2006 ARIEL ATOM 2 pad

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fluid Levels & Types for GM Engines....................................................................................... 35
Fluid Levels & Types for Honda Engines ............. .................................................................... 36
GM Oil Dipstick/Fill Locations ..................... .............................................................................. 37
Honda Oil Dipstick/Fill Locations.................. ............................................................................ 38
Dip Stick Indicator for Honda Engines .............. ....................................................................... 39
Adding & Changing Engine Coolant ................... ................................................................. 40-42
Transmission Oil ................................... ..................................................................................... 43
Body Panel Removal & Installation.................. ......................................................................... 44
Air Filter Removal & Installation .................. ........................................................................ 45-46
Suspension Adjustments ............................. ............................................................................. 47
A-Arm Adjustment................................... ................................................................................... 48
Vehicle Ride Height Adjustment ..................... .......................................................................... 49
Damper Adjustment .................................. ................................................................................. 50
Seat Adjustments ................................... .................................................................................... 51
Tow Points ......................................... ......................................................................................... 52
Maintenance Schedules .............................. .......................................................................... 53-58
GM Engine Replacement Part Information ............. ............................................................. 59-60
Honda Engine Replacement Part Information .......... ........................................................... 61-62
Brake Pad Options .................................. .............................................................................. 63-66
Standard Paint Codes .............................. .................................................................................... 67
Service Notes ...................................... .................................................................................. 68-70
Track Notes ........................................ ................................................................................... 71-73

12

BRAKE BEDDING PROCEDURES


Your Ariel Atom 2 will be delivered with set-up, test ing, and checks already completed by the factory; howeve r,
the braking system will still need to be completely bed ded-in before any high speed or very hard deceleration is
attempted. Refer to the following schedule for brake bed-in procedures.

The first 10 miles (16 km): Light braking from 50–60 MPH (80-96 km/h) down to 30 MPH (48 km/h). Perform
this protocol for five iterations allowing time for th e brakes to cool between iterations. Avoid any high sp eed
stops down to zero. Braking from high speeds heats the d isc surface while the interior remains cool and
contributes to warping before the brakes are fully bedd ed.

The first 10-100 miles (16-160 km): Increase braking pressure from about 60 MPH (96 km/h ) to zero.
Observe for the area around the mounting bolts to tu rn light blue. This coloration indicates correct heat soak is
being achieved. Avoid full stops from 70 plus MPH (11 2 km/h).

The first 100-200 miles (160-322 km): Gradually increase brake pressure coming to full stops more rapidly
than during the previous step. After this point, full braking from speed should be p ossible without warping the
discs or experiencing unusual vibration.
For track day use:
Warm, but do not overheat, the brakes during the wa rm up lap(s).
Allow the brakes to cool during a “cool down” lap at the end of the session.
Do not leave your foot on the brake after stopping in the paddock area following braking from high spee ds.
This action would create a “hot spot” and contribute to warping the rotors.

NOTE: To avoid warping, avoid excessive or uneven heating of the rotors.

16

BRAKE PACKAGES
Your Atom is equipped with one of the following bra ke packages:

Base Floating calipers front & rear with 10.3 in. front v entilated rotor and 10.3 in. rear ventilated rotor.

Sport Wilwood Dynalite 4 piston caliper front and floating PBR caliper rear, with 10.3 in. front
ventilated rotor and 10.3 in. rear ventilated rotor .

Track Wilwood Dynalite 4 piston caliper front & rear calipe r and parking brake caliper with 11 in. front
two-piece ventilated rotor and 11 in. two-piece venti lated rotor.

Race Alcon 4 piston caliper front & rear with 11 in. front two-piece slotted & ventilated rotor, and 11 in.
rear two-piece slotted & ventilated rotor.

Brake pads should be inspected before every track event to ensure that there has been no pad damage,
thickness issues, or deterioration.
The brake rotors should be replaced when their thickn ess decreases to 19mm, when pulsation is noted, or
if cracking or other physical damage is found during in spection. Additionally, the brake pads should be
replaced when replacing the rotors.


