Steve Wittmans "Olds" V8 Tailwind Airplane

[davetileguy]

Two things got me thinking,why doesn't someone build a "stroked" v-8 with an R-V cam and bring down the RPM's to 2800 ,that should be easy ,and 2nd no one in air boats seem to be wringing their hands over using an automotive conversion that's direct drive,yes I know a planes in the air and a boat is not but their are more similarities than differences. 

[straighttailpilot]

is there anyway we could get some info on the engine and conversion?

[mctim64]

@straighttailpilot

Aircraft Spruce Specialty sells plans on how to convert the Olds engine.

[straighttailpilot]

@mctim64 no, I know that. I just meant what engine is used. is it a car engine? what is it comparable to? an 0320? 0360?

[mctim64]

@straighttailpilot

It's an Olds 215 aluminum V8 from the early '60s. This particular one is a 267ci using a 300 Buick crankshaft. I would guess the HP to be like an O-360. The prop is direct drive But I believe it is a cut down C-150 of 60" dia and is turned at a higher rpm than most aircraft engines. When I was thinking of building one I had two Olds engines but after hearing stories of Mr. Wittmans ignition problems with his I thought an O-320 might be a better choice.

[straighttailpilot]

@mctim64 what kind of problems was he having? and thanks for the info. that is an intriguing conversion.

[mctim64]

@straighttailpilot

The 215 Olds in the car came in 150 hp with a 2bbl, 185 hp with a 4bbl and 215 hp with a 4bbl and turbo charger. These ratings were at much higher rpm than you would want to spin a prop. I would think a 267ci with a Marvel up draught 1 bbl turning 3200 rpm might be good for 160+.

[blastforyou]

Does anyone out there recall hearing of incident involving tailwind where lost aileron function due to mechanical breakage and pilot flew and landed using rudder and throttle, it may not have been tailwindthough. i bet was pucker factor of 10

[nevervne]

damn thats a fast tailwind

[MrZeddy100]

Inverted v8-was it a direct drive or reduction drive I wonder? Anybody know?

[mctim64]

@MrZeddy100

Direct drive, I have the plans and prints for the mods.

[spencnaz]

Thanks for posting this! I've wanted to build a Tailwind for decades!

[pskittle488]

Very cool, BTW, who narrated this film?

[mctim64]

@pskittle488

Not sure of his name, all I can say is it's the guy who did the old Smuckers jam commercials. lol

[phxxr650r]

My Dad spoke of him and saw him race when he was a boy. Steve Wittman was all privateer as he paided for eveything. he did not have any other funding like Roscoe T, and such. he had a 13foot wing span 100ci plane against the other guys and really did well. He had Guts and skill.

[scavenom2008]

NOT BAD FOR AN OLD MAN : )

[577lightnitro]

RIP.

[airplane82]

thats a fast little airplane!!

[yakovlev3a]

@airplane82 yea stubby but beautiful!

[AbusiveAdminPaul]

fucking sweet

[3593893]

GO grandpa !!!!!!!

[mgr6v382]

I cant find any stats on it. anybody know what it cruises at? what an airplane!!

[glasair2]

Cruise at about 190 mph with a 160 horsepower Lycoming O-320. Cruise speed varies on these because of the vast engine choices (Continental, Lycoming and Olds). Power is usually between 85-160 horsepower.

[coffeefish]

I read that his pilots license was signed by Orville Wright.

[granskare]

I've read a lot about him in 1970s era Sport Aviation mag from EAA. :)

[tailwheelflier]

what an american hero

[pomadom]

that was amazing.. have you got any more footage please. Steve was a great man.

[kd7osk]

I'd like to see more like this. The great Steve Wittman in action!

[Kevinsouth]

Great to see Steve Whitman flying his V8 Tailwind. The plane is a great simple-n-fast design.