The Ariel Atom is a lightweight, track-focused machine that relies heavily on its suspension to deliver razor-sharp handling. Whether you are maintaining your Atom or looking to upgrade, understanding the suspension parts is essential. This guide covers the key components, common upgrades, and practical maintenance advice to keep your Atom performing at its best.
Understanding the Ariel Atom Suspension System
The Ariel Atom uses a pushrod-actuated suspension system, a design borrowed from Formula cars. This setup minimizes unsprung weight and allows precise control over damping and geometry. Key components include:
Pushrods and Bellcranks
Pushrods connect the wheel uprights to bellcranks, which then actuate the dampers mounted horizontally on the chassis. This reduces mass at the corners and improves responsiveness. Stock pushrods are aluminum and lightweight, but some aftermarket options offer adjustability in length.
Wishbones (Control Arms)
The Atom features double-wishbone suspension at all four corners. Upper and lower wishbones are typically fabricated from steel or aluminum. Steel is durable and cost-effective, while aluminum reduces weight. Adjustable wishbones allow changes to camber and caster.
Dampers (Shock Absorbers)
Stock Atoms come with Bilstein or Ohlins dampers depending on the model year. These are high-pressure gas shocks with adjustable rebound and compression. The dampers are mounted horizontally and connected via the pushrod system.
Springs
Coil springs are used on the dampers. Spring rates vary by model and intended use. The standard Atom comes with springs tuned for a balance of road comfort and track performance. Stiffer springs reduce body roll but can make the ride harsh on the street.
Anti-Roll Bars (Sway Bars)
The Atom uses adjustable anti-roll bars front and rear. These reduce body roll in corners and can be tuned by changing the bar stiffness or end link adjustments. Aftermarket bars are available for more aggressive setups.
Uprights and Wheel Bearings
The uprights (or knuckles) hold the wheel hub and brakes. The Atom uses lightweight aluminum uprights. Wheel bearings are a wear item and should be inspected regularly, especially on track-driven cars.
Common Suspension Upgrades for the Ariel Atom
Many owners upgrade suspension parts to improve track performance or tailor the car to their driving style. Here are the most popular upgrades:
Coilover Conversion
While the stock setup is effective, some aftermarket companies offer complete coilover kits that replace the pushrod system with direct-acting shocks. This reduces complexity and weight, but requires significant modification. Most owners stick with the pushrod design and upgrade the dampers.
Adjustable Dampers
Higher-end dampers from Ohlins, JRZ, or Nitron offer more adjustment ranges for low-speed and high-speed compression and rebound. These allow fine-tuning for different tracks and conditions. Expect to spend $2,000-$5,000 for a set.
Spring Rate Changes
Switching to stiffer springs can reduce body roll and improve turn-in response. Common rates for track use are 400-600 lb/in front and 600-800 lb/in rear. For street use, 300-400 lb/in front and 400-600 lb/in rear is typical. Always match spring rates to damper valving.
Adjustable Sway Bars
Upgraded anti-roll bars with multiple adjustment holes provide finer control over roll stiffness. Some bars also feature blade-style adjustment for quick changes. Brands like Hypercoil and Swift offer quality aftermarket bars.
Adjustable Wishbones
For serious track drivers, adjustable upper and lower wishbones allow precise alignment settings. They enable more negative camber (up to -3 degrees or more) for better cornering grip. Expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 for a set.
Bushings and Bearings
Replacing rubber bushings with spherical bearings or polyurethane reduces compliance and improves steering feel. Spherical bearings are noisier but offer zero deflection. Polyurethane is a good middle ground for street/track cars.
Choosing the Right Suspension Parts for Your Atom
Consider your primary use when selecting parts:
- Street-focused: Stick with the stock setup or upgrade to adjustable dampers and slightly stiffer springs. Keep rubber bushings for noise comfort. Focus on maintenance and alignment.
- Track days: Upgrade dampers, increase spring rates, and add adjustable sway bars. Consider spherical bearings for precision. Set alignment aggressive with more camber.
- Competition: Full race setup with aftermarket dampers, high-rate springs, adjustable wishbones, and spherical bearings. Expect a harsh ride but maximum performance.
Budget plays a big role. A basic damper upgrade costs around $2,000, while a full custom setup can exceed $10,000. Prioritize dampers and springs first, then sway bars and bushings.
Maintenance Tips for Ariel Atom Suspension
Regular maintenance is critical given the exposed nature of the Atom's components.
- Visual inspections: Check for cracks, bent pushrods, or loose fasteners after every track day. Look for oil leaks from dampers.
- Lubrication: Grease the bellcrank bearings and sway bar bushings every 6 months or 5,000 miles. Use a high-quality marine grease for corrosion resistance.
- Damper service: Rebuild dampers every 2-3 years or 20,000 miles for track cars. Street cars can go longer. Oil degrades over time, affecting damping consistency.
- Alignment: Check alignment every 6 months or after any suspension part change. Recommended settings: -1.5 to -2.5 degrees camber front, -1 to -2 rear; 0 toe or slight toe-out front; 0.1-0.2 deg toe-in rear.
- Wheel bearings: Check for play annually. Replace if rough or noisy. Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket bearings.
- Bolt torque: Verify all suspension bolts are torqued to spec. Use thread locker on critical fasteners.
Final Recommendation
For most Atom owners, the best upgrade path starts with a set of adjustable dampers that match your driving style. Combine with a well-chosen spring rate and a proper alignment. If you track your car frequently, add adjustable sway bars and consider replacing rubber bushings with polyurethane. Avoid overly aggressive setups for street use to maintain drivability. Always consult with a knowledgeable Ariel Atom specialist before making major changes to ensure compatibility and safety.