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HKS

Car culture term

HKS
Photo: Twundy / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is HKS?

Hasegawa Kotaro Specialist - Japanese tuning company founded 1973. Famous for turbocharger systems, exhausts, and the iconic SSQV blow-off valve.

HKS is a Japanese tuning company founded in 1973 by Hiroyuki Hasegawa and Goichi Kitagawa (formerly engineers at Yamaha and Mitsubishi respectively). The name HKS stands for "Hasegawa Kotaro Specialist" (Hasegawa was the lead founder; Kotaro was Mr. Hasegawa middle name, sometimes referenced as a name suffix). The company has been one of the most influential JDM tuning brands for over 50 years.

HKS specializes in turbocharger systems, performance exhaust, intake systems, intercoolers, blow-off valves, and engine management. The HKS SSQV (Super Sequential Blow-off Valve) is one of the most iconic aftermarket BOVs ever produced, with its distinctive sound widely associated with JDM tuner culture. HKS turbocharger kits for the 2JZ-GTE, RB26, and 4G63T are benchmarks for serious tuning on those engines.

HKS has expanded beyond aftermarket parts into complete car builds and motorsport. The HKS Hyper Silvia (a heavily modified Nissan Silvia) is a benchmark drift car. The HKS Time Attack Civic was a benchmark FWD time attack car of the 2000s. HKS continues to develop products for modern Japanese performance cars (GR Yaris, GR86, Nissan Z, Supra A90), maintaining relevance even as the original JDM era cars age.

Related terms

JDMTurboBOV

Frequently asked questions

What does HKS stand for?
Hasegawa, Kotaro, Specialist. Hasegawa is the lead founder Hiroyuki Hasegawa. Kotaro is part of his name (sometimes referenced as a suffix). Specialist refers to the company focus on specialized performance tuning. The name has stuck through 50+ years of company evolution.
What is the HKS SSQV?
Super Sequential Quick Vent (or Super Sequential Quick Valve, sources vary). The SSQV is HKS atmospheric-venting blow-off valve, with a distinctive multi-stage venting design that produces the iconic "psh psh" sound on throttle lift. It became one of the most recognizable aftermarket parts in JDM tuner culture and remains in production with various sizing options.
Are HKS parts good quality?
Yes, generally considered top-tier. HKS has reputation for high-quality manufacturing, durable products, and serious engineering investment. The premium is in the price; HKS parts are typically more expensive than budget aftermarket alternatives. For serious performance applications, HKS is widely respected and often preferred.
What is HKS Hi-Power exhaust?
The Hi-Power is HKS classic stainless steel cat-back exhaust system. Available for many Japanese performance cars across the brand history. Distinctive single-tip design (later models have dual tips), JDM-influenced sound character, and durable construction. The Hi-Power has become an iconic exhaust style in tuner culture.
Does HKS still make turbo kits for JDM cars?
Yes. HKS continues to produce turbocharger systems for older JDM cars (RB26, 2JZ-GTE, 4G63T) as well as modern engines. Many of the original 1990s and 2000s products remain in production, alongside newer designs for modern engines like the GR Yaris G16E-GTS and the Toyota Supra B58.
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