You have to wonder whether a revamp of the P-38 (with a couple of Merlins)
That was looked at and an aircraft was sent to Rolls Royce for conversion, but Washington on hearing of the fact ordered the aircraft to be returned to the USAAF immediately. It has been assumed that political pressure was applied by Allison because of a potential loss of business, having already lost supplying the P-51 with its switch to Merlins. Lockheed themselves also looked at the possibility, but didn't proceed.