I would like to know if a Rolls Royce Merlin engine can be made using modern metallurgy and still be legal for racing? I realize that when they were made nobody was thinking about modifying the engine to put out over twice the output. That some of the parts used in the racing engines are from the Allison V-12. What I`m thinking is can you cast a block,cilinders and Heads using better metallurgy to make a stronger Merlin? Would it have to go thru a certification process?
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
Yes you could. I think some people have made new heads in the past? The problem is not a very big market, big costs involved.Originally posted by F4D Phantom II View Post
You would not have to certify anything for an experimental category engine. Some Mustangs are licensed in other categories that would not allow non-standard parts. Just depends on what category the plane is licensed in.
Dave said they cut a Merlin case and did a metallurgical analysis on it, and it was basically junk. Lots of impurities. I said it was probably made of melted-down Messerschmidt's. -
Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure Jack Roush and Roush Racing have been making top-end parts for the Merlins such as heads, valves, cams, and such.
I'm probably wrong thought..."CHARLIE DON'T SURF!!!"Comment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
I recall a t-shirt addressing this particular thing a while back in Voodoo pit haha.Originally posted by Matt58 View PostComment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
With the new technology of tree D printers the molds for the cast parts could be made. Of course it would take money but how many spare Packard built Merlin engines are left? People love the Mustang plus the engines were used in other warbirds. If the heads have already being done the block and cylinders could be done. I would love to see something like that.Keep them Flying forever!Comment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
It appears some but not many new manufacture parts are available from Roush and 51-factory. Maybe someone in the know can chime in.
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
Roush has never made heads. Just pistons and valve train parts.Originally posted by Matt58 View PostComment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
I knew I was wrong!Originally posted by Race5 View Post"CHARLIE DON'T SURF!!!"Comment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
I think it's like anything: yes it can be done if you have the dollars. And I bet re-engineering a Merlin, building, testing and fielding it would be a rather pricey exercise!
But if someone had the money to match the passion and drive...Zac in NZComment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
Its more of a manufacturing process than a metallurgy deal I think. Chemistry of steels and other materials haven't changed all that much through the years, yeah we have some more exotic stainless type steels etc. now. The comment about impurities and or inclusions in the cut open case proves its a process thing. You have to ask yourself how many large radial engine crankcases are castings?Comment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
Youtube a video of pouring aluminum into ingots or forging steel. Cave Man stuff!Originally posted by Exhaustgases View PostComment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
The new space age alloy is called pandalloy.
We've recently sent samples to mahle, cosworth, and a few race teams.Comment
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Re: Can a Merlin Engine be made with better metalurgy?
P&W are Al forgings, and Wrights Steel forgings. No castings like the inlines.Originally posted by toldjaso View PostComment
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