Check brake fluid levels often. Some decrease is to be expected as the pads wear. Additionally, the brake
lines should be checked for rubbing or scraping.

54

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE ARIEL ATOM 2

SCHEDULE I: GENERAL REFERENCE

Component Service/Operation
Engine Oil
Check before every track event or every 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Change as necessary. Engine Oil Filter
Replace during every oil change. Engine Coolant
Check before every track event. Replace every 30,0 00 miles (48,000 km). Supercharger
Aftercooler Coolant Check before every track event. Replace every 30,0
00 miles (48,000 km). Air Filter Check before every track event. Clean and oil ever
y 5,000 miles (8,000 km). The Filtercharger®
element must be cleaned and serviced with K&N clean er and air filter oil per the prescribed routine
maintenance procedures as outlined in the product l iterature that accompanies the Filtercharger®. Spark Plugs
Inspect before every track event and change if nece ssary. Transmission Fluid
Inspect for leaks before every track event; change every 10,000 miles (16,000 km). Brake Fluid
Inspect levels, condition, and any leakage before e very track event. Brake Rotors Replace when thickness decreases to 19mm, when puls
ation is noted, or if cracking or other physical
damage is found during inspection. Refer to the br ake bedding procedures on page12. Brake Pads Inspect for pad damage, thickness issues or deterio
ration before every event. Replace brake pads
when brake rotors are replaced. Refer to the brake bedding procedures on page12. Brake Hoses &
Lines Inspect brake lines for rubbing, scraping, or any d
amage. Fuel Lines &
Connections Inspect lines for rubbing or scraping before every
track event. Exhaust System Use a wrench to inspect flange bolts for tightness
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km), check gaskets at
this time. Tires
Inspect tires for proper pressure and tread wear be fore and after every track event. Wheels Check wheel nut torque after the first 50 miles (80
km) of operation and before every track event
thereafter. Ensure lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs. Drive Belt
Check belt for cracking or abnormal wear every 3,00 0 miles (4,800 km). Rod Ends Inspect rods ends on Push Rods, Steering Rods, and
A-Arms for any signs of fatiguing or wear,
replace if parts appear worn. Verify that all chec k nuts are tight on all rod ends.

55

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE ARIEL ATOM 2

SCHEDULE II: BEFORE EVERY TRACK EVENT
Component Service/Operation
Engine Oil
Check before every track event. Change as necessar y. Engine Oil Filter
Replace during every oil change. Engine Coolant
Check before every track event. Supercharger
Aftercooler Coolant Check before every track event.
Air Filter
Check before every track event. Spark Plugs
Inspect before every track event and change if nece ssary. Transmission Fluid
Inspect for leaks before every track event. Brake Fluid
Inspect levels, condition, and any leakage before e very track event. Brake Rotors Refer to the Brake Bedding Procedures on page12. I
nspect and replace when thickness decreases
to 19mm, when pulsation is noted, or if cracking or other physical damage is found during inspection.

Brake Pads Inspect for pad damage, thickness issues or deterio
ration. Replace brake pads when brake rotors
are replaced. Refer to the brake bedding procedure s on page12. Brake Hoses &
Lines Inspect brake lines for rubbing, scraping, or any d
amage. Fuel Lines &
Connections Inspect lines for rubbing or scraping before every
track event. Exhaust System
Visually inspect exhaust flange bolts for tightness and/or damage. Tires
Inspect tires for proper pressure and tread wear be fore and after every track event. Wheels
Ensure lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs. Drive Belt
Check for abnormal wear. Rod Ends Inspect rods ends on Push Rods, Steering Rods, and
A-Arms for any signs of fatiguing or wear,
replace if parts appear worn. Verify that all chec k nuts are tight on all rod ends.

