Adams Aviation is proud to be one of the leading UK and European distributors of Superior Air Parts®, offering a comprehensive range of FAA-approved PMA components for Lycoming and Continental engines. With over 2,000 FAA-certified aftermarket parts in their catalogue, Superior Air Parts® has earned its place as the global benchmark for piston engine innovation, performance, and value.


Smarter Engine Solutions Start With Superior®

Superior Air Parts® emerged during a period when the general aviation engine market was dominated by a small number of legacy OEM pathways. Operators faced limited options, long lead times, and rising costs, particularly for high-wear components such as cylinders and internal engine parts. Superior®'s response was not to challenge certification standards, but to work within them - developing FAA-PMA components engineered to meet or exceed original specifications. Over the years, Superior® earned a strong reputation for its cylinder assemblies and engine components, areas where metallurgy, cooling performance, and dimensional precision are paramount. Through continuous design refinement, the introduction of improved materials, and tighter manufacturing tolerances, Superior® successfully addressed recognised wear characteristics and operational challenges. The result was a range of alternatives that were not only fully approved but carefully engineered with real-world reliability and longevity in mind. What distinguishes Superior Air Parts® is that its products are not intended as 'drop-in decisions' made in isolation. Engine configurations, operating profiles, and maintenance philosophies all influence whether a particular component is the right choice. Superior®'s portfolio offers flexibility - but with that flexibility comes responsibility. Informed selection is essential to achieving the reliability and service life operators expect.

At Adams Aviation, support for Superior Air Parts® is centred on that informed decision-making. Compatibility checks, application guidance, and technical context ensure that parts are selected with a full understanding of their implications for the engine as a system. This approach avoids mismatches, unrealistic expectations, and downstream maintenance complications that can arise when parts are chosen purely on availability or cost. In a sector where engines often outlive their original assumptions, Superior Air Parts® has helped broaden the landscape of approved solutions. When selected thoughtfully and supported correctly, its components play a vital role in keeping piston fleets reliable, maintainable, and economically viable - without relying on guesswork to get there.

Superior Air Parts® XP-Series

From 150 to 185 horsepower, Superior®'s XP-Engine range offers a factory-new solution for homebuilt aircraft and helicopters delivering an ideal balance of performance, reliability, and value. Designed with builders in mind, the XP-Series provides one of the widest selections of new engine models available today. Whether you’re repowering an existing aircraft or embarking on a new project, options ranging from the 150 hp XP-320 through to the 180 hp XP-360 ensure a configuration to suit your exact requirements. Each engine is built from brand-new components identical to those used in Superior®'s FAA-certified Vantage engine, offering true factory quality at a homebuilt price point. Performance is at the core of every XP-Engine. With advanced design and precision manufacturing, these engines are engineered to run smoother, cooler, and more efficiently than others in their class. Builders also benefit from exceptional flexibility, with both the XP-320 and XP-360 capable of operating on 100LL Avgas or approved unleaded automotive fuel, helping to reduce operating costs without compromising performance. As an industry innovator, Superior® also offers a range of upgrade options not typically found on standard factory engines. These include roller lifters, cold air induction systems, electronic ignition, and performance fuel injection allowing builders to tailor their engine to meet specific performance goals. Backing it all is one of the strongest warranties in the market, giving confidence that your investment is supported by proven engineering and long-term reliability.

Superior Engine
Superior Engine
Superior Engine

Fuel Note: XP-Engines are approved for use with 100LL Avgas (ASTM D910) and unleaded automotive fuel meeting ASTM D4814 standards (minimum AKI 91). Ethanol-blended fuels are not permitted. For the XP-360, engines with 8.5:1 compression ratio require a minimum of 91 octane, while lower compression variants can operate on 87 octane. Higher octane fuels provide increased detonation margin, particularly under high power or high temperature conditions.

Request a Superior® Engine Quote

Complete the form below and our team will review your configuration and contact you with a quotation.

Millennium Cylinders®

Superior®'s XP-Engine series combines advanced engineering, premium manufacturing, and decades of FAA PMA-approved development to deliver outstanding performance, reliability, and value. Each factory-new engine is hand-assembled using many FAA-certified components from the Vantage engine, ensuring proven quality and consistency, with finishes applied purely for corrosion protection not to conceal imperfections. Key performance features include a reinforced crankcase for durability, a proprietary ESR crankshaft for improved purity and smoother operation, and a high-flow oil sump with optimised intake design for enhanced airflow and efficiency. An optional cold air induction system further increases horsepower while supporting more aerodynamic installations.

