Newest Addition To Popular Family Of Sport Aviation Engines

Superior Air Parts, a division of Thielert AG, announced that it is expanding its popular XP sport aviation engine series with the introduction of the new 210 horsepower, 400 cubic inch XP-400 Engine.

“The development and introduction of the new XP-400 Engine is in direct response to requests from our sport aviation aircraft customers,” explained Keith Blockus, Superior’s Senior Director of Engineering and Product Development.

“Everyone loves the advanced features and performance of the XP-360, but they just wanted more power. And everyone knows, there’s no replacement for displacement.”

“The XP-400 is similar to a bored and stroked XP-360, but it has angle-valve cylinders with bigger valves for better breathing and more fin area for better cooling,” he explained.

“The XP-400 has an eighth-inch larger bore and a quarter-inch longer stroke. The compression ratio is 8.5:1 at 210 horsepower so it will be approved to run on 91 Octane auto fuel. We are also working on a higher compression version that will run on 100 LL Avgas for racing and high-performance applications.”

Blockus stressed that the XP-400 features all of Superior’s industry-leading engine design and manufacturing advancements including a counter-weighted version of the recently introduced proprietary ESR (Electro Slag Remelt) crankshaft.

“The XP-400 Engine utilizes all of the proven components that are used on the XP-360 including roller lifters and camshafts,” Blockus added. “The XP-400 is an all-new engine design that delivers a number of design and performance advancements when compared to older-generation OEM engines.”

The XP-400 Engine is currently undergoing testing at the company’s engine development facility prior to becoming available to the sport aviation market, which Blockus expects to happen in time for this year’s AirVenture Oshkosh.

“We are currently taking deposits for the XP-400 and we will be shipping engines by the end of this summer,” he said.

As with the XP-360 (shown above), owners will also be able to build their new XP-400 Engines themselves at Superior’s popular Engine Build Schools held at their Dallas headquarters.

Technical Data

Model: XP-400 Engine
Horsepower: 210
Displacement: 400 cubic inches
Number of cylinders: 4
Maximum RPM: 2,700
Bore x Stroke: 5.25” x 4.625”
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Fuel: Avgas and 91 Octane Unleaded Auto Fuel
Weight: 294 to 305 lbs. (Depending on model)

Superior Air Parts recently became a division of Thielert AG of Germany, and is the manufacturer of the new FAA certified Vantage Engine. The company is also the world’s leading manufacturer of FAA approved aftermarket cylinders and replacement parts for Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines. In addition, the company manufacturers the XP-360 Engine family for experimental and sport aircraft builders. 

FMI: www.superiorairparts.com