Just got an interesting e-mail from Brammo...

[patentshark]

I like the look of the CF parts as well, but not sure I want the "pretty parts" if they are only going to get dinged up on the street.

What about the dry sump option?  Anyone jumping on board?  Its a decent chunk of change but probably more useful than the CF parts.

[Mr.Woolery]

Yeah, I totally want to get the dry sump (as well as the CF parts), but both options are too rich for me.  Maybe in a few years.

[patentshark]

That's where I'm at as well.  I like the CF parts, adding bonus poser points i guess, but utility may be lacking for the Atom.  The weight savings over the standard panels can't be much.  I like the CF look, but I am not sure how the finish will wear as compared to using touch up paint if necessary on the standard panels.  I don't want to drop a ton of cash on the CF parts only to have the finish get torn up and look mediocre. 

The dry sump has actual utility, but may be a tad overpriced for the benefits compared to possibly doing an aftermarket baffled option, if available.

Now, for the Koni's, how are you justifying the $1k bump?  What are the benefits? 

[Mr.Woolery]

The benefits there lie in the precision/repeatability in adjustability for the dampers.  By using a non-needle valve system, adjustments can be much more precise and repeatable regardless of conditions.  This means that there is one less "x factor" in figuring where to adjust the dampers for any given condition.  That, plus the research that has gone into ensuring the dampers are spec'd specifically for the Atom justify the cost for me. 

I can afford an extra $1k for the right suspension setup, but I just can't quite justify/afford the dry sump at ~$4k.

[FAST BUCK]

any one else wanna mention how good the Cf parts are without me seeing them?

[Bruce Fielding]

You HAVE seen them - I showed you pictures at VW!

These are the bits I told you not to talk about until they were released publicly... Now they are!

Oops, what a give away!

[FAST BUCK]

I know, I was just making sure the Americans weren't ignoring the founder of CF parts for the Atom!
How much are they?  Can they be ordered now?

[Bruce Fielding]

These might be old prices but they'll give you an idea... (see, they can't spell Fibre!):

Carbon Fiber Front and Rear Fenders  $1,200.00

Carbon Fiber Bodywork $2,950.00
 
Carbon Fiber Dash Panel $500.00

Carbon Fiber Race Tub $3,250.00

[Bruce Fielding]

[quote="FAST BUCK"]
I know, I was just making sure the Americans weren't ignoring the founder of CF parts for the Atom!
[/quote]

You mean Dingo? He was there LONG before you!

[FAST BUCK]

sorry i meant founder of the cf bonnet

[Bruce Fielding]

This is Brammo's




and

[FAST BUCK]

no, that's mine!

[patentshark]

So, are both Koni units going to need to be rebuilt/recalibrated every season?  Or just the middle option?

[Matt F]

[quote="FAST BUCK"]
no, that's mine!
[/quote]

Those pictures are FAST BUCK's.

Koni upgrade -- These also allow for adjusting rebound while in place on the car.  Please see my previous link for more details.

CF Panels --  These really are for aesthetics.  I can't justify the weight savings; I just really love the way they look.  And there's no reason why they should be any lesss durable than any painted surface, and may (or may not) be more durable than standard gelcoat.

Dry sump  -- As I said before, the price of the dry sump system is the same (or slightly more) than the cost of a replacement crate engine.  That seems like expensive insurance.

[Mr.Woolery]

Okay, to prevent further confusion, I've logged into the Gallery section of Atomclub.com and uploaded all the pics.  Thanks to Bruce and Ross for helping me get the upload issues taken care of there.  Enjoy!

http://gallery.atomclub.com/thumbnails.php?album=24