sad news HKS USA closing its doors

[revcyanide]

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225839_10150166730561533_51474321532_7128510_41694 12_n.jpg

taken from Dsport's news

[KrazyS13]

Doesn't surprise me at all unfortunately... This country is fucked right now.

[tricky_ab]

God damn it! Here's to even higher prices getting stuff shipped directly from J-Land...Oh and this should kick off a "knock off" debate.

[revcyanide]

this doesnt have much to do with the knock off thing

this is because the US dollar is becoming worthless and it is bad buisness to keep a niche buisness in the US

[SinGarage]

Very sad news indeed. I've been a fan of their products since late 80's and early 90's. Hopefully things will look brighter in the future and would reluctantly open their doors again here in the US.

[Magical Trevor]

God damn it! Here's to even higher prices getting stuff shipped directly from J-Land...Oh and this should kick off a "knock off" debate.
Blame it all on megan and ISIS.

[!Zar!]

I thought they were already closed in the states.

OH WELL

[NINJASPY]

when is the last time anyone bought anything brand new from hks?
knock offs are part of the problem.

[Magical Trevor]

when is the last time anyone bought anything brand new from hks?
knock offs are part of the problem.
Sad thing is that it's true. All my HKS product have been bought used, or bought BNIB second hand.

[MidwestMyriad]

Blame it all on megan and ISIS.

Watch or read the news sometime, or read some of the posts before yours, I highly doubt ISIS and Megan are responsible for the downfall of HKS USA.:bs:

I would blame poor marketing/advertising before other companies

[revcyanide]

I agree knock offs hurt their sales.
HOWEVER i can garuntee knock offs or not, if the US dollar wasnt horrible, and japan wasnt wrecked with earthquakes, they would stay in the US.

[MidwestMyriad]

"The Dollar Index slid to the lowest level since 2008, Treasuries rose and gold rallied to a record after economic growth slowed. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index climbed an almost three-year high as rising earnings and takeovers overshadowed the report on gross domestic product.

The Dollar Index tumbled 0.6 percent at 4:10 p.m. New York time after slumping to 72.871, an almost three-year low. It declined for an eighth straight day, its longest slump since 2009. Ten-year Treasury yields lost five basis points to 3.31 percent, gold jumped as much as 1.4 percent to $1,538.80 an ounce and silver rose for a second day. The S&P 500 climbed 0.4 percent to 1,360.48 while the Russell 2000 Index of smaller U.S. stocks rallied to a record for a second straight day."

-Just an excerpt

[Magical Trevor]

Watch or read the news sometime, or read some of the posts before yours, I highly doubt ISIS and Megan are responsible for the downfall of HKS USA.:bs:

I would blame poor marketing/advertising before other companies
Sarcasm homie.

[Fred Allen Burge]

This is good news. In my opinion when you see "fart cans" and interfoolers on civics in MY little bitty town the scene has gotten too big and main stream, good time for the cycle to shift around.

[towlie]

Wasn't Greddy having major financial issues aswell ?

[revcyanide]

This is good news. In my opinion when you see "fart cans" and interfoolers on civics in MY little bitty town the scene has gotten too big and main stream, good time for the cycle to shift around.
so a company making great products should lose money and people should be out of a job?
go fuck yourself

[SinGarage]

Actually you wouldn't probably see those fart cans or interfoolers if it wasn't for knockoffs being so cheap and readily available. I remember back in the days it took me almost 6 months to get my HKS manifold and TO4E turbo for my turbo II. Cost me almost 2 grand and that was a lot of money back in the early to mid 90's. Specially someone who has barely making money, having rent, and going to college lol.

[raz0rbladez909]

This is good news. In my opinion when you see "fart cans" and interfoolers on civics in MY little bitty town the scene has gotten too big and main stream, good time for the cycle to shift around.

I don't see how that is good news in anyway? I really doubt those same ricers are running a single thing that is HKS.

