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The XP-360 Engine is a new "zero-time" piston aircraft engine designed to meet the increasing demands of experimental homebuilders and airframe manufacturers. It combines the safety and reliability of a new factory engine with advancements in engineering and design that make it ahead of anything else available in its class.
The XP-360 Engine design is based on the Lycoming parallel, large bore 4-cylinder engine. But that's where any comparison stops.

The XP-360 includes the latest improvements in technology, FAA-approved engine parts, and many other custom enhancements, yet unavailable on a standard Lycoming factory engine.

In addition, Superior Air Parts, Inc. warrants the XP-360 Engine® to be free from defects in material and workmanship for ONE (1) YEAR, or an optional THREE (3) YEARS for an additional charge, from the date of purchase.

Without a doubt, it's the most advanced small powerplant available, and the best choice for your homebuilt aircraft.

We have created the best crankshaft available for the XP-360, made from aerospace grade SAE 4340 Vacuum-Arc-Remelt (V.A.R.) steel per AMS 6414. To reduce engine vibration, component wear, and pilot fatigue, each crankshaft is painstakingly balanced to within one-quarter oz-inch. Inside the front main oil reservoir you'll find a smooth, groove-free, plated I.D. surface that won't hold oil acids or corrode, relieving you of any worries about future Lycoming-style SB 505 inspections. Of course, many other dimensional tolerances, surface finishes, and processes are held to the highest standards for this very important component of your engine.

Computer optimized camshaft intake and exhaust valve lobe design.
The camshaft 'brain' of your XP-360 engine is designed for better cruise economy, lower valve-train loads, and smoother idle and power operation. The camshaft intake and exhaust valve lobes have been computer optimized. Lower valve-train loads reduce camshaft and lifter spalling and decrease valve-train and guide wear and friction. Precisely timed camshaft lobe valve events eliminate re-ingestion of exhaust gases and improve economy and overall performance. Idle and power vibration characteristics are also computer optimized to passenger car standards to reduce pilot fatigue and component wear.

Improved Crankcase has reinforced cylinder decks, balanced oil system and thrust face lubrication.
The crankcase is made from aerospace grade AA C355-T71 stabilized structural aluminum alloy per AMS 4214. The reinforced crankcase cylinder deck eliminates deck-to-deck cracking. The balanced oil system lubricates the crankshaft and camshaft from either side of the crankcase. This reduces oil pressure fluctuations and equalizes oil flow through the entire engine, including the lifters. Pressurized oil lubricates the crankcase thrust face, reducing friction on the loaded surface of the case where the crank pulls the case forward. Every crankcase also comes machined to accept piston cooling oil nozzles.

Dynamically balanced Connecting Rods and Pistons.
Each engine comes with a set of statically and dynamically balanced connecting rods. These rods are made from precision forged high-strength aerospace grade SAE 8740 forgings per AMS 6325. Consistent precision machining of these forgings and installation as matched-weight sets yield a statically and dynamically balanced set of connecting rods for reduced vibration and wear. But balanced rotating components don't stop there, add in Superior's matched-weight piston sets and you have the most dynamically balanced engine available.

Oil Sump with an improved, high-flow induction system.
The sump is made from aerospace grade AA C355-T71 stabilized structural aluminum alloy per AMS 4214. A smoother intake manifold and plenum system reduces aerodynamic drag for better breathing of all four cylinders, while at the same time a plenum turbulator improves air-fuel mixing. Tuned intake tubes balance the intake air runner length to further improve engine breathing. Polished stainless-steel intake tubes eliminate rusting from the elements and give your engine that special, first-class look.

Millennium Standard-Cast Cylinders
Of course, you can't go wrong with Superior's legendary Standard-Cast Cylinders with 6% better volumetric efficiency, through-hardened steel barrels, and Superior's bullet-proof head design.

Comprehensive Factory-New Engine Warranty
Superior Air Parts, Inc. warrants the XP-360 Engine® to be free from defects in material and workmanship for ONE (1) YEAR, or an optional THREE (3) YEARS for an additional charge, from the date of purchase.

Fuel Injected or Carbureted, 4 Cylinder, Horizontally Opposed, Constant Speed or Fixed Pitch Propeller, Dynafocal or Conical Mounts

Warranty: Superior Air Parts, Inc. warrants the XP-360 Engine® to be free from defects in material and workmanship for ONE (1) YEAR, or an optional THREE (3) YEARS for an additional charge, from the date of purchase.

Cylinder Head Temperature:

Max Oil Consumption: 5 Hours per Quart

Recommended Mil-L-22851 Ashless Dispersant Oils (avg air temp):

55% Economy Cruise: 100 HP @ 21"x2300 RPM: 7.8 Gal/Hr.

Brake Specific Fuel Consumption:

Typical information concerning RV-7

When ordering the Finishing Kit you need to give additional information to Van's because the XP engine is not the standard product Vans offers. Nevertheless this is quite similar to the OEM offer for Lycoming engines which are Vans' standards. Therefore this information I received from Bill Peterson [bpeterson@superior-air-parts.com] is very useful.

The Induction can be either vertical or horizontal if you are selecting fuel injection. The horizontal does away with the snorkel on the front of the cowl and takes in the induction air from the air inlet in the cowl. (see RV-6A picture)

If you select horizontal induction on the XP you need to notify Van's that you are purchasing Superior's lightweight horizontal sump. This is because there is a specific Vetterman exhaust system that fits around this lightweight sump. (Van's is aware of this and sells it.) If you are selecting a carbureted engine it is vertical only and there are no special exhaust requirements.

The Cylinder Type is parallel

Displacement is 360

Mount type is Dynafocal

In regard to the firewall recess kit. The XP-360 oil filter adapter comes straight back from the accessory case and the filter will hit the firewall without the recess kit. There are aftermarket 90 degree adapters or remote mounted filter adapters which you can purchase but we don't make them or sell them. Also, if you go with constant speed the governor will need to go into the recess. If you elect not to go with constant speed and put on a remote oil filter kit (Airwolf for example) you would not need the recesss kit. We have the recess kit on our RV and it makes everything much easier to get on and off.

The XP-360 fits into the same footprint as a Lycoming for mounting, installation and cowling application. The only exception to this is the optional lightweight sump which does not change the mounting or cowl, only the exhaust system. I hope this all helps. Let me know if you have any further questions, I'll be glad to answer to the best of my ability.

Regards,

Bill Peterson

Progress of the engine...

It's far too early on this moment. I made my choice but will start with this in the last quarter of 2006 as I can predict at this moment. But, I think I will buy my engine via Jade-air in the UK and almost sure I will follow the building classes there. I will keep you informed for this... Come and see later...