Unlocking the Full Potential of the Mercedes‑Benz C63

The Mercedes‑Benz C63 has long stood as a benchmark for performance sedans, blending luxury with a naturally aspirated or twin‑turbo V8 that delivers spine‑tingling sound and power. Yet for owners who refuse to settle for “factory fast,” forced induction remains the most direct path to double or even triple the stock horsepower. Among the many turbocharger options available today, the Garrett GTX3076R has emerged as a favorite for those targeting 700+ hp from the C63’s engine bay. Renowned for its advanced billet compressor wheel, race‑bred bearing system, and exceptional efficiency, the GTX3076R provides the airflow needed for serious power without sacrificing spool and drivability. In this guide we examine five top‑tier turbo kits that leverage this turbocharger, along with the supporting modifications and tuning considerations required to reliably achieve 700‑plus horsepower.

Why the Garrett GTX3076R?

The Garrett GTX3076R uses a 58mm inducer billet compressor wheel that flows up to 62 lb/min and supports over 700 wheel horsepower on modern V8s. Its dual ball‑bearing cartridge and aerodynamically refined compressor and turbine stages allow it to spool quickly while minimizing backpressure. For the C63’s M156 (2008‑2014) and M177 (2015‑2023) engines, the GTX3076R strikes an ideal balance: it does not choke the engine at high RPM like a smaller turbo, nor does it lag too much compared to a larger frame. With a proper kit, peak torque can arrive around 3,800‑4,200 rpm and carry all the way to redline. This makes it suitable for daily drivers, track days, and drag strips alike.

1. Pure Turbos Stage 2 Turbo Kit

Pure Turbos has built a reputation for purpose‑built turbo upgrades that integrate seamlessly with factory mounting points. Their Stage 2 kit for the C63 is designed around the Garrett GTX3076R and comes complete with a cast stainless steel manifold, billet compressor housing, and a 4‑inch intake system. According to Pure Turbos, the kit supports up to 750 hp on pump gas with proper fuel system upgrades.

Key bundle components:

  • Garrett GTX3076R turbocharger (gen2 GTX ball‑bearing)
  • High‑flow fuel injectors (typically 85 lb/hr or larger)
  • Upgraded bar‑and‑plate intercooler with aluminum end tanks
  • Wastegate and blow‑off valve (Tial or comparable)
  • Tuned ECU via flashing or piggyback

Owners report that the Pure Stage 2 kit retains factory A/C and power steering lines, making it a cleaner installation. The downside is that the kit does not include a downpipe or exhaust, so those must be sourced separately – a good opportunity to match the system to your desired sound and flow. Tuning is handled by Pure through their in‑house calibration or via trusted partners such as EPL or Weistec. Expect to pay around $5,500 to $6,500 for the mechanical parts, plus tuning.

View Pure Turbos official page

2. AMG Performance Turbo Kit (AMSPerformance)

AMG Performance (often called AMSPerformance) approaches turbocharging with a focus on preserving the C63’s daily refinement. Their kit for the M177 C63 S pairs a single Garrett GTX3076R (or a twin‑turbo variant for later models) with a proprietary low‑mount manifold that shields the turbo from heat. The unit is designed to work with the factory engine cover and under‑tray, so the engine bay retains a near‑stock appearance.

  • Power target: 700 hp (crank) on 93 octane; 740‑760 hp with ethanol blends
  • Includes: billet compressor housing, custom charge pipes, silicone couplers, and a 50‑state legal california air‑resource board compliant tune
  • Exhaust system: 3‑inch downpipe with high‑flow catalytic converter
  • Supporting fuel upgrades: Walbro 450 lph fuel pump + injectors

The AMG Performance kit stands out for its comprehensive OBD‑II tuning — no need for a standalone ECU. However, the cal‑compliant tune may be less aggressive than pure race calibrations, so dedicated track drivers might want to flash a competition map. Prices start around $6,200 for the basic hardware.

