HPE800 Supercharger Upgrade for the Mercedes‑AMG E63: What You Need to Know

The Mercedes‑AMG E63 is already a formidable machine, but for owners who crave even more power, the HPE800 supercharger upgrade from Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) has become one of the most talked‑about aftermarket modifications. This kit is engineered to push the E63’s twin‑turbo V8 past the 800‑horsepower mark while maintaining daily‑driveability. Below we break down the real‑world performance gains, a detailed price breakdown, installation considerations, and how this upgrade stacks up against other options on the market.

What Is the HPE800 Supercharger Upgrade?

The HPE800 package is a complete forced‑induction system designed specifically for the Mercedes‑Benz E63 AMG (W212 and W213 generations, depending on the variant). Unlike a simple pulley swap or tune, this upgrade replaces the factory supercharger (or works in conjunction with the existing twin‑turbo setup on later models) with a high‑flow unit, larger intercooler, and supporting fuel system components. The goal is to increase airflow into the engine dramatically, allowing for significantly more fuel to be burned per combustion cycle. The result is a substantial gain in both horsepower and torque, transforming the E63 into a near‑supercar slayer.

Hennessey has a long history of building high‑powered American and European performance vehicles, and the HPE800 kit for the E63 is one of their flagship offerings for the German luxury sedan segment. The upgrade is sold as a complete kit that includes the supercharger assembly, intercooler, high‑flow intake, fuel injectors, and a custom ECU calibration. It is important to note that this kit is intended for the twin‑turbocharged 5.5‑liter V8 (M157) found in the E63 AMG from 2012‑2016, though HPE also offers similar packages for later 4.0‑liter engines.

Performance Gains: What 800+ HP Feels Like

Horsepower and Torque Figures

Factory E63 AMG models produce anywhere from 550 to 577 horsepower (depending on the year and Edition 1 packages). With the HPE800 upgrade, owners can expect peak power of around 800 horsepower at the crank, with some dyno results showing as high as 820 hp when running high‑octane fuel. Torque jumps from the stock ~590 lb‑ft to over 750 lb‑ft, providing effortless mid‑range pull that pins you to the seat. These gains are not just peak numbers; the entire power curve shifts upward, with significant improvements from 3,000 rpm all the way to redline.

Acceleration and Quarter‑Mile Performance

With the extra power, the E63’s 0‑60 mph time drops from the factory 3.4‑3.6 seconds to approximately 2.8‑3.0 seconds with proper traction. Quarter‑mile times go from the low‑11 second range down to 10.5‑10.7 seconds at trap speeds exceeding 130 mph. This puts the upgraded E63 in the same league as dedicated supercars like the Ferrari 488 GTB or Lamborghini Huracán, yet it retains its four‑door practicality.

Throttle Response and Driveability

One of the key benefits of a supercharger upgrade (as opposed to a larger turbo swap) is the immediate throttle response. The HPE800 kit improves part‑throttle response noticeably, making the car feel livelier around town. The larger intercooler also helps reduce intake air temperatures, allowing the engine to maintain consistent power on hot days or during repeated pulls. Many owners report that the car still behaves like a stock E63 in Comfort mode, but wakes up viciously in Sport+.

Reliability and Engine Longevity

Hennessey tests these kits extensively, and the E63’s M157 engine has proven to be robust enough to handle the extra power when properly tuned. However, like any high‑output modification, the HPE800 upgrade does place additional stress on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It is strongly recommended to upgrade the cooling system (radiator, auxiliary coolers) and consider a transmission tune if you plan to track the car. Most owners find that with regular maintenance, the upgraded engine remains reliable for many miles.

Price Breakdown: What Does the HPE800 Upgrade Cost?

As of 2025, the HPE800 supercharger upgrade is a significant investment. Below is a realistic breakdown based on current market prices, including parts, labor, and supporting modifications.

  • HPE800 Supercharger Kit (parts only): $8,500 – $10,500. This includes the supercharger unit, intercooler, intake piping, fuel injectors, ECU calibration, and all necessary hardware.
  • Professional Installation: $1,500 – $3,000. Labor costs vary widely by shop. High‑end tuners in major metropolitan areas charge premium rates. Expect 8‑12 hours of labor.
  • Dyno Tuning & Calibration: $500 – $1,200. While the kit comes with a base tune, a custom dyno session ensures maximum power and safety. Many shops include this in the installation price.
  • Supporting Modifications (recommended but optional):
    • High‑flow catalytic converters or downpipes: $600 – $1,200
    • Upgraded heat exchanger / intercooler: $400 – $800 (often included in kit)
    • Cold air intake: $300 – $600 (if not part of kit)
    • Transmission software upgrade: $400 – $800 (highly recommended for torque increase)
    • Differential brace / upgraded axles: $500 – $1,500 (for hard launches)