[Magical Trevor]

This is good news. In my opinion when you see "fart cans" and interfoolers on civics in MY little bitty town the scene has gotten too big and main stream, good time for the cycle to shift around.
You're a fool. :down:

Wasn't Greddy having major financial issues aswell ?

Yeah, Apex-i was also. A few years back actually.

[SinGarage]

Wasn't Greddy having major financial issues aswell ?

Yes, I think they have filed for bankruptcy recently. I don't want to think it but they are pretty close to being on their way out also.

[Brian]

JDM is dead.

[EDacIouSX]

I don't think knock off is the problem, i think a lot of it had to do with that they didn't really sell anything too interesting. HKS is a big name but I never perceived HKS as an outstanding company in any particular field except the FCON Vpro. Speaking of which, I still need a fcon vpro 3.2 or above if anyone is selling... ha.

[Brian]

Coming from a JDM company, I can tell you that knock offs ARE a problem. There are obviously other problems out there (bad economy, incorrect business style, bad marketing, etc.) , but knock offs do create a big problem.

[ZilviaKid]

they should have waited a week, new fast and the furious should drive sales pretty hard for a while.

[MidwestMyriad]

JDM is dead.

Nooo!!!!

YouTube - Weezer-Say It Ain't So Lyrics (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqX_1kohoUs)

[MidwestMyriad]

If GM and Chrysler can do it, why not HKS or Greddy? BAILOUT TIME

[jamg]

because they would never bail out a non american company

[MidwestMyriad]

Sarcasm homie.
mssgltth..

[vvtisupra]

still waiting for the revival. Long Live REAL PARTS

[DxZoo]

Its tough for any business to stay open in the U.S these days, let alone a company that makes expensive parts for a select few japanese automobiles.

Also,I could be wrong , but back in the day it seemed like it was JDM parts or bust. Nowadays the trend seems to have shifted to fabbing your own stuff, used parts, U.S brands(non knockoff) or other methods that offer similar quality but are cheaper and easier to attain than brand new ballin JDM hardware. Im talking about nice cars not rattle canned godspeed mobiles.

idk just some thoughts

[ZAKU]

Oh no, the death of ridiculously overpriced turbochargers and incredibly shitty intakes.

What a shame.

[EDacIouSX]

Coming from a JDM company, I can tell you that knock offs ARE a problem. There are obviously other problems out there (bad economy, incorrect business style, bad marketing, etc.) , but knock offs do create a big problem.

Sorry... obviously you are correct, I didn't really channel my idea correctly with words.

Yes, knock offs are definitely a problem, without a doubt. If all this cheap crap out there wasn't sucking up demand/changing trends, hks would have more customers.

What I was trying to say I never really wanted to buy HKS stuff cause I didn't really perceive them as anything excellent in any particular field. Especially modern times, they kind of lost their cool factor. That 80s? 90s paint scheme was kind of cool.

[Wake]

Man you people are really failing at seeing sarcasm in this thread.

Knock offs contribute. If you dont think they do your mistaken.
As well as our shitty economy, and japans natural disasters. But as the letter says the US dollar is in the fucking crapper. Exchange rates have been going bad for years. It all just culminated now.
I would really say that the quake was more or less the straw that broke the camels back.

There will be no "JDM revival", the same people buying JDM parts will continue buying them. The same people that buy crap will continue.

[s13silvia123]

YOU fucken knockoff piece of shiiiiits...............this pisses me off. now that i have to go greater lengths to get legit parts.

[hektik13]

damn first ARC now HKS :(

[lucky7]

it's HKS. you can buy two garrett turbos for the price of 1 HKS. i think their pricing was always way, way high. and considering our currency is not worth crap, it makes HKS parts more expensive. it doesn't mean they're finished, just pulling out of the US market. nobody really knows the details. maybe they're just downsizing to cut costs and liabilities? probably a smart thing to do in this economic time, especially when you consider the nature of their industry. just a thought.

[Couped_up'd]

YOU fucken knockoff piece of shiiiiits...............this pisses me off. now that i have to go greater lengths to get legit parts.


Don't you hate it...

This sucks sticks.

