A Simple Guide on HKS: Aftermarket Parts Built with Japanese Performance and Reliability

It’s no coincidence that when today’s car buffs want to talk about the hottest trends in street car tuning, the conversation revolves around Japanese engineering. Manufacturers like Toyota, Subaru and Honda are responsible for some of the most imposing compact sports cars on the planet, and aftermarket manufacturers have had to work harder than ever to develop parts that are serious about performance.

The fact is, it takes a wealth of engineering and production expertise to manufacture high quality aftermarket performance parts. In particular, aftermarket exhaust and induction components and systems are expected to be able to perform, regardless of the environment or any other external factors. That’s why when car buffs want to talk about who builds the best aftermarket parts, the conversation always turns to Hasagawa, Kitagawa, and Sigma.

HKS Aftermarket Parts Give Drivers Performance with Confidence

For more than 50 years, Japanese car buffs, auto tuners and racing teams alike have trusted HKS premium performance components and systems to give their cars a comprehensive, reliable and environmentally sound advantage when they hit the road. HKS’s attitude towards high performance is straightforward: to design and build high performance components that the OEs either could not or would not produce. And with a parts lineup spanning everything from street-tuned engines and electronics, to race-ready aero and OE heritage reproduction parts, their dedication to building the best performance parts possible is unmistakable.

State of the art manufacturing processes, backed by an unmatched research and development program are what separate HKS aftermarket parts from the competition. Whether it’s the superior flow dynamics of their Hi-Power exhaust systems or the precision fuel tuning and ignition timing of their forced induction components, HKS’s commitment to extraordinary engineering comes down to three major points:

• Exceptional choices in materials. From the high-tech/high tensile alloys used in turbos, mufflers and intercoolers, to the heat resistant composites in engine covers, air ducts and carbon fibre intakes, HKS’s material selections guarantee the longest life and best performance from all their parts.
• Adherence to engineering specifications. Tight tolerances and absolute adherence to all engineering and material specs are HKS’s key to producing high performance parts that not only exceed OE manufacturer specs, but are built specifically to withstand the temperatures and stresses of high performance operation.
• Front to back quality control. From initial design concept to final assembly, every HKS performance part and system is rigorously tested and quality controlled at multiple points throughout the manufacturing process to ensure they satisfy all prescribed engineering specs and intended performance goals, regardless of the operating conditions.

HKS’s world class R&D goes beyond sheer performance, though. That’s because unlike many of the parts produced by competing aftermarket manufacturers, unless where intended specifically for off road use, all standard-use parts and systems offered from HKS Australia are Australia Design Rule (ADR) compliant. It’s the assurance that select Toyota, Subaru, and Honda sportscar owners need to safely and confidently hit the road, especially when it comes to high visibility items like their exhaust and intake systems.

Perfect Exhaust System Performance is HKS’s Priority

Exhaust systems are arguably the most common and most scrutinised of all upgraded aftermarket systems. Drivers expect them to deliver premium performance, while pedestrians and roadside inspectors expect them to be noise and emissions compliant. HKS understands just how high the stakes can be for balancing these goals. That’s why their high flow, fast scavenging roster of aftermarket exhaust systems are regarded as the best of their kind in Australia.

Car buffs and tuners can buy HKS exhaust parts and components for a broad range of the most dominant sports cars and legendary motors ever designed in Japan. It’s their mandrel bent, TIG welded systems for Toyota GR86s/ Subaru BRZs, A90 Supras, and Honda FK8s that they’re best known for, which are offered in an array of configurations that include:

• A choice of both catback and catless systems with 4-2-1, 2-1, or 1-1 tube arrangements;
• A fully customisable selection of TIG welded straight front tubes, downpipes and manifolds; and,
• A choice of 150 cell catalytic converters, as well as multi-diameter turbo mufflers.

When compared to standard OE 409 stainless steel exhaust systems, HKS’s custom 304 stainless steel configurations have more to offer than just an increase in exhaust flow. Their improved flow characteristics combined with an overall weight savings of up to 25% makes them the perfect performance bolt-on. And with 304 stainless steel’s heightened resistance to corrosion and heat cycling, HKS car parts are among the best investments an owner could make in their exhaust system’s longevity.

Powerful HKS Induction Solutions For Street or Competition

While low restriction bolt-on exhaust systems are universally acknowledged for their ability to produce big power gains, HKS understands that when it comes to real performance gains, a new exhaust is just the tip of the iceberg. For an engine to actually increase its output as well as take advantage of the benefits that tuned exhausts have to offer, it needs to increase the volume of cool fresh air it takes in. That’s why when it comes to sustainable power increases, HKS commits just as much R&D muscle into its high flowing induction systems as it does in its top of the line exhausts.

From high volume ram air induction and suction setups for naturally aspirated street engines, to custom-designed deep breathing turbocharger and supercharger kits for street or full competition use, HKS engineers and manufactures induction parts and systems especially for Japanese engines, and their offerings include:

• Premium air induction systems. High quality HKS performance parts and induction systems, including ram-induction boxes, cold air intake kits and Super Power Flow air filters are designed to deliver maximum fresh air induction with minimal reworking on a wide range of OE Toyota, Subaru and Honda body styles.
• Cooling air intake components. HKS manufactures a host of air and fluid cooling systems for Japanese sports cars, but their front-mounted intercooler kits and intake surge tanks are designed especially for cooling the pressurised fresh air being drawn into the car’s induction system.
• The finest in forced induction. From turbocharger and sequential blow off valve kits, to complete pro-level supercharger kits, HKS parts and systems bring together their best forced air induction components to create some of the most potent of vehicle- and engine-specific combinations found anywhere.

With premium HKS auto parts, kits and systems handling the induction tasks, car buffs and tuners are able to reap the full benefit of their high flow exhausts. They can even order all their parts and components directly from HKS online and save a few dollars. It’s the best deal in Australia for some of the best performing Japanese sports car parts in the world.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, it’s no secret that Japanese auto manufacturers aren’t ashamed of producing sports cars that can deliver European sports car performance, but at a fraction of the price. And with the right selection of aftermarket parts and components, many are capable of churning out performance that would even surprise their manufacturers.

Tuners and enthusiasts alike consider HKS to be among the handful of aftermarket part and component manufacturers that can confidently push the envelope on Japanese automotive performance and reliability. Whether it’s on the street or the track, their parts and systems are proven performers, helping ensure that they continue to be the centre of car buff conversation in Australia.