3. VTT (Vadim’s Turbo Tech) Kit

VTT is known in the BMW world, but they have also developed a dedicated single‑turbo kit for the Mercedes C63 M156 that swaps the four isolated exhaust runners into a merged collector feeding a single Garrett GTX3076R. This design eliminates the complexity of twin‑scroll setups while maintaining strong mid‑range torque. VTT claims a peak output of 720 hp on a completely stock bottom end with proper cooling.

  • Exhaust manifold: cast 304 stainless steel with divider for anti‑reversion
  • Turbo: GTX3076R Gen2 with 0.63 A/R turbine housing
  • Included: 50mm wastegate, blow‑off valve, 4” air filter, intercooler (Noosy or equivalent)
  • Custom MAP sensor adapters and boost control solenoid
  • Downpipe: 3.5” to 4” optional catted or catless

VTT’s kit requires minor modification to the chassis for downpipe clearance, but the packaging is impressively tight. A major plus is the integrated charge air cooler design that uses both side‑mount and front‑mount parts for reduced intake temperatures. Tuners like MHD (E‑Tune) or Eurocharged can calibrate the ECU. The kit retails near $5,900.

4. Burger Motorsports (BMS) Kit

Burger Motorsports (BMS) appeals to the enthusiast who values straightforward installation and a polished “plug‑and‑play” experience. Their 700‑hp kit for the C63 uses a single Garrett GTX3076R mounted to a CNC’d billet bracket that prevents flex and cracking of the manifold. BMS includes a complete intercooler and charge pipe kit, along with a wastegate adaptor that bolts directly to the factory exhaust flange.

  • Power output: 710 hp (crank) on 93 octane, 740 hp with meth injection
  • Hardware: billet compressor housing, Tial 44mm wastegate, Tial Q blow‑off valve
  • Engine management: JB4 (piggyback) or direct flash tuning
  • Optional: upgraded low‑pressure fuel pump + 1000cc injectors
  • No manifold modification required – bolts to stock exhaust manifold crossover

BMS pricing is aggressive: the mechanical kit starts at $4,900, making it one of the most cost‑effective options for breaking the 700‑horsepower barrier. The main trade‑off is that the system relies on the factory manifold, which can be a thermal bottleneck if pushed hard on a road course. For street and drag applications, however, it is a proven performer.

5. Eurocharged Turbo Kit

Eurocharged offers a complete 740 hp system built around the Garrett GTX3076R, utilizing a custom equal‑length manifold and a high‑flow catalyst system for those who want to retain smog legality. The kit includes a plug‑and‑play engine harness, fuel system upgrades (injectors, pump, and fuel pressure regulator), and a professionally calibrated ECM via PCM flash.

  • Power target: 740 hp (crank) / 660 whp on a 91‑octane base
  • Included: 3.5” downpipe, HJS catalytic converter (optional), billet wastegate
  • Intercooler: air‑to‑air with 4” core, cast end tanks
  • Engine oil: oil supply from OE oil cooler adapter with -10 AN lines
  • Comes with Eurocharged V10 custom tune (worldwide remote tuning available)

Eurocharged has a strong reputation for delivering reliable tunes that don’t lose the C63’s refinement. Their customers frequently report consistent 1,200‑foot runs and daily‑driven reliability. Pricing is at the higher end @ $7,200, but includes everything except an optional WMI system.

Quick Comparison Table

Kit Power (hp) Turbo Price (approx.) Unique Selling Point
Pure Turbos Stage 2 750 GTX3076R $5,500–$6,500 High flow injectors & intercooler included
AMG Performance 700+ GTX3076R $6,200+ Factory appearance & OBD‑II tune
VTT Turbo Kit 720 GTX3076R $5,900 Single turbo conversion with merged manifold
Burger Motorsports 710 GTX3076R $4,900 Easiest installation; bolt‑on to stock manifold
Eurocharged 740 GTX3076R $7,200 Equal‑length manifold & remote tuning support

Supporting Modifications for 700+ HP

No turbo kit alone will take a C63 to 700‑plus reliable horsepower – the engine’s fuel system, cooling, and drivetrain must be upgraded accordingly. Here’s what should be on your shortlist:

Fuel System

The stock injectors and low‑pressure pump are adequate for about 520‑560 hp. For 700+, you will need at least 85 lb/hr injectors, a 450‑lph (or dual 340‑lph) fuel pump, and larger fuel lines if running E85. Kits from Pure and Eurocharged include these components, but BMS and VTT offer them as options.

