superior engine

[jacksel]

Having a lot of trouble finding someone at superior to talk to about an engine for my RV-7. I'm interested in an O-360 carbureted with a LSE mini crankmount ignition system in place of one of the mags. From everything I've seen, I can do it less expensively with a superior XP-360, with the whole system delivered installed, than ordering an engine from Van's and separately purchasing the LSI kit and installing it myself. What I'm not clear on is whether the XP-360 will be compatible with the Van's finishing kit and FF kit. I assume the finishing kit would probably not be an problem. But I would like to know if some items like the exhaust system, air box, throttle/mix/prop brackets and cables, and alternator will be more complicated because I can't use the Van's-supplied materials. Does anyone have experience with the XP-360? Is it any more trouble to finish an RV with a superior engine?

[flion]

Basically, it's a Lycoming clone externally. Many things, such as the baffling, will be exactly the same. Some things vary by installed equipment, in which case even Lycoming engines may not be an exact match to the FWF kit. For example, induction type and location can cause variation in hose and control cable lengths. Also, any variation you make in routing can affect such things.

If you are building, then you probably have plenty of time to address these issues. Do your homework. You can get a list of the stock FWF parts and either delete or substitute as necessary; Van's will work with you on this. Where you cannot substitute, you can generally get a suitable replacement in a reasonable time frame (custom length hoses, for example) and by planning and ordering ahead it doesn't even slow you down. Inevitably, I spent more time waiting for ACS to deliver small hardware such as metal stopnuts, adel clamps, etc., of which there are never enough.

[N9331v]

Pretty bad Superior spends all that money advertising and you can't get ahold of anyone there to discuss..........

[Brantel]

I walked into their tent at Osh with a buddy of mine that has one of their engines. There were at least 5 Superior folks in that tent. We were there for at least 10 minutes, just us two and them. They never even acknowledged that we were there. They never even made eye contact with us.

Put a bad taste in my mouth and really bothered my friend as well.

Neither of us was buying but they did not know that....

Too bad they spend all that money on a tent spot at Osh and don't even acknowledge potential customers!

[TS Flightlines]

Wow. Thats really sad. They would not have known if you wanting info, or buying 5 engines.
Sad

[kiwipete]

Ive had my superior IO-360 6 years and it's been faultless.
I think the carb engine should be fine with the standard vans firewall forward kit. It's only if you get a forward induction injected engine you might have to make a few changes. Larry Vetterman can tell you which exhaust you will need if you go with a cold air sump.

Good luck

Peter

[Rhino889]

I have a superior io360. My engine builder (Mattituck) went out of business during my build.

Superior answered every call and followed up with ridiculously detailed and personal emailed descriptions to my every question.

I walked into the tent at sun n fun to say thank you for their amazing support.

[Louise Hose]

Originally Posted by Brantel

I walked into their tent at Osh with a buddy of mine that has one of their engines. There were at least 5 Superior folks in that tent. We were there for at least 10 minutes, just us two and them. They never even acknowledged that we were there. They never even made eye contact with us.

Put a bad taste in my mouth and really bothered my friend as well.

Neither of us was buying but they did not know that....

Too bad they spend all that money on a tent spot at Osh and don't even acknowledge potential customers!

Given the choice of the hovering, high pressure salesman and the "we're here if you need us" style, I much more appreciate the later. Sure, there is a better, middle ground, but I have no problem with the passive but available sales force.

I had a recent experience with Superior that demonstrated a very high level of customer service. I'm sorry the OP had a different experience.

[ScottHayes]

Hi, my name is Scott Hayes and I took over sales for Superior Air Parts on Monday of this week. We would love to talk with you all about all of Superior product. My office number is 972-829-4645, email address is shayes@superiorairparts.com and my personal cell number is 972-989-4027. I look forward to talking with you all.
Thank you!
Scott Hayes
VP of Sales and Marketing
Superior Air Parts

[Mike S]

Scott, to VAF.

Good to have you aboard.