Can a surplus Merlin engine be bought? How much would it cost?

Answer 1

If you're talking about a "new" surplus engine, no, the supply has dried up. Even though many thousands were produced during WWII, and they were plentiful "new in shipping cans" up through the '60s and early '70s, the combination of increasing interest in "warbirds" and the popularity of the Unlimited Class in Air Races, especially the Reno Race, used them up. There used to be huge, seemingly inexhaustible, supplies of parts for Merlins, Allisons, etc.; however, most of those have also been used up. For instance, if you need a piston for a Merlin, it must be custom made now.

Occasionally, a used Merlin or Allison will become available on the market, but the price will depend on condition, time since major overhaul, and the willlingness of the buyer to pay the seller's price. I haven't checked recently, but four or five years ago, it would usually run in the vicinity of $150,000 to $200,000 to overhaul a Merlin (and that does not include the cost of the engine to be overhauled, simply the parts, machine work and labor involved in the overhaul). Back in the late '60s, by way of contrast, I could buy as many Merlin engines, new in factory cans, for $800 to $1,500 each. The P-51 I flew in the late '60s cost a grand total of $5,000. Very different today. Most of the WWII aviation surplus stockpiles have been used up or scrapped.

Answer 2

Merlin Engine For Sale

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can a surplus Merlin engine be bought? How much would it cost?

Answer 4

A "surplus Merlin" in good shape will run you around $60,000 in working condition but no paperwork. A much better bet would be an Allison V-1710. More of them around and more parts. But what do you want a 3,000 LBS mill for anway? Maintenance on these thumpers is a killer!
Much better HP/Weight options are available now. A PW T-6 turbine gives you the same 1500 + - horsepower but only weighs about 450 LBS dry but with the gearcase. Again if you don't need paperwork I can get these between 45-110,000 US depending on the model.

Good luck

Answer 5

Yes... Anything can be bought... At a price!
The Rolls Royce Merlin was used in several WWII aircraft including the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire. They were also used in British Air/Sea rescue boats.

The Merlin has not been manufactured since the early 1950's but many were built and spare parts are still around. It is much sought after by warbird restorers, race plane owners and Unlimited boat racers.

A "core" engine in rebuildable condition today will set you back about US$100,000 and an engine built back to zero time stock about US$175,000. A full race prepared engine starts at about US$220,000.

Answer 6

Would a Packard not be suitable? The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has about a dozen Merlins/Packards on the books, several of which they switch between their Lancaster and their Hurricane; it's not unusual for the Lancaster to have 2 Merlin 502s in the 1 and 4 positions, a Merlin 25 at no 3 and a Packard 225 at no 2, for example. I believe that Packards are Canadian (standing to be corrected) and wondered if one of those might not be easier for you to obtain from where you are.

Answer 7

I cannot remember the guys name but he rebuilds merlins in Tehachepi, CA. I'm sure that if you can get in touch with David Price, the owner of the war bird museum in Santa Monica, CA he will put you in touch. I know that his mustang engines are rebuilt by this guy. They say he's the best there is. Good luck.

Answer 8

Yes, depends.

Answer 9

I know of two pickled in the crate sitting in the hangar two down from mine. IF you are serious about wanting one, email me ,I will put you in touch with the fellow that has them (I dont even know if they are for sale)