New Uses for the V-1710

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MIflyer

Captain
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May 30, 2011
Cape Canaveral
I recall hearing of the V-1710 being used in the new production Yaks of several years ago, but did not know anyone had taken a Spanish HA-1112 and used a V-1710 instead of a Merlin.

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Screenshot 2026-02-01 at 19-18-02 aeroplane-monthly-2017-06.pdf.png
 
Back 30 years ago or so I heard that they rebuilt a DB601 for use in a BF-109, the rebuilder saying that be sure not to damage it because if they had to build a new one it would not be possible.

The V-1710 is much easier to build or repair than the V-1650, having far fewer parts and being designed so you could separate the gearbox and accessory sections. I recall a V-1710 rebuilder saying he would not like to rebuild a Merlin because it has so many more parts. The piston rods are also much stronger and racing Merlins often have their rods replaced with modified V-1710 rods. I guess that is true for the German engines, too. I suppose that with modern computer controlled machining we could build new V-1710 from scratch.

A friend of mine in OK said that he could have bought some V-1710 rather cheaply. He had worked for an oil company and they had purchased some to use to power oil pumps but decided they were not suitable. I wonder how many V-1710 are out there that were purchased for such purposes.
 
They say that if you want a Merlin or Allison to rebuild for an airplane restoration you do NOT want one that's been used in boats. Inevitably the prop comes out of the water and the engine gets seriously over-revved and then loaded back down again, over and over again. You look to see if the coolant line attachment has been modified, since they have to do that for boat applications.

There is or was a guy in FL who lives around Yehaw Junction that offers V-1710's restored for display, in case you want one in your living room. Here is one of his.

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Anybody recall that model kit of the "funny car" with the V-1710 from back in the early 70's?
 
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They say that if you want a Merlin or Allison to rebuild for an airplane restoration you do NOT want one that's been used in boats. Inevitably the prop comes out of the water and the engine gets seriously over-revved and then loaded back down again, over and over again. You look to see if the coolant line attachment has been modified, since they have to do that for boat applications.

There is or was a guy in FL who lives around Yehaw Junction that offers V-1710's restored for display, in case you want one in your living room. Here is one of his.

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Anybody recall that model kit of the "funny car" with the V-1710 from back in the early 70's?
It was a Thunderbird, right?
 

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