How Much Power Does the AlloyWheels 2.0 Turbo Upgrade Add to Your A45?

The AlloyWheels 2.0 turbocharger upgrade has quickly become a go-to modification for Mercedes-AMG A45 (W176, W177) owners who want to extract serious performance without sacrificing daily drivability. While a simple ECU remap can unlock some horsepower, the stock turbocharger reaches its airflow ceiling around 450–480 hp on pump fuel. The AlloyWheels 2.0 unit steps in to break that barrier, pushing power well into the 500+ hp range. This article breaks down the real-world power gains, the engineering behind the upgrade, installation considerations, and what supporting modifications you should budget for to get the most out of this turbo.

What Is the AlloyWheels 2.0 Turbo Upgrade?

AlloyWheels is a UK-based performance engineering company known for high-quality turbocharger upgrades, ball-bearing core conversions, and hybrid turbo solutions. Their 2.0 turbo upgrade for the A45 series (M133 and M260 engines) is a drop-in hybrid turbocharger that uses the stock housing but fits a larger compressor wheel, upgraded turbine, and a strengthened billet shaft. The result is a significant increase in airflow without requiring major manifold or downpipe changes. This upgrade is available for both the 2013–2019 W176 A45 and the 2020+ W177 A45 S models.

Quantified Power Gains: Horsepower and Torque

Independent dyno testing and owner reports consistently show the AlloyWheels 2.0 turbo upgrade adds between 50 to 70 whp (wheel horsepower) over a standard stage 2 setup, depending on fuel quality and supporting mods. On pump 93 octane (or 98 RON), a properly tuned A45 with this turbo typically delivers 500–520 whp and 480–510 lb-ft of torque. On E85 ethanol mixes, figures can climb to 560–580 whp. The torque increase is even more dramatic: an extra 70–90 Nm of peak torque, with the curve arriving earlier and holding much longer than the stock turbo.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect when pairing the AlloyWheels 2.0 turbo with a quality ECU tune (e.g., from Eurocharged, BBT, or DME Tuning):

  • Stock A45 (factory): 381 hp / 475 Nm (A45 S: 421 hp / 500 Nm)
  • Stage 2 (intake, downpipe, intercooler, tune): 440–460 whp / 540–570 Nm
  • Stage 2 + AlloyWheels 2.0 turbo: 500–520 whp / 700–750 Nm (pump gas)
  • Stage 2 + AlloyWheels 2.0 + E85: 550–580 whp / 760–800 Nm

These gains translate into real-world performance: 0–60 mph drops from around 3.9 seconds (stock A45 S) to 3.3–3.5 seconds on street tires, and the quarter-mile time goes from ~12.2 to ~11.4 seconds with a trap speed of 122–125 mph.

What Makes the AlloyWheels 2.0 Turbo Different?

The key to this upgrade’s power potential lies in its internal components. Unlike a simple “hybrid” that just mills the stock wheel, AlloyWheels uses a larger 60mm billet compressor wheel (stock is ~52mm), a 6+6 extended tip turbine wheel, and a journal bearing upgrade to a high-performance ball-bearing core. The ball-bearing core reduces spool lag significantly—spool is only about 200–300 rpm later than stock, while flow capacity increases by over 30%. The upgrade also features a ported shroud compressor housing to reduce surge at high boost.

Another critical difference is the turbine housing. AlloyWheels machines the stock housing to accept the larger wheel and also ceramic-coats the housing for better heat management. This means EGTs (exhaust gas temperatures) stay lower during sustained WOT pulls, reducing the risk of pre-ignition and allowing a more aggressive timing curve. The result is a turbo that feels OEM+ in daily driving but delivers race-car punch when you step on it.

Benefits Beyond Peak Power

While the headline power figures are impressive, the upgrade’s real strength is its usable power band. Here are the key benefits owners report:

  • Improved throttle response: The ball-bearing core reduces internal friction, so the turbo spools faster off idle. Even without launch control, the car feels eager from 2,500 rpm.
  • Higher torque plateau: Instead of a sharp torque spike that tapers off, the AlloyWheels 2.0 holds peak torque from 3,500 to 5,500 rpm, pulling hard all the way to redline.
  • Consistent power in heat: The improved heat dissipation means less power loss on hot days or track sessions. Many owners report 5–10% less power drop after repeated pulls compared to a stock turbo.
  • Custom tuning flexibility: The turbo’s extra headroom allows tuners to dial in more aggressive ramps, adjust boost by gear, and optimize for different fuels without hitting the stock turbo’s choking point.

Installation: What You Need to Know

Installing the AlloyWheels 2.0 turbo is not a beginner job. While it is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for the CHRA (center housing rotating assembly), the process requires removing the intake, downpipe, coolant lines, and often the oil feed line. Expect a professional installation at a reputable AMG shop to take 5–8 hours. Most owners opt to combine the turbo swap with a new oil line, fresh coolant, and gaskets. The turbo itself comes with a warranty (typically 12 months for parts and labor), but only if installed by a certified technician.

