Race Engine Question

[BellCobraIV]

Re: Race Engine Question

I have also thought about this, would it be possible to drop forge a merlin crankshaft or camshafts? and what about the prop reduction gears. What parts are wearing out that cannot be reproduced? I think they have to be getting down to a very few left.

I just looked it up again on the Packard Dwgs. The entire 27 step process to make the Merlin Crankshaft is documented on the drawings. From Forging through NDT, How many would you like to contract for?

[Victor Archer]

Re: Race Engine Question

Has any one ever changed the lift/duration of the cam on a Merlin? I think they might have in the Unlimited Hydroplanes? But I don't remember any mention of it for air racing???

[BellCobraIV]

Re: Race Engine Question

Has any one ever changed the lift/duration of the cam on a Merlin? I think they might have in the Unlimited Hydroplanes? But I don't remember any mention of it for air racing???

Yes, the details are not available for public consumption.

[MUSNTCHIT]

Re: Race Engine Question

I don't recall seein' many Engle, Howard's, Iskendarian, Crane, etc. decals around Reno... saw a lot of Engle's on Z's stuff at the digs tho...

[Victor Archer]

Re: Race Engine Question

Yes, the details are not available for public consumption.

I figured the details would be classified, I was just wondering if experimentation in that direction had been made.
Thank you

[catalinadave]

Re: Race Engine Question

Another question on the Merlin. Has anyone ever designed and run a fuel injection system on the merlin for racing or any other purpose? Thanks in advance.

Dave

[BellCobraIV]

Re: Race Engine Question

I don't recall seein' many Engle, Howard's, Iskendarian, Crane, etc. decals around Reno... saw a lot of Engle's on Z's stuff at the digs tho...

Jack Engle did some Mustang cams also, but that wasn't the public consumtion talk.

[Peashooter]

Re: Race Engine Question

We'll have a quiz tomoorrow!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cam_shaft

[catalinadave]

Re: Race Engine Question

BCIV, Thanks for the response. Will the information ever be declassified???

Thanks again,

Dave

[BellCobraIV]

Re: Race Engine Question

BCIV, Thanks for the response. Will the information ever be declassified???

Thanks again,

Dave

I am actually not being catty or snide on this one, even though I have been prone to do so in the past. There are legalities that prevent any public discussion of the stuff I know of.

Now how about asking if anybody has ever thought about solenoid controlled valves and variable engine timing combined with a fully integrated engine management system, controlling electronic ignition and fuel injection. I was raised in a Round motor world. I was able to play with both Zeuschel and the 'Doc. As the 'Doc says I finally realized that Round motors are square. Pound for pound, inch for inch, the Merlin is in my opinion the most wonderful engine of it's time.

[W J Pearce]

Re: Race Engine Question

Now how about asking if anybody has ever thought about solenoid controlled valves and variable engine timing combined with a fully integrated engine management system, controlling electronic ignition and fuel injection. I was raised in a Round motor world. I was able to play with both Zeuschel and the 'Doc. As the 'Doc says I finally realized that Round motors are square. Pound for pound, inch for inch, the Merlin is in my opinion the most wonderful engine of it's time.

Well, I've thought of it. But did not get much past the "thought" stage. Having no resources or "experience" thinking is just about it.

So Mr. Slack, anyone get past the "thought" stage and play with hardware? Do tell, do tell.

[Frank C.]

Re: Race Engine Question

I believe Micky Rupp told me that Samuri's cams were not stock and were custom ground. I am not an engineer or much of a mechanic so my knowledge is limited. My Pop did work on round engines on carrier planes during WWII.

Frank C.

[Paynts]

Re: Race Engine Question

Man I love these tech posts!
I have no doubt that given enough money whole Merlins could be built.
Cosworth Engineering in the UK can draw an engine block & cylinder head casting on a CAD and then using process of 3 dimensioanlly acting lasers and special Casting Sand moulds turn the CAD drawing into a mould- just like that.
They could build an engine like a merlin in their lunch hour!- Case anyone doubts me have a look at their website

http://www.cosworth.com/content.php?pageid=85&contentid=43

Course it does help if you have the Millions of £ that an F1 team has to spend on an engine
BUT !
I think its better that there is a air of Wizardry and black arts to the whole unlimited racer programme keeps geeks like me interested,the skill in modifying 1940s technology to give huge power using hens teeth rare parts without resorting to full fly by wire VVT Wasted spark electronic engines is part of the mysteque that is unlimited racing!
Long may it continue!

[BellCobraIV]

Re: Race Engine Question

Man I love these tech posts!
I have no doubt that given enough money whole Merlins could be built.
Cosworth Engineering in the UK can draw an engine block & cylinder head casting on a CAD and then using process of 3 dimensioanlly acting lasers and special Casting Sand moulds turn the CAD drawing into a mould- just like that.
They could build an engine like a merlin in their lunch hour!- Case anyone doubts me have a look at their website

http://www.cosworth.com/content.php?pageid=85&contentid=43

Course it does help if you have the Millions of £ that an F1 team has to spend on an engine
BUT !
I think its better that there is a air of Wizardry and black arts to the whole unlimited racer programme keeps geeks like me interested,the skill in modifying 1940s technology to give huge power using hens teeth rare parts without resorting to full fly by wire VVT Wasted spark electronic engines is part of the mysteque that is unlimited racing!
Long may it continue!

Wow,
Just think what Ilmor could do, I would never have guessed.

[jarrodeu]

Re: Race Engine Question

Isn't there new build WWI engines around?

Jarrod