Mercedes-AMG M178 Crate Engine — 1,500HP Forged Build
The Mercedes-AMG M178 4.0L twin-turbo V8 — the flat-plane crankshaft, dry-sump variant of the M177 found exclusively in the AMG GT family. Factory forged internals, hand-built in Affalterbach. The most exotic engine in the AMG lineup.
YPG builds every M178 crate engine in-house with upgraded forged internals rated to 1,500HP+. No core exchange required. Typical build time is 2-4 weeks with free worldwide shipping.
Engine Specifications
- Displacement: 4.0L / 3,982cc
- Configuration: V8 twin-turbo, hot-vee layout
- Lubrication: Dry-sump
- Crankshaft: Flat-plane forged — higher-revving character than the cross-plane M177
- Construction: Hand-built AMG, aluminum closed-deck block
- Stock Output: 462–730HP (GT base to GT Black Series)
- Max Potential: 1,500+ WHP with Stage VIP forged build
What's the Difference Between M177 and M178?
Both are AMG 4.0L twin-turbo V8s sharing the same block architecture. The M177 uses a cross-plane crankshaft and wet-sump lubrication — found in the C63, E63, GLC63, and G63. The M178 uses a flat-plane crankshaft and dry-sump lubrication — exclusive to the AMG GT family. The flat-plane crank gives the M178 a more exotic, higher-revving exhaust note and faster-responding power delivery, similar in character to a Ferrari V8.
What's Included
Complete forged long block assembly — heads, block, flat-plane forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, forged pistons, and valve train. Ships as a long block, but can be configured with upgraded turbos, manifolds, and accessories depending on your build requirements. Contact YPG Motorsport to spec your build.
Forged Rotating Assembly Specification
Every YPG M178 crate engine is built with the same forged rotating assembly used in our standalone M178 Forged Internals kit. Included:
- Ceramic-Coated Piston Tops — Thermal barrier coating on all 8 piston crowns reduces heat transfer and detonation risk at Stage 4 boost levels. Standalone coating service (Swain Tech, Calico) runs $200–400 per set.
- Teflon-Coated Skirts — Anti-friction coating reduces piston-to-wall contact friction and wear under sustained high-RPM operation.
- 4340 Aircraft-Grade Steel Rods — Rated to 1,500HP+ cylinder pressures
- ARP Rod Bolts — 220,000 PSI rated
- Polished Flat-Plane Forged Crankshaft — Blueprinted rotating assembly within ±1.5g
- Factory Compression Ratio — Maintained for seamless calibration integration
Compatible Vehicles
- Mercedes-AMG GT (2015+)
- Mercedes-AMG GTS (2015+)
- Mercedes-AMG GTC (2017+)
- Mercedes-AMG GTR / GTR Pro (2017+)
- Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (2020-2022)
Build Process & Delivery
- Build time: 2-4 weeks from order
- Shipping: Free worldwide — USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Middle East
- Core exchange: Not required
- Support: WhatsApp direct support for GCC customers. Email support worldwide.
Pair With
- M178 Forged Internals — Rods & Pistons
- AMG GT / GTS / GTR Catless Downpipes — M178 platform
- Stage 4 Turbo Upgrade — M177/M178 — 1,500HP+ billet turbos
- GT63 C192 Stage 3 Package — Complete build for the 4-door AMG GT platform
- Stage 2 AMG GTS M178 ECU Tune — DME Tuning
- Eventuri Carbon Intake — AMG GT
- Capristo Valved Exhaust — AMG GT
Price: $35,000 — Free worldwide shipping. Contact YPG Motorsport via WhatsApp for build consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an M178 crate engine cost?
The YPG Motorsport M178 4.0L twin-turbo V8 forged crate engine starts at $35,000. Complete 1,500HP-capable build with thermal-coated forged pistons, no core exchange required.
Are the pistons thermal-coated?
Yes. Every YPG M178 crate engine ships with ceramic thermal-barrier coating on the piston crowns and Teflon anti-friction coating on the skirts — same specification as the YPG M178 Forged Internals kit. Included at no extra cost.
What is the difference between M177 and M178?
Both are AMG 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engines. The M177 is the longitudinal variant (C63, E63, AMG GT) and the M178 is the flat-plane crank variant used in the AMG GT R, GT Black Series, and GT S. The M178 has a higher-revving character.
What vehicles use the M178 engine?
The M178 is found in the Mercedes-AMG GT, GTS, GTR, GT R Pro, and GT Black Series.
Do you ship crate engines to the USA?
Yes. All YPG Motorsport crate engines ship worldwide for free. No customs issues — we handle international shipping regularly to the US, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.