Although, I never really felt the need to purchase an HKS product. Do to price, and other reasons. I think it had more to do with the advertiving market not keeping up with the company. Knock-off hks blow off valves are dime a dozen. Hell, I don't think the poeple who own them even know they are knock off. It is getting bad.

[Brentbohn]

Greedy Greddy drift tax will put them out soon enough

Wasn't Greddy having major financial issues aswell ?

[Flicktitty]

Damn, what an icon fallen off the map.

Thing is, i love alot of what they stand fore. but i've had some bad experience with some of there products in the past. And the price on some of there stuff is a goofy high in my opinion

[EDacIouSX]

yea.... arc was wahtever, never impressed. HKS though... I need a fcon vpro someone sell it to me lol. There stuff isn't on the leading edge of technology anymore.

['97 S14 SE Turbo]

All that plus the increasing hostile business environment in the US. It's getting expensive for smaller company like HKS USA for medical care under the new laws. It's cheaper for them to take the fine than to pay for the health insurance.

[Corbic]

About fucking time. HKS has been skipping by with over priced uncompetitive products for years.

These boutique Japanese companies need to take notice of brands that have been able to survive for the 60 years, like Edelbrock, Holley, and learn to produce quality products at more affordable prices. Open a Jeggs or Summit catalog and have a heart attack at what their products cost.

I don't see Holley or Magnaflow trying to make every upgrade possible for a particular car, Cams, Headers, Exhaust, gaskets, valve covers, turbos, tuners, injectors, pistons, rods, bearings, so forth, however companies like HKS and Tomei are constantly trying to do that, and the result is they are offering exceptionally expensive products that are not price competitive. Just look at Tomei's "ARMs" series turbos, to much money, not enough turbo, I'll go to a Turbo specialist thank you.


Another problem is they don't offer a series of products. You should be able to get a inexpensive exhaust system from HKS, that is only slightly more then a Megan, but still bears the HKS name. Then offer a premium brand tier for those looking for the additional light weight, higher quality so forth.

HKS Street Series - cat-back $350
HKS Pro Race - titanium cat-back $1,500.

[blueshark123]

blah! their shit was ovepriced and i havent seen any new innovations come from them lately that was worth the need to buy. Its all their fault.

[ZilviaKid]

About fucking time. HKS has been skipping by with over priced uncompetitive products for years.

These boutique Japanese companies need to take notice of brands that have been able to survive for the 60 years, like Edelbrock, Holley, and learn to produce quality products at more affordable prices. Open a Jeggs or Summit catalog and have a heart attack at what some times cost.

I don't see Holley or Magnaflow trying to make ever upgrade possible for a particular car, Cams, Headers, Exhaust, gaskets, valve covers, turbos, tuners, injectors, pistons, rods, bearings, so forth, however companies like HKS and Tomei are constantly trying to do that, and the result is they are offering exceptionally expensive products that are not price competitive. Just look at Tomei's "ARMs" series turbos, to much money, not enough turbo, I'll go to a Turbo specialist thank you.


Another problem is they don't offer a series of products. You should be able to get a inexpensive exhaust system from HKS, that is only slightly more then a Megan, but still bears the HKS name. Then offer a premium brand tier for those looking for the additional light weight, higher quality so forth.

HKS Street Series - cat-back $350
HKS Pro Race - titanium cat-back $1,500.
gotta agree 100%

jdm oil block sandwich plate adapter - $100+
edelbrock non blue anadized place - $20

[chiboy002]

BH once said 'they had to choose between updating their website and advertising or firing their employees... and now i'm out of a job' regarding veilside

or some shit like that

This has been proven to be FACT

[lucky7]

i agree 100% w/ Corbic. in fact, i mentioned a few of those same points in the rice thread. you either get competitive, or you sink. they may have made some nice things, but obviously need to adjust to today's market.

[vboy720]

R.I.P. I liked having hks around, since it made other companies like isis make products just as good at a lower cost for me. Not saying i would buy a isis turbo over an hks turbo, but i would definately use an isis short shifter, stainless steel brake lines, etc.

