2006 ARIEL ATOM 2 tire

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Non-Liability of Manufacturer.................................................................................................... 1
Using This Manual.................................. .................................................................................... 2
Specification Overview ............................. ................................................................................. 3
Vehicle Layout ..................................... ....................................................................................... 4
Dash Layout........................................ ........................................................................................ 5
Safety Harnesses ................................... ................................................................................. 6-7
On-board Extinguisher System ....................... .......................................................................... 8
Start Sequence ..................................... ...................................................................................... 9
Shift Patterns ..................................... ......................................................................................... 10
Vehicle Run-in Procedures .......................... .............................................................................. 11
Brake Bedding Procedures ........................... ............................................................................ 12
Jack Points ........................................ ......................................................................................... 13
Jacking up the Car ................................. .................................................................................... 14
Tie Down Points for Transporting Your Ariel Atom ... .............................................................. 15
Brake Packages..................................... ................................................................................ 16-20
Parking Brake Adjustments.......................... ........................................................................ 21-22
Tire & Wheel Maintenance ........................... .............................................................................. 23
Wheels ............................................. ........................................................................................... 24
Drivetrains ........................................ ..................................................................................... 25-28
Engine Mount Specifications ........................ ............................................................................ 29
Electrical Specifications .......................... .................................................................................. 30
Fuse Panels ........................................ ................................................................................... 31-34

3

SPECIFICATION OVERVIEW


Engine Type:
General Motors: GM Ecotec LSJ
Honda : K20A

Transmission:
General Motors: 5-speed synchromesh with limited slip differential
Honda: 6-speed synchromesh with limited slip differential

Vehicle Capacity: 2 people

Safety Harness Restrictions: Individuals must be over 88 lbs (40 kg) and over 4 ft . 11 in. (150 cm) tall

Curb Weight: 1350 lbs (612.36 kg)

Body: Fiberglass composite, or carbon fiber composite

Suspension Type: Multilink Independent with pushrod actuation

Wheel Size: Front: 15 x 7.0 in. + 35 mm offset, Rear: 16 x 7.0 in. + 38 mm offset

Tire Pressure: (recommended) 18 PSIG Front, 20 PSIG Rear

Fuel Type/Capacity: Premium fuel, 9.7 gallons (36.7 liters)

23

TIRE & WHEEL MAINTENANCE
NOTE: Due to a wide range of driving conditions and techni ques, tire maintenance will vary.
Ariel Atoms are equipped with ultra high performan ce, wet/dry (not all-season) tires. Tire sizes are:
Front 195/50R/15 or 205/50R15 Rear 225/45R16 or 225/45R16
Front tire pressures of 18 PSI, and rear tire pressu res of 20 PSI are the recommended tire pressures for
most applications. Minimum and maximum tire pressures ar e listed on the sidewall of the tires.
Drivers should inspect tires for proper pressure and tre ad wear before every track event. A wide range of
wear patterns are possible due to different driving co nditions.

If you are losing traction it may be time to change t he tires.
Suspension settings may affect tire wear patterns.
Grainy tread may indicate a suspension issue.
Tires may last up to 20,000 miles (32,000 km) under conservative driving conditions or as little as 300
miles (480 km) for track conditions.

The wheels should be re-torqued before every track eve nt. The lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs.
Most Atoms have different size tires on the front an d the back, and cannot be rotated. If you car’s tires a re
the same size, rotate them every 500-1,000 miles (800- 1600 km). Dismount the tires from the wheels
before rotating them.

47

SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENTS


Suspension Settings
Setting Front Rear
Ride Height 133.35 mm (5.25 in.) from lowest
part of A-arm pivot 106.35 mm (4.1875 in.) from bottom center of rear
most chassis tube under transmission Camber
-1 degree -1 degree 15 mins Toe 1 mm (.040 in.) toe out each side 1.5 mm (.059 in.) toe out each side Tire Pressure
18 PSI, 12 PSI minimum 20 PSI, 12 PSI minimum

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.