Important installation details:

  • Oil restrictor: Because the ball-bearing core requires lower oil pressure than a journal bearing, you must install the supplied oil restrictor in the feed line. Failing to do so can leak oil past the seals and cause smoking.
  • Water line routing: The upgrade uses the stock water cooling lines, but they should be flushed and refilled with fresh coolant (G40 spec).
  • Vacuum lines: Many A45s have failing vacuum actuators by 60k miles; while you’re there, replace the vacuum lines and the wastegate actuator if needed.
  • Downpipe fitment: The AlloyWheels 2.0 turbo fits with stock or aftermarket downpipes. However, high-flow downpipes (e.g., Wagner Tuning or Milltek) are strongly recommended to reduce backpressure and allow the turbo to breathe.

Supporting Mods Required for Safe Power

Slapping on a bigger turbo without upgrading the supporting systems is a recipe for blown engines. To run the AlloyWheels 2.0 safely at 500+ hp, you must plan for these supporting modifications:

  • ECU Tuning: A custom tune from a reputable flashing company (e.g., Eurocharged, BBT, DME) is absolutely mandatory. The stock ECU cannot manage the increased airflow and boost pressure (30–32 psi vs stock’s 25 psi). Expect to pay $600–$1,200 for a dyno tune.
  • Upgraded Intercooler: The stock intercooler heat-soaks after one pull. A larger front-mount intercooler (Wagner Tuning, CSF, or ECSTuning) is essential to keep IATs under 120°F.
  • Cold Air Intake: The stock airbox is restrictive; a high-flow intake (e.g., Eventuri, MST, or AlloyWheels’ own intake kit) allows the turbo to pull in more air with less turbulence.
  • High-Flow Downpipe & Exhaust: A sports cat or catless downpipe reduces backpressure by 40–50%. Pair it with a full 3-inch exhaust system for best results.
  • Upgraded Fuel System: For E85 tunes, you may need larger fuel injectors and a low-pressure fuel pump (e.g., Bosch 044). On pump gas, the stock DI system can handle ~520 whp.
  • Upgraded Engine Mounts: The increased torque can cause wheel hop; stiffer engine mounts (e.g., Vibratechnics) improve traction and protect the drivetrain.

Real-World Reliability and Long-Term Ownership

One of the biggest concerns with hybrid turbos is long-term reliability. AlloyWheels has built a reputation for durable builds, and the 2.0 upgrade uses a garrett-style ball-bearing core with a 360-degree thrust bearing designed for sustained high boost. Many owners have driven 20,000–30,000 miles on this turbo with no issues, provided they follow proper warm-up and cool-down procedures. The ceramic-coated turbine housing helps reduce heat soak in stop-and-go traffic, which is a common failure point for stock turbos on tuned cars.

That said, the A45’s M133 and M260 engines have known weak spots: high-pressure fuel pump failures and cylinder head cracking under extreme boost. At 500+ whp, you should upgrade the HPFP internals (e.g., from Autotech or N.B.C) and ensure you run only the highest octane fuel available. Regular oil changes (every 3,000–5,000 miles) with a 0W-40 or 5W-40 full synthetic are mandatory.

Cost Breakdown and Value

As of 2025, the AlloyWheels 2.0 turbo upgrade (CHRA only) costs approximately $1,700–$2,200 for the M133 version, and slightly more for the newer M260. If you buy the full turbo assembly (with new housing), expect to pay $2,500–$3,000. Adding installation and supporting mods, the total investment for a safe 500+ whp setup lands around $5,000–$8,000. Compare that to a full built engine or external wastegate setup that can cost over $10,000, and the AlloyWheels 2.0 offers exceptional bang for the buck.

For those on a tighter budget, some owners pair the turbo with a stage 2 “off-the-shelf” tune from AlloyWheels (priced at $250–$400) and report solid gains of 470–490 whp on 93 octane. However, a custom dyno tune is always recommended for maximum reliability and performance.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

No modification is perfect. Here are some trade-offs to consider:

  • Increased heat: The larger turbo pushes more heat into the engine bay. A larger radiator (e.g., CSF or Mishimoto) may be required for track use.
  • Slightly more lag below 3,000 rpm: While spool is close to stock, you’ll notice a minor delay below 2,800 rpm compared to a stock turbo. This only matters in slow traffic.
  • Warranty implications: The upgrade will void your factory powertrain warranty. If your car is still under AMG warranty, expect claims to be denied unless you reverse the mod.
  • Emissions compliance: With a catless downpipe and hybrid turbo, you will likely fail a visual emissions inspection in states with strict smog laws. Keep the stock parts for refitting.

Conclusion: Is the AlloyWheels 2.0 Turbo Upgrade Worth It?

For any A45 owner who has already maxed out a stage 2 tune and wants more power without stepping into a four-figure bottom-end build, the AlloyWheels 2.0 turbo upgrade is the single best bolt-on you can choose. The power gains are substantial—50–70 whp on pump gas, with the ability to exceed 560 whp on E85—and the upgrade preserves excellent drivability thanks to the ball-bearing core and minimal spool lag. When installed with proper supporting mods and a quality tune, this turbo has proven to be reliable for street and occasional track use. If you’re ready to push your A45 into supercar territory, the AlloyWheels 2.0 gets you there with confidence.

For more information, check the official AlloyWheels product page here, or browse owner builds on the MBWorld forum and the A45 Owners Club UK.