FourFather Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 :cooldude: Impressive 3D flying! Is there anything you haven't done? Piloting the space shuttle maybe? :jester: Thanks for the brag. You ain't gonna believe this, but I actually have piloted the space shuttle-- simulator -, and my wife Ercie did too. I was not aware of it 'till then, but when you are coming in for a landing, you make a complete 360 degree left hand turn, which gives you a chance to make whatever corrections needed to put the shuttle exactly where you want it at that point in the landing pattern. Which is a GOOD thing, 'cause there is NO power, and NO go-around, so you have to nail it, every time. I don't think very many civilians get to pilot the shuttle simulator:driving:, and it was a huge thrill and blessing for both of us! Eddie:flag: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted August 8, 2010 Author Share Posted August 8, 2010 Thanks for the brag. You ain't gonna believe this, but I actually have piloted the space shuttle-- simulator -, and my wife Ercie did too. I was not aware of it 'till then, but when you are coming in for a landing, you make a complete 360 degree left hand turn, which gives you a chance to make whatever corrections needed to put the shuttle exactly where you want it at that point in the landing pattern. Which is a GOOD thing, 'cause there is NO power, and NO go-around, so you have to nail it, every time. I don't think very many civilians get to pilot the shuttle simulator:driving:, and it was a huge thrill and blessing for both of us! Eddie:flag: I give up. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted August 8, 2010 Share Posted August 8, 2010 (edited) Big difference from 120 seconds to 80 seconds.... WOW.. That is Fast. It is such an honor to have you here on our forum. It looks like you have figured this turning thing out pretty fast. Those are some really wide slicks that you have on that little beast, May I inquire what size front and rear tires you are running? Next, I would be curious to what kind of tire temps you have when you come off the track? The biggest problem we have experienced is that these cars are so lite that it is very difficult to get heat into the tires. I have yet to drive an atom but I sure would like to at some point. With upgrades you are doing that thing is going to be mind blowing... Any idea what kind of HP you will be squeezing out of it? I raced with Peter Thomas during the 2008 UTCC at Button Willow, His Atom was nothing short of blistering fast. I was very impressed. Thank you. The tires are Hoosier Formula Atlantic. 23.0x9.5R-15 fronts which scuff a full 9 1/2 inches: and the rears are 23.5x13.0R15 which scuff a full 13.0 inches!! On special-for-this-car Keizer ultralight, magnesium center, three piece wheels, with the wheels having the offset I wanted to widen the track of the car, to help cornering. I go by myself to the track, so no crew to measure temps like the pros do. After a cooldown lap, and driving back to my parking spot and getting unbuckled and out of the car and getting the non-contact temp gun, the most I see is about 135 degrees. I think these are too wide for me to get to ideal, which is probably more like 175-200 or so. It does seem to respond better the harder I push it, which to me means more spirited driving= better (higher) tire temps. No estimate of power with the upgrades, but it had 252 at the tire before, and everything I'm doing should help, and with another 750-1000 rpm more to play with, should eliminate upshifting on three straights at Hallett, which, by itself, should help some. And the 10 pound or so lighter flywheel should shorten shift time by letting the engine slow down to synchronization speed quicker. You said you'd like to drive an Atom at some point. I am now the Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas authorized dealer for the Ariel Atom 3, which are now all Honda type "R" 2.0 liter six-speeds, and I have my new personal/demo supercharged 300 HP, with carbon fiber wings front and rear, ordered, and it is probably going to be here sometime late August. I dearly love seeing the grin on the face of whoever drives (or even rides in) one of these. So when my demo arrives, we need to talk! Eddie:flag: Edited August 10, 2010 by FourFather corekkted speeling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevnn Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Hey Eddie, thanks for joining the group and sharing. I saw you at AtomFest 2007 @ Hallett and was going to come say hi but you were loading up and looked like you were in a hurry to get on the road. I was able to ride in an Atom while there and they are definitely a lot of fun. The one I road in was street tired and wasn't turning very fast laps, and definitely no where near 1:19.. WOW!! That is fast. I've had my S/C'd M3 and my Mini Cooper both up there and was somewhere in the 1:30's with both. I didn't have a transponder for the Mini but it felt like I was getting closer to the high 1:20's after some