Intercooling

Heat rejection is critical. A larger bar‑and‑plate intercooler with cast end tanks is standard on most kits, but adding water/methanol injection can keep intake air temperatures below 120°F even on hot days. Many owners run Aquamist or Snow Performance systems.

Exhaust

A 3‑inch or larger downpipe, preferably with a high‑flow catalytic converter or test pipe, is necessary to avoid restriction. The factory rear muffler is usually fine, but a cat‑back system (ex. AWE or Akrapovič) will further reduce backpressure and enhance the sound.

Drivetrain

The 7G‑Tronic (7‑speed automatic) and 9G‑Tronic (9‑speed) transmissions are robust, but above 700 hp they benefit from upgraded clutches and a torque converter. A quality cooler is also wise. The rear axle (differential) can handle the power if not shock‑loaded constantly, but a limited‑slip differential upgrade is recommended for traction.

Engine Internals

The M156 and M177 forged crankshafts and connecting rods are strong enough for 700 hp on a conservative tune. Many owners do not need to open the engine. However, upgraded head gaskets and ARP head studs become necessary above 750‑800 hp or when running aggressive boost and timing.

Installation and Tuning Realities

Installing a single‑turbo kit on a modern Mercedes is a significant project. Expect eight to fifteen hours of labor if done professionally; a DIY install can stretch over multiple weekends. You will need to fabricate charge piping and wiring for the boost controller. Professional tuning is essential – a bad calibration can destroy pistons or rods in minutes. Most kit vendors offer canned tunes, but a custom dyno tune is always recommended for maximum safety and performance.

Tuning Options

  • Flash tuning (ECU remapping) – supports full control of fuel, timing, boost, and torque management. Sources include Eurocharged, EPL, and Weistec.
  • Piggyback tuning (JB4 / RaceChip) – intercepts sensor signals to manipulate boost and fuel. Easier but less precise than flash tuning; best for bolt‑on kits.
  • Standalone ECU – optional for extreme power levels or race cars, but rarely needed for 700 hp on a C63.

Most 700‑hp C63s are tuned on pump gas (93 octane) with a second map for ethanol blends. Torque limiters and boost by gear protect the transmission.

Choosing the Right Kit for Your Goals

If you want a kit that includes almost everything for a 750‑hp goal and you trust a well‑established tuner, Pure Turbos Stage 2 is hard to beat. For those who value a stealthy, OEM+ appearance and a CARB‑legal tune, AMG Performance offers a polished package. The VTT kit appeals to dy‑hard do‑it‑yourselfers who want a single‑turbo conversion with custom fabrication allowed. Burger Motorsports provides the best price‑to‑power ratio and is ideal if you already have a strong factory tune and want an easier installation. Finally, Eurocharged stands out for its equal‑length manifold and remote tuning support, making it a solid choice for owners who don’t have local dyno access.

Final Thoughts

The Mercedes C63 is one of the most rewarding platforms to turbocharge, and the Garrett GTX3076R is a proven centerpiece for 700‑plus horsepower. Whether you choose a fully integrated kit or assemble your own, the keys to a successful build are high‑quality fuel system upgrades, proper intercooling, and a meticulous tune. With the right combination, your C63 can become a genuine 700‑hp sleeper that outperforms cars costing many times more. Start with a kit that aligns with your budget and technical comfort, then invest in supporting mods and professional calibration – the result will be a thrilling daily driver or track menace that respects the power of forced induction.

Garrett GTX3076R official product page
Eurocharged tuning and kits