[towlie]

Corbic speaks words of wisdom!

Although I've never been a particular fan of HKS (a bit overpriced IMO) it will be sad to see them no longer be readily available, as the brand is defiantly known... even those not into cars know the name.

HKS should have been smarter and better priced their products for our market, realizing their main competition are knock offs.

[spooled240]

all these JDM companies need to start creating innovative products to stay above water in the aftermarket industry..everything get's reverse engineered and copied eventually it's just the way it goes =/ idk how china get's away with selling SSQV's in boxes that say HKS on them though, that's ridiculous


it's hard to compete with china especially now when their artificially inflated currency makes it even cheaper for U.S. consumers to purchase...you can't blame 17 year old kids working at donut shops to get tempted and buy this stuff

[nomoremk2]

So the concensus is basically, "What a shame, However I never bought anything hks or supported them in anyway." Everyone is going to continue buying knock-off shit either way. Cheaper things are always going to be more popular. Especially with the attitude of most of my generation being "Dude I got this sick 240 and I'm gonna street drift it everyday the cheapest way possible." I don't find it all too tragic that they're pulling out of the U.S Market. If you want the HKS part, You'll find a place to buy it.

[ixfxi]

when is the last time anyone bought anything brand new from hks?

Oh no, the death of ridiculously overpriced turbochargers and incredibly shitty intakes. What a shame.

About fucking time. HKS has been skipping by with over priced uncompetitive products for years.

Another problem is they don't offer a series of products. You should be able to get a inexpensive exhaust system from HKS, that is only slightly more then a Megan, but still bears the HKS name. Then offer a premium brand tier for those looking for the additional light weight, higher quality so forth.

blah! their shit was ovepriced and i havent seen any new innovations come from them lately that was worth the need to buy. Its all their fault.

you guys have your heads shoved way up eachother's asses


just because a company chooses to no longer have a US outlet, doesnt mean they are out of business. they're making a choice to no longer sell to stupid, unappreciative americans.

its sad to see the negative comments, probably coming from consumer-minded individuals who arent capable of building a damn thing if their life depended on it.

bottom line, HKS was and still is a reputable company known for manufacturing high quality items. who cares if a product is expensive. the term "expensive" is subjective, it varies from person to person. if you cant afford their product then thats your problem.. get a better job or chose a different hobby.

[sidewaysil80]

when is the last time anyone bought anything brand new from hks?
knock offs are part of the problem.

no, the people that buy knock offs couldn't afford to buy real stuff in the first place, therefore hks isn't "losing" money to knock offs. if i can AFFORD to buy and hks intake i'm not going to say "gee let me get a knock off instead". but the poor person who can't afford real hks intake will most def look for a knock off. not too mention how many people look in the for sale section before they buy a part to try and find it used? THATS prob the biggest killer to all these car part companies. with that being said, all you dudes that are hating and flaming people for buying knockoffs...if you've ever bought one of their parts used...you're just as responsible, so get off your high horses.

[tricky_ab]

I don't see Holley or Magnaflow trying to make every upgrade possible for a particular car, Cams, Headers, Exhaust, gaskets, valve covers, turbos, tuners, injectors, pistons, rods, bearings, so forth, however companies like HKS and Tomei are constantly trying to do that, and the result is they are offering exceptionally expensive products that are not price competitive. Just look at Tomei's "ARMs" series turbos, to much money, not enough turbo, I'll go to a Turbo specialist thank you.



Progression comes at a price...I understand what you're saying but I'd rather have more parts available for the car that I'm into...

[camaro379ss]

no, the people that buy knock offs couldn't afford to buy real stuff in the first place, therefore hks isn't "losing" money to knock offs. if i can AFFORD to buy and hks intake i'm not going to say "gee let me get a knock off instead". but the poor person who can't afford real hks intake will most def look for a knock off. not too mention how many people look in the for sale section before they buy a part to try and find it used? THATS prob the biggest killer to all these car part companies. with that being said, all you dudes that are hating and flaming people for buying knockoffs...if you've ever bought one of their parts used...you're just as responsible, so get off your high horses.

