rain, dunno.

You wouldn't be able to have a stereo in it, it runs off of a motorcycle battery, barely enough power to operate the headlights and everything. Might I suggest an IPOD and earphones? I mean it's illegal, but if you HAVE to have music then that's the way to go. Personally in a car like that I don't see why you would want music, you've got the beautiful sound of nearly 9000rpms right behind your head, that's music enough for me. The only thing I can think of that would sound better would be if I had a Ferrari V8 mounted in it

Knightsport

So this begs the qyuestion, why not shop around for other "toys."

Did you look at the Radicals? Catheram's?

firefighter81

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integra15 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I didnt say it wasn't street legal, I'm just wonding how they pulled it off. And your right, I would hate to see what would happen if someone rear ended that thing </TD></TR></TABLE>

Well, think about it. You are basically surrounded by a big roll cage frame. The car would do very well in crash tests, the only problem you would have is actually going under larger vehicles upon impact, which is where SUV driving soccer mom's become your biggest enemy. But regardless, it's a pretty safe car when you think about it. Especially with me, coming from riding sport bikes for 10 years, this car is a MUCH safer alternative to riding motorcycles, and I'm already accustomed to riding like everyone is out to kill me, I'll just adapt that philosophy while driving the Atom.

firefighter81

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knightsport &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So this begs the qyuestion, why not shop around for other "toys."

Did you look at the Radicals? Catheram's?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Radicals are not street legal, they are strictly track day cars. Even if it was possible to get them street legal, they sit so low to the ground (we are talking 1" ground clearance) you wouldn't be able to get over a speed bump, enter a parking lot, or even go up a hill. The Radical SR3/SR8 are amazing machines, but they are even more track oriented than the Atom, and the Atom has been proven to be faster on most tracks. Part of the fun of owning the Atom is going to be simply driving it down to local grocery store and just seeing everyone stare.

Caterhams are also very nice cars, I have just never been a fan of their styling, they look a little too 1920's for me. I can appreciate the shape of the Atom much better, but that's just my opinion.

Nikos

look more into the GM motor... It is not as strong as they make it out to be.. I did my research..

also since you are going to buy this car, why get the "less" motor?

check out http://atomclub.com/ for more

I mean it didn't lap faster than the porsche carrera GT with the GM motor, did it.. Oh and the rumor has it that it would have beaten the enzo ferrari but they held it back.. I guess that is what the atom guys are saying...lol

theSQad

******* sick

Knightsport

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by firefighter81 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Radicals are not street legal, they are strictly track day cars. Even if it was possible to get them street legal, they sit so low to the ground (we are talking 1" ground clearance) you wouldn't be able to get over a speed bump, enter a parking lot, or even go up a hill. The Radical SR3/SR8 are amazing machines, but they are even more track oriented than the Atom, and the Atom has been proven to be faster on most tracks. Part of the fun of owning the Atom is going to be simply driving it down to local grocery store and just seeing everyone stare.

Caterhams are also very nice cars, I have just never been a fan of their styling, they look a little too 1920's for me. I can appreciate the shape of the Atom much better, but that's just my opinion.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't get me wrong, i think the Atom looks FAR better than a Catheram but you already said it would rarely see the street. So a Radical could fit the bill too.

Just don't traverse any speed bumps.

Westrock2000

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by firefighter81 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

You wouldn't be able to have a stereo in it, it runs off of a motorcycle battery, barely enough power to operate the headlights and everything. </TD></TR></TABLE>

The seat info is good to know. I'm 6'3"..and I had thought of the problem of rain too

If it uses a standard Honda alternator that does 12V I don't think it should be too big of a problem...probably talking 1-2 amps max on a basic headunit with 2 speakers not pumping bass. And if it doesn't have a Honda alternator....well there may be a cure for that

And I'm sure you can spare an extra 5 pounds on this puppy!

I just tried to register a with a different email from a different location and it still doesn't work. You put in you full email address and the caps sensitive password right?


BTW: I like big wings (I drive an SRT-4 for crying out loud) and I think that thing looks terrible with a wing, even the front splitter.

firefighter81

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knightsport &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Don't get me wrong, i think the Atom looks FAR better than a Catheram but you already said it would rarely see the street. So a Radical could fit the bill too.

Just don't traverse any speed bumps. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Actually, if you read back to one of my posts above, I said it would see the street 70% of the time and the track 30% of the time. As much as I would like to reverse those numbers, I won't be able to afford track fees and tires more than once or twice a month. As much as I love road racing, even I wouldn't buy a track-only car. Like I said, half of the fun is gonna be giving people rides on backroad twisties and seeing everyone stare. I'll get it to the track as much as possible, but realistically, with a limited pocket book, the car will see more street time than track time.

firefighter81

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Westrock2000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The seat info is good to know. I'm 6'3"..and I had thought of the problem of rain too

If it uses a standard Honda alternator that does 12V I don't think it should be too big of a problem...probably talking 1-2 amps max on a basic headunit with 2 speakers not pumping bass. And if it doesn't have a Honda alternator....well there may be a cure for that

And I'm sure you can spare an extra 5 pounds on this puppy!

I just tried to register a with a different email from a different location and it still doesn't work. You put in you full email address and the caps sensitive password right?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, I don't understand why you are having problems, I just tested it by re-registering with my yahoo mail account, and I logged in just fine. All I did was type in my e-mail in all lowercase, and then copy/paste the password from the e-mail. Worked fine both times. Perhaps just give them a call if you have any questions?

ALX

Since it come down to the best bang for your buck, id say get the NA k20 no hondata. I mean they are charging $6500 for a Jackson Racing SC and a Hondata ECU. Even if that covers the program its still too much. Can you get the car minus a longblock and wheels? Since im sure you can get a imported or domestic k20 for a hell of a lot cheaper?

full Circling

gearing doesn't affect hp and tq. all a different transmission and/or transmission parts will do is change when and how the power is delivered to the wheels. therefore, transmissions can be modded to give you quicker times and acceleration, but not to give you more power. a transmission only TRANSMITS engine power, it doesn't create power.

cialz

GM stock is rated as Junk... there is a reason for that...

George Knighton

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by firefighter81 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
But to be completely honest I am a complete amateur driver. I've done about 30 laps in an Evo VIII on a road course....

Especially with the lack of driver assists such as ABS and traction control.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You have just scared the hell out of me.

You're buying a dedicated track car, and you've only done 30 laps in a car that is not similar in any way at all to the one car you've driven on the track.

Please, please be careful and take it easy. Maybe even consider the regular 210 HP K 20. The dynamics of an Atom are going to be completely different from what you've driven before, to the point of being dangerous if you can't keep your ego in check.

Do you belong to NASA or some other group that will be helping you with instruction in mid engine cars? I am moving this to RJ's RR Forum, at least temporarily.

I hope you're not insulted...I just think it's a good idea to get a slightly different slant on this, if you don't mind.

Lewie

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cialz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">GM stock is rated as Junk... there is a reason for that...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I love ignorant answers. Go back and hide under your rock.

PseudoRealityX

From someone who's driven a 1400 lb car with a ridiculous amount of torque... ie, 240+ lb-ft, combined with short gearing....

it's silly, and it's fun, but it just gets rather annoying.


All the talk about a low revving, torquey engine being a better daily driver is complete bunk when you're talking about sub 1500 lb vehicles.