The M156 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 is AMG's last and greatest NA engine — hand-built in Affalterbach, used in the C63 W204, E63 W211/W212, SLS AMG, CLK63 Black Series, and ML63. The factory heads are the single biggest restriction on the M156. CNC porting these heads is the most effective single modification for naturally aspirated power — and the critical foundation for any supercharger or turbo build.
YPG Motorsport M156 Ported Heads are 5-axis CNC ported to race specification, delivering measurably higher intake and exhaust flow across the entire lift range. No core exchange required — these ship as a complete pair ready to bolt on. Free worldwide shipping included.
What's Included
- 5-Axis CNC Ported Intake Ports — precision-machined for maximum airflow volume and velocity. Not hand-ported — repeatable, consistent results across both heads.
- 5-Axis CNC Ported Exhaust Ports — optimized for scavenging efficiency and reduced backpressure at high RPM.
- Five-Angle Valve Job — competition valve seat geometry for improved flow at low lift and better sealing under high cylinder pressure.
- New OEM Valve Seals — factory-spec seals replaced throughout to eliminate oil consumption issues.
- Combustion Chamber Unshrouding — subtle chamber work to improve flame travel and detonation resistance.
Performance Gains
- 15-25% increase in intake port flow — measured on a SuperFlow SF-600 flow bench at 28" H₂O test pressure across 0.100"–0.500" lift range.
- +25-40 WHP naturally aspirated — ported heads on the M156 NA deliver measurable peak horsepower gains with no other modifications.
- Improved exhaust scavenging — reduced backpressure improves top-end pull and allows the engine to breathe freely past 6,500 RPM.
- Critical for forced induction — if you're adding a supercharger or turbo kit to the M156, ported heads are mandatory to flow enough air for the added boost.
- Higher RPM ceiling — the M156 revs to 7,200 RPM from the factory. Ported heads remove the airflow restriction that causes power to flatten above 6,800 RPM.
When Do You Need Ported Heads?
| Build Type | Power Level | Ported Heads Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock / Headers Only | 457–507 HP | Optional | Noticeable mid-range and top-end improvement |
| Cams + Headers | 520–560 HP | Recommended | Ported heads let aggressive cams breathe properly |
| Supercharged | 600–900+ HP | Mandatory | Stock heads are the bottleneck under boost |
| Turbo Build | 800–1,500+ HP | Mandatory | Airflow is everything at this power level |
Compatible Vehicles
- Mercedes-AMG C63 — W204 (2008–2014)
- Mercedes-AMG E63 — W211 (2007–2009)
- Mercedes-AMG E63 — W212 (2010–2013, pre-facelift)
- Mercedes-AMG CLK63 / CLK63 Black Series — C209
- Mercedes-AMG CLS63 — C219 (2007–2010)
- Mercedes-AMG ML63 — W164 (2007–2011)
- Mercedes-AMG SL63 — R230 (2009–2012)
- Mercedes-AMG SLS — C197 / R197 (2010–2014)
Fits all M156 6.2L naturally aspirated applications. For M177 4.0T (C63 W205, E63 W213, etc.), see M177 Ported Heads. For M178 4.0T (AMG GT family), see M178 Ported Heads.
Why YPG?
YPG Motorsport has been building and tuning M156 engines since 2011 — from naturally aspirated cam and header builds to full supercharged race engines. 15+ years of AMG engine expertise, from daily-driven street cars to 1,500HP race builds. We don't outsource head work — every set is ported to our exact flow targets, measured and verified before shipping.
Pair With
- M156 Crate Engine — 1,500HP+ Forged Build — complete long block with forged internals + ported heads included
- M156 Forged Internals — Rods & Pistons Kit
- All M156 Engine Build Products
- W204 C63 Catless Long Tube Headers
- M156 High Flow Air Filters
Build Process & Delivery
- Build time: 1–2 weeks from order
- Shipping: Free worldwide — USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Middle East
- Core exchange: Not required
- Support: WhatsApp direct for GCC customers. Email support worldwide.
Price: $6,500 — Free worldwide shipping. Contact YPG Motorsport via WhatsApp for build consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do M156 ported heads cost?
YPG Motorsport M156 Ported Heads are $6,500 per pair with free worldwide shipping. No core exchange required.
Will ported heads make a difference on a stock M156?
Yes. Unlike turbocharged engines where gains from porting are mainly felt at high boost, the M156 is naturally aspirated — it relies entirely on airflow. Ported heads deliver 25-40 WHP gains on an otherwise stock M156 with improved mid-range torque and a stronger top-end pull.
What is the M156 head bolt issue?
Early M156 engines (2007–2010) are known for factory head bolt failure — the bolts can stretch and lose clamping force, causing coolant leaks and head gasket failure. YPG M156 builds address this with ARP head studs rated to 220,000 PSI. If you're buying ported heads for a high-mileage M156, upgrading to ARP studs at the same time is strongly recommended.
Are these hand-ported or CNC-ported?
5-axis CNC ported. Unlike hand porting, CNC porting ensures perfectly repeatable results — both heads flow identically, which is critical for cylinder-to-cylinder consistency.
Can I install ported heads on a stock bottom end?
Yes for naturally aspirated builds. Ported heads bolt directly onto the factory M156 block. If you're adding forced induction (supercharger or turbo), forged internals are strongly recommended to handle the increased cylinder pressure.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. YPG Motorsport ships all engine components worldwide for free — USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Middle East, and beyond.