Nicely stated.

[raz0rbladez909]

you guys have your heads shoved way up eachother's asses


just because a company chooses to no longer have a US outlet, doesnt mean they are out of business. they're making a choice to no longer sell to stupid, unappreciative americans.

its sad to see the negative comments, probably coming from consumer-minded individuals who arent capable of building a damn thing if their life depended on it.

bottom line, HKS was and still is a reputable company known for manufacturing high quality items. who cares if a product is expensive. the term "expensive" is subjective, it varies from person to person. if you cant afford their product then thats your problem.. get a better job or chose a different hobby.

There's a reason I have your quote as my sig dude, couldn't have said it better myself.

[Brandon.]

i don't think knock off parts have as much to do with it than people are making it out to be. People who buy knock off parts are broke asses who would not be buying, or could even afford real parts if there were no knock off parts in the first place. It could also be the fore mentioned that people are buying non jdm stuff because some of it is slightly cheaper and just as good of quality if not better. ( excluding megan, isis, godspeed, etc )

[Fred Allen Burge]

so a company making great products should lose money and people should be out of a job?


Yes, I guess, what?


go fuck yourself

I think I must have hit a nerve with this one folks!

[ManoNegra]

all these JDM companies need to start creating innovative products to stay above water in the aftermarket industry..

well, guess what?
engineers and designers don't work for free

knock off companies don't innovate or come out with new products
nor do they develop or evolve their current ones


hardest thing they do is chose a color scheme and a logo
but, hey, broke kids are entitled to cool shit right?

[lawrenceyang]

with that being said, all you dudes that are hating and flaming people for buying knockoffs...if you've ever bought one of their parts used...you're just as responsible, so get off your high horses.

and i doubt very many people on this forum have bought brand new hks parts

[Wake]

Hey just so you guys know, zilvia and HKS were around before '09. plenty of people on here still buy new parts.

Unfortunately, at this point the majority of zilvia members are apparently broke, or cheap so your probably right that nobody buys new HKS parts anymore. Hence them closing their doors in America and going where people are willing to spend money.

[ZAKU]

if you cant afford their product then thats your problem.. get a better job or chose a different hobby.

This is stupid and you're an ass.

Please explain to me why I should have purchased a set of $2300 Hipermax III coils instead of my $1500 Fortune autos with Swift springs. Or how about paying $143 for a TERRIBLE HKS superflow instead of my Perrin for $52.

Or why I should replace my T28 with a HKS GT2835 for $2030 versus a Garrett GT2871R for $1190?

Regardless of their quality, HKS's parts are ridiculously overpriced and their inability as a business to adapt to a changing market has sealed their fate in North America.

[chituntang]

This is stupid and you're an ass.

Please explain to me why I should have purchased a set of $2300 Hipermax III coils instead of my $1500 Fortune autos with Swift springs. Or how about paying $143 for a TERRIBLE HKS superflow instead of my Perrin for $52.

Or why I should replace my T28 with a HKS GT2835 for $2030 versus a Garrett GT2871R for $1190?

Regardless of their quality, HKS's parts are ridiculously overpriced and their inability as a business to adapt to a changing market has sealed their fate in North America.


How great is Fortune auto coilovers? And how much better is it equipped with Swift springs compare to the HKS coilovers?

The terrible HKS superflow has velocity stack built in. Your Perrin is a piece of foam held by a plastic skeleton. Also, please tell me how terrible HKS superflow is. You based your conclusion on the test results online? That's a big fail because I have not seen anybody fuck up their engine because of using a HKS filter.

HKS buys turbos from Garrett and modify them to their spec. So it is superior than a Garrett turbo. Therefore, it makes sense to be more expensive than a original Garrett turbo.

