M178 Short Block Build — Forged 4.0L Dry-Sump V8 Bottom End for AMG GT, GTS & GTR
The M178 short block gives AMG GT owners a fully forged, race-spec bottom end for their dry-sump 4.0L twin-turbo V8. Built in-house at YPG Motorsport in Kuwait with the same forged rotating assembly that goes into our complete M178 crate engines. Balanced, blueprinted, and ready for your heads and accessories.
What Is an M178 Short Block?
A short block is the engine's bottom end: block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, bearings, and internal seals. It does not include cylinder heads, turbochargers, the dry-sump oil system, or accessories. You supply your own heads — either your originals or our M178 CNC-ported heads — and bolt everything together.
The M178 short block is the right choice when your heads are in good condition but your bottom end needs a forged rebuild to handle more power.
M178 Short Block Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,982 cc (4.0L) |
| Configuration | 90° V8 bottom end (dry sump) |
| Block | Aluminium alloy, inspected & honed, sleeved as needed |
| Crankshaft | Forged billet steel |
| Connecting rods | Forged 4340 H-beam |
| Pistons | Forged aluminium, coated skirts, low compression for boost |
| Bearings | Race-spec tri-metal |
| Potential | 1,500 HP+ capable |
| Application | Race / off-road use |
| Build time | 7–21 days |
| Shipping | FedEx / DHL worldwide to door |
M178 vs M177 Short Block — Know the Difference
The M178 is the dry-sump variant of AMG's 4.0L V8, exclusive to the two-door AMG GT platform (GT, GTS, GTR, GT R Pro). The M177 short block is the wet-sump variant found in sedans and SUVs (C63, E63, GT63). They are not interchangeable — the block castings, oil passages, and accessory drives are different. Make sure you order the correct one for your chassis.
Forged Internals for Track Duty
The AMG GT platform sees sustained high-RPM track sessions and extreme lateral loads. Our forged rotating assembly is designed for this abuse — billet crankshaft, 4340 H-beam rods, forged pistons with coated skirts. The rotating assembly is balanced as a complete unit and bearing clearances are set to our race program specs.
Build Process
The M178 block is fully inspected — bore roundness, deck height, main bore alignment, dry-sump oil passages. Cylinders are honed to spec and sleeved where needed. Assembly with fresh fasteners, torqued to spec. Build time is 7–21 days. Shipped via FedEx or DHL worldwide.
How to Order
Contact us at sales@ypgmotorsport.com with your vehicle details. M178 short block pricing is quoted per build.
Browse all AMG Engine Builds or explore the M178 Crate Engine option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the M178 short block?
The machined block, forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, forged pistons, race bearings, and all internal seals/gaskets. Heads, turbos, dry-sump system, and accessories are not included.
Can I use my stock heads on the forged short block?
Yes. Stock M178 heads bolt directly on. For maximum performance, pair with our CNC-ported heads.
What vehicles use the M178 engine?
The M178 is exclusive to the AMG GT, GTS, GTR, GT R Pro, and GT Black Series.
Do I need to send a core?
No. No core exchange required.
How much power can the M178 short block handle?
Our forged M178 short block is capable of 1,500 HP+ with upgraded turbochargers.