transmission ARIEL ATOM 2 2006 Owners Manual

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

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)

35

FLUID LEVELS & TYPES FOR ATOMS WITH GM ENGINES
Fluid levels (GM engines)

Engine oil capacity: 6 quarts (5.20 L)
Transmission oil capacity: 67 ounces / 2.1 quarts (189 grams/1.99 L)
Brake fluid reservoir capacity: Fill to the indicated capacity line on the reservoir
Fuel tank capacity: 9.7 gallons (36.7 L)
Cooling system capacity: 2.75 gallons (10.395 L)
Supercharger after cooler coolant: 2 in. (apx.) below the filler cap when hot
Front lower A-arm ball joint grease: As needed

Fluid types (GM engines)
Engine oil: Mobil 1™ Synthetic 5-30
Transmission oil: Saturn Manual Transmission Lubricant
(The use of standard GL-4 lubricant is not recommended. )
Brake fluid: Dot 4
Clutch fluid: Dot 4
Fuel: Premium Unleaded
Cooling system: Dexcool (Dilute with water 50:50 if not pre-dilute d)
Supercharger after cooler coolant: Dexcool
Front lower A-arm ball joint grease: High quality bearing/suspension grease

36

FLUID LEVELS & TYPES FOR ATOMS WITH HONDA ENGINES

Fluid levels (Honda engines)

Engine oil capacity: 5.5 quarts (5.20 L)
Transmission oil capacity: 64 oz/2.1 quarts (189 grams/1.99 L)
Brake fluid reservoir capacity : Fill to the indicated capacity line on the reservoir
Fuel tank capacity: 9.7 gallons (36.7 L)
Cooling system capacity: 2.75 gallons (10.395 L)
Front lower A-arm ball joint grease: As needed

Fluid types (Honda engines)
Engine oil: 5-30 Conventional oil
Transmission oil: Honda/Acura Manual Transmission Fluid
Brake fluid: Dot 4
Clutch fluid: Dot 4
Fuel: Premium Unleaded
Cooling system: Acura/Honda Anti Freeze Coolant Type 2 (only avai lable premixed)
Front lower A-arm ball joint grease: High quality bearing/suspension grease

43

TRANSMISSION OIL
GM Engines
The transaxle fill/level indicator plug for the GM engine is on the left side of the car, just behind the axle. Due to
the angle of the engine/transaxle assembly, the proper fluid level of the transaxle is about 1 in. (25.4 mm)
below the level indicator plug. The drain fitting i s identical to the fill plug and is located below the l eft axle. Both
plugs require the use of an 8mm hex wrench to remove o r install.

Honda Engines
The transaxle fill/level indicator plug for the Honda engine is on the left side of the car, just behind the axle.
Due to the angle of the engine/transaxle assembly, the proper fluid level of the transaxle is approximately
1 in. (25.4 mm) below the level indicator plug
. The drain plug is located below the left axle. Use a 17mm
wrench to remove the fill plug, and use a 3/8 in. sq uare drive to remove the drain plug.

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.