You buy products base on price, and bang for the buck. Companies like HKS are successful not because of people buying a catback exhaust, a foam filter. They are successful because they spend a lot of resources in research and development, and people used to have the ego to modify a car to reach the next level, like modify a Silvia to out pace a GTR. Now a days people buy a powerful car stock (EVOs and STIs) and just put a catback, intake, and maybe a boost controller on it to make it faster. Bolt on mods only will not make HKS grow. Whereas in the late 80s and most of the 90s where people would bring a car to a shop and consult with tech to have a complete upgrade package.

I am not hating on the companies that you used to compare to HKS, but all you have been talking about is they are pricier than their counter parts. You have not talk about how they compare to each other in terms of performance gain and quality, and how are the counter parts actually better. Superior products are always a lot more expensive, it is a fact.

I do, however, believe that HKS stuff are overpriced too.

[Vatche]

i love the two extremes...

HKS makes quality products.

most cheaper companies make SHIT quality products.

the market is flooded with SHIT quality right now because too many people are buying the junk. in the end. the people who care about the car. and put the time in, will always choose a better brand. experience knowledge and wisdom, which most people lack, is key to building a car properly.

listen to your elders make smart decisions not decisions based on a lack of intellect or keep buying junk and have junk parts on your car.

if you want to buy the junk parts cuz its "cheaper" then you might as well replace all the body panels on your car with cardboard. because its lighter... dont forget to use duct tape instead of the bolts.. you can probably buy a hyundai or kia from the 90's thats "cheaper" than your nissan also..

[R_G]

Time to buy all the hks parts i need.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[raz0rbladez909]

This is stupid and you're an ass.

Please explain to me why I should have purchased a set of $2300 Hipermax III coils instead of my $1500 Fortune autos with Swift springs. Or how about paying $143 for a TERRIBLE HKS superflow instead of my Perrin for $52.

Or why I should replace my T28 with a HKS GT2835 for $2030 versus a Garrett GT2871R for $1190?

Regardless of their quality, HKS's parts are ridiculously overpriced and their inability as a business to adapt to a changing market has sealed their fate in North America.

I think pretty recently one of the magazines did a test comparing those fortune auto coilovers to tein coilovers, and in the end found the teins to be much more consistent in testing. Believe it or not work does actually go into the components you purchase when you buy them from a quality company. Anybody can copy shit, but if you don't notice it when you're driving on a daily basis then I guess you won't care either way. There is a reason HKS has one of the fastest lapping evos in the world, and I'm sure it isn't because they got lucky, I don't currently have anything from HKS but I have bought their products in the past for other cars, and they are all quality components. Its funny that most of the people in here say good riddance to a company that has paved the way in terms of automotive modification, just because they aren't constantly working on new parts for a group of broke dicks that wouldn't even buy them doesn't mean they don't continue to make great parts for new vehicles that come out. Without these companies like Apex'I, Greddy, HKS, Tomei, JUN, etc. There wouldn't be anything for the knockoff companies to copy, and you'd have no upgrades for your cars, so before you go chastising a company for not making everything as cheap as you'd like, think of all the work that is involved in getting that same part to you. R&D isn't cheap, and if you are actually talking about MSRP pricing for any items, then you are a fool and an idiot for not realizing you can get those products for alot cheaper than you expect.

[jamg]

just bought a catback exhaust from ebay. for $50 shipped.

did i contribute

[towlie]

This is stupid and you're an ass.

Please explain to me why I should have purchased a set of $2300 Hipermax III coils instead of my $1500 Fortune autos with Swift springs. Or how about paying $143 for a TERRIBLE HKS superflow instead of my Perrin for $52.

Or why I should replace my T28 with a HKS GT2835 for $2030 versus a Garrett GT2871R for $1190?

Regardless of their quality, HKS's parts are ridiculously overpriced and their inability as a business to adapt to a changing market has sealed their fate in North America.

This is exactly why HKS is pulling sales from the US.

They crunched the numbers and realized what a shitty market the US is. Im sure Japan sales are still very strong.

Looks like it's time to pick up some discounted clearance HKS components :)

[tinys s14]

didnt this happen to greddy?

