Merlin F85 heads

[mgb260]

Anybody have more info on how these compare to Rover TA and Wildcat heads. Price? Flows? Valve size and chamber cc?

http://www.v8wizard.com/PHOTO_GALLERY/Merlin_f85.php

[MGBV8]

That looks like a tiny combustion chamber.

[mgb260]

That is what I'm thinking. I found out a little more about them. Developed over 30 years for max mid range TQ. I've seen a few Dyno sheets and the torque curve was pretty flat from 2000-5000 RPM. 1.73 IN and 1.45 EX valves. I think out of the box probably similar to well ported Rover heads with bigger valves. Probably between stock and the Wildcat and TA heads. Don't like the proprietary Valve covers, would need to adapt to Rover and still don't know price.

[mgb260]

Dyno sheet:

[BCMGB]

https://shop.v8engines.com/cylinder-heads-74-c.asp

$5500.00. Yikes!

[mgb260]

Ian, That's what I was afraid of, sticker shock. Their flat tappet cam prices are as expensive as roller cams too. That Dyno was their 5.0 motor with their cam. Great torque numbers.

[minorv8]

I bought a pair of bare Merlin heads years ago when they were sold by Real Steel in UK. I ran a pair of home ported 4,6 heads and expected huge gains given how they were advertized by Real Steel. Anyway, I think I only gained less than 15 hp and was quite disappointed. But at that time the price was tempting. And definitely an upgrade compared to stock heads. Mine flowed something like 180 cfm and the flow stalled after 0,5" lift or thereabout. The best figure I got from 4.6 engine with Merlins was 314 hp at flywheel. This with a same hydraulic cam as in the photo I attached. I still have that engine as a spare.

I think Art has/had a pair of Merlins as well and had them professionally ported. These flowed in excess of 200 cfm.

Real Steel then sold the right to RPi and the price went sky high. What is good about the merlins is that they are more or less bolt on. They did require specific head bolts. Rover intake and exhaust manifolds fit although there may be some port matching required. TA and Wildcats require more work in that respect.

Here is a pic of an ancient Real Steel catalogue ad and some info.

[roverman]

I "think" McKensie quoted 218 cfm. @ .6"/int. Have yet to dyno them but when I semi-retire....