Does anyone have the Merlin 509 (Complete) Engine ??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Johnston Iowa
Re: Does anyone have the Merlin 509 (Complete) Engine ?? (Rumpity Rump)
I have a 509 Cubic Inch Merlin II in my 69 convertible.
I decided against buying the pre-built 509 engine from World Castings and built a 509 with the internals that I wanted to use. Don't get me wrong the pre-built engine if very attarctive but I just wanted to use some parts that they were not using. It ended up costing me more but the engine is/should be pretty much bullet proof for the driving that I do. I have driven the car very little so far but the torque and power of the 509 is amazing. The only problem I had was the tall vavle covers that I'm using hit the power brake booster. Other than that it went right in but of coarse as with any big block space is tight. Any other questions let me know.
I decided against buying the pre-built 509 engine from World Castings and built a 509 with the internals that I wanted to use. Don't get me wrong the pre-built engine if very attarctive but I just wanted to use some parts that they were not using. It ended up costing me more but the engine is/should be pretty much bullet proof for the driving that I do. I have driven the car very little so far but the torque and power of the 509 is amazing. The only problem I had was the tall vavle covers that I'm using hit the power brake booster. Other than that it went right in but of coarse as with any big block space is tight. Any other questions let me know.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 1
From: Reno nevada
Re: Does anyone have the Merlin 509 (Complete) Engine ?? (Rumpity Rump)
Just like any of the guys with 502's or blower for that matter you have to install the Hydroboost and eliminate the Vacuum booster can.
You can get the same ci out of a BBC with max overbore and a 4.25 stroke. The Merlin tall block is good for all those monsters like 522's 540's 555's 565 ci.
Why stop at 509?
You can get the same ci out of a BBC with max overbore and a 4.25 stroke. The Merlin tall block is good for all those monsters like 522's 540's 555's 565 ci.
Why stop at 509?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Does anyone have the Merlin 509 (Lt1er)
502 with a std. bore and 4.25" stroke crank gives ya 533 cubes....if you buy the bare clock and pick your own parts, you can make whatever u like. BTW, the cranks are all priced the same, whether 4" or 4.25" strokes, all the same price, same with the rod lengths. In essence, free cubes...when can u say you got 31 extra cubes for the price of nothing?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Johnston Iowa
Re: Does anyone have the Merlin 509 (GDaina)
At the time I built my 509 the Eagle 4.25 inch crank was about another 800 bucks. I had to stop somewhere so I ended up at 509. Like many others have said and I will agree "there is no substitue for cubic inches". I have a feeling I could break many parts and have more power than I actually need with the 509. I had to stop somewhere or my wife was going to give me the boot.
:cheers: :cheers:
:cheers: :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Does anyone have the Merlin 509 (James)
James the only way to go is the removal of the vacuum can and AC/Heater box.
I have trouble R&R ing my drivers side valve cover and intend to go with the Hydo boost brake system. Norval was the first person I saw talking about them on the forum.
I have trouble R&R ing my drivers side valve cover and intend to go with the Hydo boost brake system. Norval was the first person I saw talking about them on the forum.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Does anyone have the Merlin 509 (James)
At the time I built my 509 the Eagle 4.25 inch crank was about another 800 bucks.
Was a no brainer, either use the 427 crank, though that was a good option, big bore, short stroke, or go for the mega cubes...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
James, Any dyno numbers for your engine or timeslips yet? I think the best reason to go with 509 is you can easily substitute "509" for "409" and sing along with the Beach Boys! :lol: Kinda hard to sing, "She's real fine my 5-3-0 " :) MJ
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