[chiboy002]

is it not fair to say that in Japan, and the japanese market, knock off parts aren't as prevalent as the American market?

It's so much easier for a domestic company to crush out cheap competition than it is for them do it on a foreign market. They simply don't give a fuck about the US market enough to lower their prices and deal with the shit majority of you guys buy.

Put it this way, they aren't hurting themselves really. Prices will probably stay the same, minus shipping expenses, and the only people who will be getting the parts now are the same as those who got them before. They aren't off the map, they simply retreated from an area where their loss was greater than their profit.

The only people hurting now is you guys, less products to circulate since everyone is going to hold on to shit and now you have to resort to either paying higher prices in the end, or continue buying your shitty knock offs.

You brought it upon yourselves

[mau5trap]

are they going to have a garage sell?

[ZAKU]

who arent capable of building a damn thing if their life depended on it.

What do you mean? HKS sells off-the-shelf kits and Turbos described simply as "HKS GT2835 - 380/400/410 PS Output" I would at least look for compressor maps when "building" a new turbo setup.

Also, please tell me how terrible HKS superflow is. You based your conclusion on the test results online?

I currently own one. Even after replacing the filter mesh I am not happy with how poorly it filters. Maybe it's because I daily the car but I find dirt particles inside the filter all the time.

I think pretty recently one of the magazines did a test comparing those fortune auto coilovers to tein coilovers, and in the end found the teins to be much more consistent in testing.

"Consistent in testing" means nothing without providing more info like actual dyno graphs. Besides, Tein ≠ HKS so that's not even relevant. I know my Fortune Auto's are entry level coilovers but what are the HKS's? Too expensive to be entry level but not good enough for a true race car.

before you go chastising a company for not making everything as cheap as you'd like, think of all the work that is involved in getting that same part to you. R&D isn't cheap,

If they put so much work into R&D, why can't I find HKS turbo compressor maps?

I can admit that I was trying to hard to be clever with my first post, and I understand that HKS has a very impressive history, but none of their past achievements should elevate them to some sort of godly plateau where they are immune from criticism.

[Lukasss]

Knock offs will always be around, so they will always be a problem to companies like HKS.
That being said, and them KNOWING they lose business to these lesser companies should make them a hell of a lot more competitive.
BUT there is only so much they can do.

If i own a donut shop, and another one opens next door with the same thing with less expensive products, i may still have the better donut, but they will still be cheaper, thus they will ( im sure ) get more business and take mine.

In the end it all comes down to the person, if you buy knock offs, then so be it.
If you buy legit, good for you.

but if its not in your budget to have a bunch of legit things then you shouldnt be criticized. Like the quote on the first page, the american dollar sucks, and a lot of people work hard for the money they make. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to afford these things. Buying something cheaper makes sense when you dont have the extra money to spend, and you still love your hobby.

[godrifttoday]

^
have u ever read the about "john jacob astor" ... Almost like your donut shop example....

In the end it's good for other companies too they gain even more market share...

[Prime]

HKS buys turbos from Garrett and modify them to their spec. So it is superior than a Garrett turbo. Therefore, it makes sense to be more expensive than a original Garrett turbo.

I usually don't nitpick, but what? Seriously. There are very few turbos that I would consider in the league of Garrett. An HKS "modified" Garrett is not on the list. IHI, Turbonetics, Precision Turbo, and in some instances Borg Warner. But to think a company that for all intents and purposes rewrote the book on the capabilities of a small-frame turbocharger is inferior to their own product rebranded by a third party?

Really?

[Lukasss]

In the end it's good for other companies too they gain even more market share...

Not always. Especially when its such a small niche company.

[jspecusa]

this just means HKS supporter will have to pay more to grey market and also wait for it.
it is a smart move by them to go back.
when you can buy a product in Japan at the store and the price is less
then dealer cost here, the company need to review their operation.
HKS do make great products just not ideal for this economy and they need
to focus on cars that's popular here not there.