Adding it all up, the total cost for a complete HPE800 installation with supporting upgrades typically falls between $12,000 and $18,000. This can climb to $20,000 if you opt for full exhaust, upgraded turbos, or internal engine work.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Owners should also budget for potential incidental expenses such as shipping the kit (if buying without a local dealer), replacing spark plugs (recommended during installation), and upgrading tires to handle the extra torque. A set of high‑performance tires (e.g., Michelin Pilot Sport 4S) can add $1,200‑$1,600. Additionally, some insurance companies may increase premiums for modified vehicles, so it is wise to check with your provider beforehand.

Installation Process and Requirements

While the HPE800 kit is designed to be a bolt‑on upgrade, installation is not a weekend DIY project for the average enthusiast. The supercharger mounts in place of or on top of the factory intake manifold, requiring removal of the front bumper, radiator support, and intercooler piping. The fuel injectors must be replaced, and the ECU requires a custom flash. Most owners hire a specialized Mercedes‑AMG tuner to perform the work.

Key steps include:

  • Removal of the stock supercharger / turbo piping and intercooler.
  • Installation of the larger intercooler and supercharger unit.
  • Routing of high‑flow intake and boost pipes.
  • Replacement of fuel injectors and high‑pressure fuel pump (if required).
  • ECU programming via OBD‑II port or bench flash.
  • Dyno testing and calibration.

Total downtime is typically 3‑5 days for a professional shop. Some tuners offer remote tuning support for DIYers, but this is risky without proper equipment to monitor knock and air‑fuel ratios.

Comparing HPE800 to Other E63 Upgrades

vs. Lower‑Horsepower Kits (HPE600/HPE700)

Hennessey offers several tiers — HPE600, HPE700, and HPE800. The HPE600 kit (around $5,000) uses a smaller supercharger pulley and tune, yielding about 600 hp. The HPE800 is significantly more expensive but provides a much larger increase in peak power and torque. For most owners, the HPE700 ($7,000‑$8,000) is a good middle ground, but the HPE800 becomes the choice for those chasing maximum output.

vs. Turbo Upgrades or Swap

Aftermarket turbo upgrades (e.g., larger hybrid turbos from Weistec or Pure Turbos) can also reach 800+ hp, often at a slightly lower parts cost. However, turbo swaps require more labor (including removal of the engine in some cases) and can introduce more lag. The HPE800 supercharger retains the instant throttle response characteristic of a positive‑displacement blower.

vs. E85 / Flex‑Fuel Tunes

Running E85 with a proper flex‑fuel tune can unlock substantial power gains on the stock supercharger — up to 700 hp in some cases — for around $1,500. However, E85 availability is limited in many regions, and fuel economy drops significantly. The HPE800 kit is a more comprehensive solution that works on pump premium fuel.

Warranty and Support

Hennessey offers a limited warranty on the supercharger kit itself (typically 12 months / 12,000 miles), but installation defects are the responsibility of the installer. It is critical to choose a shop that stands behind its work. Many owners also look into aftermarket warranty providers (like Route 66 or Endurance) that cover modified vehicles, though premiums will be higher.

Is the HPE800 Worth It?

For a dedicated enthusiast who values blistering acceleration and the thrill of a 800‑horsepower daily driver, the HPE800 upgrade is one of the best investments you can make for the E63 AMG. The cost is substantial, but the transformation is transformative. If you can afford the initial outlay and ongoing maintenance (tires, brakes, fuel), the smile per mile factor is unmatched.

Before purchasing, research local shops that have experience with this specific kit, and verify that your vehicle’s transmission (the 7‑speed MCT or 9‑speed) is in good health. Some owners upgrade the torque converter or install a full transmission cooler for peace of mind. Also consider that resale value of a heavily modified E63 may be lower than a stock example, though the right buyer might pay a premium for a properly built HPE car.

Final Thoughts

The HPE800 supercharger upgrade is a proven path to extreme performance for the Mercedes‑AMG E63. With careful planning, a realistic budget, and a reputable installer, you can unlock a level of power that rivals six‑figure exotics while keeping all the luxury and practicality of the four‑door AMG. Whether you’re chasing tenths at the drag strip or just want to embarrass a sports car on the highway, this kit delivers.

For further reading, check out Hennessey’s official product page for the most current pricing and kit details. Also consult forums like MBWorld and E63AMG.com for owner experiences and installation advice. Always verify compatibility with your specific year and model before ordering.