instruction. Where did you fly the shuttle simulator? I was fortunate enough to get to go to Space Camp in Huntsville, AL when I was a kid and got to fly the simulator there. We trained all week and did a big simulation run of the entire mission over a period of a few hours. I was the Mission Commander. Probably guess that means I was the biggest nerd on my team. On a side note, I remember very distinctly watching late night drag racing (on TV) and saw you run the first 4.9. I was pretty young but knew I had just witnessed automotive history. Congrats and keep it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 (edited) Johnson Space Center in Houston is where we had our sim time. Quite a treat. Thanks for the welcome and the congrats. Hard to believe the First in the Fours was on 4/9/88, over 22 years ago. 4.990 @ 288.55--on 4/9/88: "The day that seemed to demand It" Eddie Edited August 9, 2010 by FourFather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Hence "FourFather" ???? Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Hence "FourFather" ???? Mike Yep. First in the Fours, or Father of the fours. NOT 'cause I'm old :willy_nilly: Oh---wait-- Eddie:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 I think I spot a camera on top of the Atom's intake, Eddie. Care to share any footage? Here's one from Hallett in 08--with Randy Lamp and me playing, and voluntarily swapping lead, from time to time. At the first of this, mine is the one in front- Eddie:Chevy_anim: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bster13 Posted August 9, 2010 Share Posted August 9, 2010 Eddie, What are your thoughts on a roll cage for you Atom? Looks like you have side impact addressed well with the frame, but have you considered rollover potential w/ the amount of track duty your Atom sees? Thx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted August 10, 2010 Share Posted August 10, 2010 Eddie, What are your thoughts on a roll cage for you Atom? Looks like you have side impact addressed well with the frame, but have you considered rollover potential w/ the amount of track duty your Atom sees? Thx. I do have the factory-supplied roll bar. It is an easy bolt-on, or in my case I should say an easy UN-bolt, 'cause I took it off right away when the car arrived. At that time, I had no plans to track the car, so off it came. But it could go back on in ten minutes, and would be good insurance. Good thought, thanks. Eddie:flag: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 Eddie if you still live in Texas we will have to notify you when we have the 7s fest next year at Motorsports Ranch. It would be fun to run with some Atoms I have always wanted to see one maybe catch a few laps with a legend. I am very much still in Texas. I opened my http://www.eddiehillsfuncycles.com dealership here in Wichita Falls in 1966, and I'm not interested in living anywhere else. I would appreciate a notification, if my Ariel Atom would indeed be welcome. But if the folks want to keep it all 7, I can certainly understand and appreciate that. (When I went to our two AtomFests, there were no other car brands there.) Thanks for the thought. Eddie:seeya: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7evin Posted August 26, 2010 Share Posted August 26, 2010 (edited) Thank you. The tires are Hoosier Formula Atlantic. 23.0x9.5R-15 fronts which scuff a full 9 1/2 inches: and the rears are 23.5x13.0R15 which scuff a full 13.0 inches!! On special-for-this-car Keizer ultralight, magnesium center, three piece wheels, with the wheels having the offset I wanted to widen the track of the car, to help cornering. I go by myself to the track, so no crew to measure temps like the pros do. After a cooldown lap, and driving back to my parking spot and getting unbuckled and out of the car and getting the non-contact temp gun, the most I see is about 135 degrees. I think these are too wide for me to get to ideal, which is probably more like 175-200 or so. It does seem to respond better the harder I push it, which to me means more spirited driving= better (higher) tire temps. No estimate of power with the upgrades, but it had 252 at the tire before, and everything I'm doing should help, and with another 750-1000 rpm more to play with, should eliminate upshifting on three straights at Hallett, which, by itself, should help some. And the 10 pound or so lighter flywheel should shorten shift time by letting the engine slow down to synchronization speed quicker. You said you'd like to drive an Atom at some point. I am now the Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas authorized dealer for the Ariel Atom 3, which are now all Honda type "R" 2.0 liter six-speeds, and I have my new personal/demo supercharged 300 HP, with carbon fiber wings front and rear, ordered, and it is probably going to be here sometime late August. I dearly love seeing the grin on the face of whoever drives (or even rides in) one of these. So when my demo arrives, we need to talk! Eddie:flag: We suffer from the same issue, trying to get