Re:V-12 Small-Block Web Sites

[Duke W.]

Thanks, John. If you can dig up any more info when you get home, let me Never had the pleasure of riding in or flying a Mustang or Cavalier. Peter Egan wrote about a ride in R&T and reported that they are REAL LOUD. Read about Roush in the recent C&D article. I couldn't believe his Merlin stash -- thought the hydroplane guys used most of them up in the fifties. Went to the hydro races in San Diego last fall. There was one Allison with twin turbos, but he DNFed.


Duke

[John H.]

Re:V-12 Small-Block Web Sites

Duke -


No sound on earth like a Rolls Merlin at about 65 inches of MP - pretty neat piece of work for a 1937 design - all-alloy 60-degree V-12, chain-driven double overhead cams, 4 valves and 2 plugs per cylinder, 2-stage centrifugal supercharger and water injection - in its final version (Merlin IX) it developed 2450hp from 1835 cu. in., although Unlimited Hydro guys ran them at about 2800hp, and the Unlimited Airplane guys run them up to 3200hp. Neat engine - Cavalier conversion I flew drank 90 gallons per hour at cruise (60% power) and 140 gallons per hour at high cruise (85% power) - any throttle setting above that broke the safety wire in the throttle gate, triggered the water injection, and could only be used for 2 minutes (and required an engine change within 6 hours). Hell of an airplane - wish I had Roush's money.....


John