M178 Crate Engine Build — Complete 4.0L Dry-Sump Twin-Turbo V8 for AMG GT, GTS & GTR

The Mercedes-AMG M178 is the dry-sump variant of AMG's 4.0L twin-turbo V8 — purpose-built for the two-door AMG GT platform. Found exclusively in the AMG GT, GTS, GTR, GT R Pro, and GT Black Series, it shares the M177's bore and stroke but uses a completely different dry-sump oil system, block casting, and accessory layout. At YPG Motorsport, we build complete M178 crate engines with forged internals for 1,500 HP+ capability.

What Is an M178 Crate Engine?

A crate engine — or long block — is a fully assembled engine ready for installation. Our M178 crate engines include the forged rotating assembly (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), CNC-ported cylinder heads with upgraded valvetrain, all internal bearings, seals, and gaskets. You install your dry-sump oil system, turbos, accessories, and wiring. No core exchange required.

M178 Crate Engine Specifications

Who Orders an M178 Crate Engine?

Owners of the AMG GT, GTS, GTR, GT R Pro, and GT Black Series who are building serious track power. The AMG GT platform is one of the most capable chassis AMG has ever produced — but the stock internals hit their limits around 700–800 HP. Our M178 crate engine removes that ceiling with a forged bottom end and ported heads capable of handling everything you throw at it.

M178 vs M177 — Know Your Engine

The M178 and M177 share the same 3,982 cc displacement and hot-V turbo layout, but they are not interchangeable. The M178 uses a dry-sump oil system — the oil tank, scavenge pump, and oil lines are external to the block. This gives the AMG GT its low centre of gravity and sustained oil pressure under high lateral G-forces. The M177 uses a conventional wet sump and is found in sedans and SUVs.

If your car is an AMG GT two-door, you have the M178. If it is a C63, E63, GT63, GLC63, or other sedan/SUV, you have the M177.

Detailed comparison: M177 vs M178 — What's the Difference?

Forged Internals — Built for Track Abuse

The dry-sump M178 sees some of the hardest duty cycles in the AMG range — sustained high-RPM track sessions, extreme lateral loads, back-to-back hot laps. Our forged rotating assembly handles the cylinder pressures of upgraded turbochargers while the dry-sump system keeps oil where it needs to be. Billet crankshaft, 4340 H-beam rods, forged pistons — balanced, blueprinted, race-ready.

M178 Build Levels

• M178 Short Block — Forged bottom end only. Supply your own heads.
• M178 Ported Heads — CNC-ported heads with upgraded valvetrain.
• M178 Crate Engine — Complete long block. Short block + ported heads + full assembly.

Full comparison: Short Block vs Long Block vs Crate Engine — What's the Difference?

How to Order

Contact us at sales@ypgmotorsport.com or order directly through our store.

ORDER M178 CRATE ENGINE →

Browse all AMG Engine Builds or explore the full M178 Engine Builds collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicles use the M178 engine?

The M178 is exclusive to the AMG GT platform — AMG GT, GTS, GTR, GT R Pro, and GT Black Series.

What is the difference between M178 and M177?

Both are 4.0L twin-turbo V8s. The M178 uses a dry-sump oil system and is found only in the two-door AMG GT. The M177 uses a wet sump and is found in sedans, SUVs, and four-door coupes.

Do I need to send a core?

No. No core exchange required.

Does the crate engine include the dry-sump oil system?

The crate engine is the long block. The external dry-sump tank, lines, and scavenge pump are part of the chassis — you reuse your existing system or upgrade separately.

How much power can the M178 crate engine handle?

Our forged M178 crate engines are capable of 1,500 HP+ with upgraded turbochargers and supporting modifications.