'Afternoon from Sunny Somerset

[Sir Nick]

When will the Atom 4 be announced? 

[jpswift]

need some tumbleweed smileys pls

[Rob Evans]

When will the Atom 4 be announced? 

Easter. 

[Andrew300]

Hi Henry I have a question for you "where's my friggin Christmas card"it's not arrived yet ......

[petrolhead]

Thanks for all your replies on the coolant leak. Much appreciated, it will make my next ride out not so worrying. Special thanks Henry for starting this particular post. 

[HenryJS]

Cards en route. that is one thing that doesn't arrive at Easter! 

Not a problem petrolhead

[K20A2]

Hello Henry,

Welcome and thanks for having you here and your support.

My question is about the steering upgrade for the Atom 3.
I have only read positive feedback about it and that it kind of transforms the handling of the Atom and that the front feels a lot safer at higher speed and more stable in general.
As far as I know it is only done at your factory so far, so there is no DIY way or a manual available for other Ariel dealers or workshops.
Is it because it is a kind of technical secret and you would not like to share it?
Or is it a lack of trust in other workshops because modifying the steering geometry and alignment would require some experience and Know How about Formular cars in general an especially the Atom?
I am asking because I could imagine, that there might be some owners being interested in the upgrade but unfortunately having quite a way to drive to Ariel.
So any chance to have the option of the update at a lokal workshop, being experienced in Formula or other race cars) would be great.

Many thanks and regards from Germany

[HenryJS]

Hi K20A2

Not a problem at all for the help - it's why we are here!

It's mainly that we have a deep understanding of the Atom and what needs changing, sometimes it will be a tiny adjustment, sometimes it will be a big adjustment, sometimes lots of parts need changing.

I don't think a local workshop could do it to be honest, it takes us two hours to do it, if no parts need replacing.

Have you spoken to Steffen Queck about it?

[K20A2]

Thanks Henry.
I have tried to reach Queck a couple of times without success since your response, but will keep on trying.
My latest status was, that he was not aware of a change at the 3.5 nor of an option to upgrade the 3.
However I did not ask again in the last months.
Should he generally be able to do the upgrade and did he get according instructions or training from you?

[K20A2]

Good afternoon Henry,

Finally I was able to reach Queck today.

Unfortunately the only upgrade or change in the steering he is aware of, is the change to the competition steering rack, which does not really help here...

There is a workshop not too far away from me, who have about 25-30 historical formular cars in permanent maintanance and race preparation (Lola, Lenham, Ensign, Dallara, Van Diemen, March, Tiga etc.) and they have the tools and knowledge to build up cars from scratch.

Admittedly useless without knowing what to do or to change , but if the upgrade contains parts or procedures, which are generally measurable, they may not be the worst to go to.(?)

Thanks and regards

[jpswift]

hi henry

the other battery thread prompted me

tucked up my car in her jim jams recently and plugged in the hard wired battery conditioner for the first time

couldnt be arsed to rtfm, but is this correct

[GraemeW]

Justin, can't quite see on your picture, but Tom told me to select the car programme rather than bike, and probably the recondition mode is not necessary unless the battery has been idle for a long time

[HenryJS]

K20A2:

I would say the thing to do would be to take it to the workshop and let them have a look at it - but not to change anything. If they think they could improve it, let them have a go - but make sure they can get it back to how it is now in case its worse!

Justin:

Digger is right. the car mode is better, and the reconditioning setting is fine, but again as digger says not necessary. Unless the battery has been disconnected for a while (1 month +) if you are going to leave the car for more than 6-8 weeks, i would disconnect the battery from the car all together. I have heard of some people leaving their car on the optimiser for months at a time, assuming all is well - only to come back to the charger on standby - because there has been a power cut... it'll save you a bit on winters quarterly bill as well.

[jpswift]

thanks guys

will prod some buttons when i get home

[GraemeW]

yes just press mode button till you get the right combo