Exhaust system - the flex joint
More Atoms exhibited this problem than any other mechanical problem seen at AtomFest. For a number of reasons, the flex joint became the weak link and unfortunately when it fails, it takes the powder coat off the frame -and- as many of us recall, in extreme cases can take out the brake light, license plate, registration stickers, etc.
Weld in a straight pipe solution -
I have recently been in contact with TMI and they are thinking ahead on the exhaust issue. Here is a quote from a recent e-mail from Dave Goadby "we could offer our simple but successful & very cost-effective AAE â??trackâ?� exhaust system fix if we knew about any such requirements well in advance, even as a relatively quick switch-over trackside at Hallett (not our installation labor) if anyone wanted to retain their stock system for the road."
On the installation side, AtomFest alumni will remember the great service provided by the Stephens Brothers Hallett Race Shop.
Exhaust system - the catalytic converter
The stock cats are not really suitable for the temps and stress that the track can dish out. At Hallett, you will be able to operate your Atom at levels not possible on the street and do so for lap after lap. It is possible to turn your catalytic converter into a bypass pipe, but much easier to just install a bypass.
If you don't have one, post a WTB in the For Sale section of the Forum or contact TMI. Other choices are available as well. This is a good thread for folks to list alternatives.
Exhaust system - the muffler
At least one muffler failed during AtomFest and others have failed before or since. Other threads here will go into the reasons behind this, but if you are running the stock Brammo muffler, this is a potential failure point. Like the flex joint, muffler failure can cause collateral damage, so being prepared in this area can make you a much happier camper in the long run.
Eddie and I have found a great solution to muffler backpressure on the track - remove the muffler. Our muffler eliminator pipes are both home made and follow this theme -
Of course they are loud and only suited to the track, but flex joint and muffler failures are eliminated.
TMI can provide complete exhaust solutions for you. Shinoo also has a beautifully crafted exhaust system which is available for both Ecotec and Honda engines.
Suspension - Rod ends
The forces seen by the Atom's suspension at track speeds can far exceed those normally seen on the street. Dropping a wheel at the limit of cornering grip can coming back onto the pavement can produce a really big load into the pushrods. Occasionally these can bend.
I'm sure that TMI will have some on hand for AtomFest, but a check of yours before the trip to Hallett would be time well spent. Terry Kennedy is an expert on the rod end subject. Please feel free to post questions, photos, etc. here to get the experienced opinions of those who have addressed this issue with their cars. Once again, TMI can be a very good resource.
Suspension - Uprights & rear hubs
Although no hubs or uprights were known to have failed during AtomFest, this is a known weakness when Atoms are run very hard on the track with high grip rubber. Several of us have run the stickiest slicks available and some have had failures of the buh/bearing/upright. Several threads on the Forum have addressed these issues in detail so I will not go into them at length. There are multiple solutions beginning with making sure that your axle nuts are well torqued before each track session.
Hardened axle spacers have been successful in eliminating the crushing of the soft Brammo units which has been connected with one type of hub failure.
Updating your Atom to the latest hubs from TMI (or checking out your current hubs to see if they are of the latest configuration is another good measure. Here is a photo of the latest hub design. Notice the faint line just inboard of the studs. This indicates a change in the surface as the hub features a tapered thickness toward it's center.
It is felt that this extra material can reduce or eliminate the type of failures where the center of the hub fractures at the intersection of the flange. TMI is the source of these hubs.
Of course the Mac-Daddy of the Atom hub/upright world is Unique Fabrication's aluminum upright/heat treated hub beauty with an enlarged double sealed bearing. Some may consider this a bit expensive, ut compared to the investment of a an AtomFest week of thrashing around the track, they are my best insurance.
Fully engineered, tested, beautifully manufactured and finished and backed by one of the best fabricators in the Atom community. Tom is taking orders now for short delivery times.
Other items
When it comes to items which break, that's pretty much the list. Of course tire pressures, oil and filter changes and a good wash will all bode well for your AtomFest adventure. A good alignment is a good idea as well. The Race Shop at Hallett can provide a track ready alignment on your arrival and set your car back to more conservative 'street' specs before you depart if that tickles your fancy. Having turned hundreds of laps in my Atom over the past three years, I can assure you that the setup can make a HUGE difference in your enjoyment of the AtomFest experience. If you're considering a track setup, I will be happy to share my most successful specs upon request.
Thank you for including AtomFest in your plans for 2009. Can't wait to see you there!