56

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE ARIEL ATOM 2

SCHEDULE III: INITIAL 50 MILES (80 KM)
Component Service/Operation
Engine Oil
Check and fill as necessary. Engine Oil Filter
No service required. Engine Coolant
Check and fill as necessary. Supercharger
Aftercooler Coolant Check and fill as necessary.
Air Filter
No service required. Spark Plugs
No service required. Transmission Fluid
No service required. Brake Fluid
Check level. Fill as necessary. Brake Rotors
Refer to the brake bedding procedures on page12. Brake Pads
Refer to the brake bedding procedures on page12. Brake Hoses &
Lines Inspect brake lines for rubbing, scraping, or any d
amage. Fuel Lines &
Connections Inspect for damage.
Exhaust System Visually inspect exhaust flange bolts for tightness
and/or damage, check gaskets visually to ensure
they have not developed a leak. Tires
Inspect for any unusual tread wear. Wheels
Ensure lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs. Drive Belt
Check for abnormal wear. Rod Ends Inspect rods ends on Push Rods, Steering Rods, and
A-Arms for any signs of fatiguing or wear,
replace if parts appear worn. Verify that all chec k nuts are tight on all rod ends. We recommend
replacement of all suspension rod ends at 3000mi or sooner based upon driving habits.

57

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE ARIEL ATOM 2

SCHEDULE IV: INITIAL 300 MILES (480 KM)
Component Service/Operation
Engine Oil
Check and fill as necessary. Engine Filter
No service required. Engine Coolant
Check and fill as necessary. Supercharger
Aftercooler Coolant Check and fill as necessary.
Air Filter
No service required. Spark Plugs
Inspect before every track event and change if nece ssary. Transmission Fluid
No service required. Brake Fluid
Check level; fill as required. Brake Rotors Inspect and replace when thickness decreases to 19m
m, when pulsation is noted, or if cracking or
other physical damage is found during inspection. Brake Pads Inspect for pad damage, thickness issues or deterio
ration. Replace brake pads when brake rotors
are replaced. Brake Hoses &
Lines Inspect brake lines for rubbing, scraping, or any d
amage. Fuel Lines &
Connections Inspect for damage.
Exhaust System Visually inspect exhaust flange bolts for tightness
and/or damage, check gaskets visually to ensure
they have not developed a leak. Tires
Inspect for any unusual tread wear. Wheels
Ensure lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs. Drive Belt
Check for abnormal wear. Rod Ends Inspect rods ends on Push Rods, Steering Rods, and
A-Arms for any signs of fatiguing or wear,
replace if parts appear worn. Verify that all chec k nuts are tight on all rod ends. We recommend
replacement of all suspension rod ends at 3000mi or sooner based upon driving habits.

58

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE ARIEL ATOM 2

SCHEDULE V: EVERY 1000 MILES (1600 KM)
Component Service/Operation
Engine Oil
Check before every track event or every 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Change as necessary. Engine Oil Filter
Replace during every oil change. Engine Coolant
Check before every event. Replace every 30,000 mil es (48,000 km). Supercharger
Aftercooler Coolant Check before every event. Replace every 30,000 mil
es (48,000 km). Air Filter
Clean and oil every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) Spark Plugs
Inspect before every track event and change if nece ssary. Transmission Fluid
Change every 10,000 miles (16,000 km). Brake Fluid
Check level. Fill as needed. Brake Rotors Inspect and replace when thickness decreases to 19m
m, when pulsation is noted, or if cracking or
other physical damage is found during inspection. Brake Pads Inspect for pad damage, thickness issues or deterio
ration. Replace brake pads when brake rotors
are replaced. Brake Hoses &
Lines Inspect brake lines for rubbing, scraping, or any d
amage. Fuel Lines &
Connections Inspect for damage.
Exhaust System Visually inspect exhaust flange bolts for tightness
and/or damage. Use a wrench to inspect flange
bolts for tightness every 5,000 miles (8,000 km), c heck gaskets visually to ensure they have not
developed a leak. Tires
Inspect for any unusual tread wear. Wheels
Ensure lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs. Drive Belt
Check for abnormal wear. Rod Ends Inspect rods ends on Push Rods, Steering Rods, and
A-Arms for any signs of fatiguing or wear,
replace if parts appear worn. Verify that all chec k nuts are tight on all rod ends. We recommend
replacement of all suspension rod ends at 3000mi or sooner based upon driving habits.