Tracing the Journey of Dreams: The History of HKS (Part 1)

Nissan Car Enthusiast Magazine

Updated: Today at 10:00:42

Introduction

Recently, numerous online blogs and media outlets have been highlighting HKS as a legendary Japanese tuning brand, often emphasizing its achievements to promote products like DDR additives. But here, over the course of two articles, we aim to present a balanced and factual look at the history of HKS. It’s not an invincible “ultimate brand” but one that has grown through lessons learned from its failures.

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How It All Began

If you follow drifting events or are a car enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of HKS. With a presence in races like JTCC and D1GP, and an unparalleled record in 0-400m drag racing, HKS has built a reputation over decades. But how did it all start, and what’s the story behind the brand?

It began in October 1973, when Hiroyuki Hasegawa, an automotive engineer, teamed up with his friend Goichi Kitagawa to establish HKS. The goal was simple but ambitious: to build the best engine in Japan and the world. Building an engine isn’t just about having a dream—it requires expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, engineering, and materials science, along with sheer perseverance.

Hasegawa, a former senior engineer at Yamaha’s automotive division, had the skills but not the capital. Enter Sigma Automotive (now SARD), which provided the necessary financial backing. Thus, HKS was born, with the name reflecting its founders:

• H: Hiroyuki Hasegawa
• K: Goichi Kitagawa
• S: Sigma Automotive
• 

The First Steps and Challenges

Despite technical expertise and funding, the dream of creating a race-ready engine was fraught with challenges. In 1974, after a year of hard work, the team developed their first engine, the HKS-74E, but financial constraints forced them to abandon further development.

Instead of giving up, they shifted focus to turbocharging systems, a growing trend in the 1970s. By July 1974, HKS had successfully developed an add-on turbo kit, the FET Turbo, which they tested on a Skyline GC110’s L20 engine. The kit boosted power from 112hp to 160hp, an impressive 40% increase. However, initial issues with durability meant the product wasn’t ready for market until three years later.

HKS fine-tuned the FET Turbo by importing turbochargers from the U.S. and testing them on Nissan and Toyota engines. By 1977, the kit was perfected and available for sale. This marked the start of HKS’s long-standing association with Nissan, which continues to this day.

Breaking New Ground in the 1980s

By the early 1980s, HKS had established its name with the success of its turbo kits. In 1981, they developed a 600cc single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve racing engine, the HT600, for motorcycles. This engine, installed in a custom-built motorcycle named Fuji, became a sensation in the racing world and laid the groundwork for future engine development.

Not content with mechanical advancements alone, HKS embraced the rise of electronic fuel injection systems in the 1980s. They developed products like the F-Con standalone ECU, AIC ignition control, Turbo Timer, and EVC electronic boost controllers, many of which remain iconic to this day.

Pioneering Records and Global Success

HKS made headlines in 1983 with the HKS M300, a heavily modified Toyota Celica XX that became the first street car to exceed 300 km/h at Yatabe Test Track. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 5M-G engine, this achievement cemented HKS’s reputation as a leader in performance engineering.

In 1984, HKS collaborated with Mitsubishi for the American rally scene, developing the 134E engine for the Mitsubishi Starion, replacing its G54B engine. This partnership laid the foundation for HKS’s future collaborations with Mitsubishi’s Ralliart division.

Expanding Horizons in Motorsport

In 1986, HKS developed the 188E, a 2.0L DOHC 5-valve racing engine based on the BMW M12 engine. This engine debuted in the GC series and showcased HKS’s innovation in engine design.

By 1988, HKS introduced the 200E, a 600cc twin-cylinder DOHC engine for motorcycles. Its performance was so outstanding that it was adopted by over 95% of the racing teams, effectively dominating the competition.

Setbacks and Recovery in the 1990s

Despite its success, HKS faced challenges in the 1990s, including a major scandal involving an employee who caused a fatal accident while testing an illegally modified car. This incident damaged the brand’s reputation, but HKS implemented stringent reforms and continued its legacy of innovation.

Looking Ahead

From turbocharging systems to electronic control units, HKS has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance engineering. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this story, where we’ll explore how HKS evolved through the 1990s and beyond.