At the heart of the engine are Millennium Cylinders®, designed for superior cooling, strength, and consistent performance. Supporting this are computer-optimised camshafts, wear-reducing roller lifters, and precision-balanced internal components, all contributing to smoother running and longer service life. Superior® also sets itself apart through the use of billet-machined parts over cast alternatives, stronger tri-metal bearings, and carefully matched assemblies—resulting in a refined, high-performance engine platform built for dependable operation in piston-powered aircraft and helicopters.

Millennium Cylinders

Superior® Spare Parts

Adams Aviation proudly offers an extensive range of Superior Air Parts® products, delivering high-performance solutions trusted across the General Aviation industry. From factory-new engines to precision-engineered components, the Superior® portfolio is built on reliability, innovation, and FAA-approved quality. Our range includes the renowned Millennium Cylinders®, PMA replacement parts, engine kits, and a wide selection of components designed to support both routine maintenance and complete engine overhauls. Engineered with advanced materials and manufactured to exacting standards, Superior® products are developed to enhance performance, improve cooling efficiency, and extend service life. Backed by Adams Aviation's commitment to genuine and traceable supply, customers benefit not only from access to one of the most comprehensive Superior® ranges in Europe, but also from expert technical support, competitive availability, and a streamlined purchasing experience. Whether you're maintaining, upgrading, or building from the ground up, Adams Aviation and Superior Air Parts® provide the confidence to keep your operations running smoothly.

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  • Available from Adams Aviation

Superior® Cylinder Kit

Product Code: SL32006W-A21P
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  • Available from Adams Aviation

Superior® Piston

Product Code: SL10207
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  • Available from Adams Aviation

Superior® Gear Crankshaft

Product Code: SL13S19649
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  • Available from Adams Aviation

Superior® Valve Cover

Product Code: SL61247
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  • Available from Adams Aviation

Superior® Ring Set

Product Code: SL2351-SC P010
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  • Available from Adams Aviation

Superior® Gasket

Product Code: SL73032

Engine Management 101

A book by Bill Ross in collaboration with Superior Air Parts®, is packed with practical knowledge for aircraft owners, pilots, and engineers alike. Drawing on years of hands-on experience in general aviation, the book breaks down complex engine concepts into clear, understandable guidance that can be applied both in the cockpit and during maintenance planning.


Click HERE to download your free copy
Engine Management 101 Book

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, XP-Engines are supplied with a full flow oil filter and an oil suction (finger) screen.

The engine mounts for the XP-Engine series were designed as a direct 'drop-in' replacement for a Lycoming engine.
NOTE: It is imperative to determine whether your existing engine mount is designed for #1 or #2 dyna-focal mount or a conical mount style engine. The various mount types are part of the engine crankcase and cannot be modified once the engine is assembled.

Typically, yes. Roller lifter technology is more durable than standard flat tappet designs. There are two reasons for this. First the profile of the camshaft is very gentle and allows for smoother operation. Second, the roller lifter rolls over the camshaft lobes instead of sliding across them.

The standard XP-Engine includes the following new accessories:

  • Slick magnetos and ignition harness
  • Champion spark plugs
  • Sky-Tec starter
  • Precision Fuel System (carburetor / fuel injection)
  • Aero Accessories fuel pump

No. Superior® does not include a vacuum pump with the XP-Engine. Because of the various applications the engine may fit in the kit plane market, some customers may not require a vacuum pump. Since vacuum pumps are readily available in the marketplace and to keep the cost down, we allow the customer to make the decision as to whether he needs a vacuum pump.

Superior® has established a recommended 2000-hour TBO for the XP-Engine series.

Our Capabilites

Factory-New & Rebuilt Engines

Supporting operators with a full range of Continental Aerospace Technologies and approved engine solutions, delivered with complete traceability.

Global Sourcing & Availability

Access to an extensive network of OEM and FAA-PMA suppliers, ensuring fast, reliable engine and component availability when it matters most.

Overhaul & Replacement Support

End-to-end support for engine overhaul, upgrade, or replacement programmes from initial enquiry through to delivery.

Genuine & Traceable Parts

Every engine and component supplied meets strict provenance standards, safeguarding compliance, performance, and long-term reliability.

Technical & Product Guidance

Experienced aviation specialists providing informed advice to help operators select the right engine configuration for their aircraft and mission.

Integrated Supply of Components

Beyond complete engines - a comprehensive range of cylinders, accessories, and parts to support ongoing maintenance and lifecycle management.