Re: Question for the engine guys: Merlin/Griffon Boost Engine??
In regards to both the Merlin and the Griffon when boat raced, they didn't have the advantage of the ram air as the airplanes do. Merlins were turned up to 4500+ RPM and struggled to get much past 125" MAP. The Griffon had the same disadvantage, however one thing that really woke up that engine was the installation of a PR-100 carburetor. It was discovered that both the original metering body and a PR-58 were both acting as chokes on the top end. Griffons also ran in the 4500 range of RPM, boat racing. As said above, the ram pressure across the supercharger is multipled which increases the boost dramatically in flight conditions. The Griffons in the boats, in conjunction with the PR-100 carbs also used Nitrous-- lots of it. Bernie Little of the Budweiser Racing teams also had a lot of custom blower drive parts made. The blower drives are one of the weak areas of the Griffon and liked to break.
If your interested in seeing what a Mustang did at 80" (+25), study the documentation pertaining to a P-51H Mustang as they were flight tested in those ranges. As far as a Griffon in a Mustang, study up on the history of Precious Metal. The other factor with the Griffon in a Mustang is the HP to weight factor, the Griffon being a fair amount heavier than the Merlin.
In regards to both the Merlin and the Griffon when boat raced, they didn't have the advantage of the ram air as the airplanes do. Merlins were turned up to 4500+ RPM and struggled to get much past 125" MAP. The Griffon had the same disadvantage, however one thing that really woke up that engine was the installation of a PR-100 carburetor. It was discovered that both the original metering body and a PR-58 were both acting as chokes on the top end. Griffons also ran in the 4500 range of RPM, boat racing. As said above, the ram pressure across the supercharger is multipled which increases the boost dramatically in flight conditions. The Griffons in the boats, in conjunction with the PR-100 carbs also used Nitrous-- lots of it. Bernie Little of the Budweiser Racing teams also had a lot of custom blower drive parts made. The blower drives are one of the weak areas of the Griffon and liked to break.
If your interested in seeing what a Mustang did at 80" (+25), study the documentation pertaining to a P-51H Mustang as they were flight tested in those ranges. As far as a Griffon in a Mustang, study up on the history of Precious Metal. The other factor with the Griffon in a Mustang is the HP to weight factor, the Griffon being a fair amount heavier than the Merlin.
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