the tires hot enough to be sticky. The rears aren't to bad you can just over power them and make them build a little heat. But then the car wants to push because the front doesn't have enough bite. I should have my 7 fully functional by early October, maybe we can have a track day at Hallet, and have some fun. I would love to ride in or drive your car. If you would like I will return the favor and offer you the same in a 7. Not fast like a V8 7 but she holds her own. As you can see below, unlike your cars there are some things I can't pass. I love how you guys were blowing everything off the track, that is such a gas I look fwd to meeting you. Thanks again for sharing all your great stories Edited August 26, 2010 by 7evin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 October at Hallett sounds like a blast--Maybe we can swap rides or something- it's all good! Looking forward to it. If my modified hotrod Atom II is not ready, my new Honda 300hp/six-speed Atom 3 should be ready to dance-- Come on, cooler weather! Eddie:seeya: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 Here it is at the factory at Virginia International Raceway, getting the finishing touches, prior to track-testing. It has the Honda Type "R" 2.0 liter engine with Jackson supercharger and 300 HP, six-speed, with limited slip differential. http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/FourFather/Eddie%20Hill%20Ariel%20Atom/Eddie%20Hill%202011%20Ariel%20Atom%203/EddieHill2011Atom3DSC_0306.jpg Carbon Fiber wings and fenders, Yohohama A-048 tires http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/FourFather/Eddie%20Hill%20Ariel%20Atom/Eddie%20Hill%202011%20Ariel%20Atom%203/FourFathers2011ArielAtom396.jpg I'm getting the full windshield on this one- my 2006 one does not have a windshield or deflectors. I think my passengers, when I take folks for demo rides, will appreciate the windshield. It is pretty easily removable, should I want it off, for track use. See the passenger has a dead pedal, or footrest, in addition to the one for the driver. http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/FourFather/Eddie%20Hill%20Ariel%20Atom/Eddie%20Hill%202011%20Ariel%20Atom%203/FourFatherEddieHill2011ArielAtom389.jpg It is just about ready to track-test and bed in the brakes. http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/FourFather/Eddie%20Hill%20Ariel%20Atom/Eddie%20Hill%202011%20Ariel%20Atom%203/FourFatherEddieHill2011ArielAtom392.jpg The transportation company is scheduled to pick it up in the morning, and it will probably make here to Wichita Falls, Tx, Thursday. If all goes perfect, I'll take it to Hallett Motor Raceway for the HST (High Speed Touring) event this coming Friday, Oct 22. So I can give it a proper break-in-- on track! I'm so pumped I can hardly sleep! Thanks for looking! Eddie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mondo Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 Man, that looks good! I like the windshield and wings (the supercharger goes without saying). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 Hell, I'm drooling at the car stand! hahahha The car ain't bad either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBOLT Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 Wow, that looks great. I'll be interested how the rear wing works for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourFather Posted October 20, 2010 Share Posted October 20, 2010 Here it is at VIR, where they are built. It is finished and tested, waiting to be picked up by the transportation company. http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/FourFather/Eddie%20Hill%20Ariel%20Atom/Eddie%20Hill%202011%20Ariel%20Atom%203/FourFathers2011ArielAtom3finished07436.jpg http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/FourFather/Eddie%20Hill%20Ariel%20Atom/Eddie%20Hill%202011%20Ariel%20Atom%203/FourFathers2011ArielAtom3finished07435.jpg http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/FourFather/Eddie%20Hill%20Ariel%20Atom/Eddie%20Hill%202011%20Ariel%20Atom%203/FourFathers2011ArielAtom3finished07434.jpg And it is now in the trailer in transit to Wichita Falls, Texas!! It feels like Christmas eve!:drool: Eddie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexasS2K Posted October 20, 2010 Share Posted October 20, 2010 Looks amazing how long have you had the wings? Your probably are going to need them to keep that machine planted at speed. We are getting ready for Texas mile this weekend. Wish we could get to Hallet to run with you this week. We will have to do it some other time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted October 20, 2010 Share Posted October 20, 2010 Eddie, Would it be possible to see up close pictures of the Atom seats? They look plastic. I wonder if I could swap out the fiberglass seats in my Megabusa for the Ariel seats? Are the seats or front/rear wings available for individual purchase? Private Message me if you need to. Very interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now