[chituntang]

I usually don't nitpick, but what? Seriously. There are very few turbos that I would consider in the league of Garrett. An HKS "modified" Garrett is not on the list. IHI, Turbonetics, Precision Turbo, and in some instances Borg Warner. But to think a company that for all intents and purposes rewrote the book on the capabilities of a small-frame turbocharger is inferior to their own product rebranded by a third party?

Really?

Let's go back to the root - Why we modify our cars? To extract more performance out of it, right?

HKS modify Garrett's turbo to get more performance out of it. I do not see anything wrong with it.

Did we reinvented how a car works? No. HKS did not reinvented how a turbo works either. They just improve it.

If you are right, Garrett will never let HKS modify and rebrand their turbos.

[godrifttoday]

this just means HKS supporter will have to pay more to grey market and also wait for it.
it is a smart move by them to go back.
when you can buy a product in Japan at the store and the price is less
then dealer cost here, the company need to review their operation.
HKS do make great products just not ideal for this economy and they need
to focus on cars that's popular here not there.

Or could limit the supply and raise prices!

[6330]

If GM and Chrysler can do it, why not HKS or Greddy? BAILOUT TIME

Yeah c'mon Obama!
HKS needs you! :coold:

[raz0rbladez909]

I currently own one. Even after replacing the filter mesh I am not happy with how poorly it filters. Maybe it's because I daily the car but I find dirt particles inside the filter all the time.

"Consistent in testing" means nothing without providing more info like actual dyno graphs. Besides, Tein ≠ HKS so that's not even relevant. I know my Fortune Auto's are entry level coilovers but what are the HKS's? Too expensive to be entry level but not good enough for a true race car.

If they put so much work into R&D, why can't I find HKS turbo compressor maps?

I can admit that I was trying to hard to be clever with my first post, and I understand that HKS has a very impressive history, but none of their past achievements should elevate them to some sort of godly plateau where they are immune from criticism.

Consistent in testing was the word i chose to use, not the words of the magazine, but i recall that they did have dyno graphs and performed several different tests, i will have to go through my bathroom mag stash lol so it may take a while for me to get the article. As far as the HKS compressor maps, why not email HKS directly, information for every part out there isn't going to be readily available so sometimes you may have to do research on your own part. It may even be as simple as calling HKS and giving them your email address.

[Silverbullet]

What does HKS manufacture exactly? They sell electronics, coilovers, intercoolers, pipings, turbos, valve cover dress up stuff, exhausts, BOVs, oil coolers, stickers and all sorts of other random stuff, but how much of those things do they manufacture?

[dreadedfist]

Sad news for sure. Especially when you consider how long HKS has been supporting the Import aftermarket in the USA. On the other hand... Maybe they should have started outsourcing to China in order to offer some kind of "HKS Budget Line" products. How any company can still justify $500.00+ for mild steel exhaust piping is beyond me.

On one hand, shitty news. On the other hand, another example of a company failing to adapt to changing market conditions. I sometimes wonder if anyone at these companies ever studied business or if they're just sort of winging it, going by some of the decisions they make.

[Corbic]

So the concensus is basically, "What a shame, However I never bought anything hks or supported them in anyway." Everyone is going to continue buying knock-off shit either way. Cheaper things are always going to be more popular. Especially with the attitude of most of my generation being "Dude I got this sick 240 and I'm gonna street drift it everyday the cheapest way possible." I don't find it all too tragic that they're pulling out of the U.S Market. If you want the HKS part, You'll find a place to buy it.

We need to stop saying “knock off”. 99% of the time, people are not buying knock-offs when they buy “cheaper” parts. No one on the Muscle Car or Pro-Touring boards calls my Jeggs Electric Fuel Pump a “knock off” because it’s not an Edelbrock or Areomotive unit. It’s simply an inexpensive, cost effective solution that while it may not be as tunable or offer the level of precision or reliability I would want in competitive racing, it gets the job done and lets me drive my Camaro. This is exactly want many here and in other import communities want... something that gets the job done.

I carry a brown leather “Fossil” Wallet. I paid $15 for it, does anyone feel I’m being an asshole buy wielding around a “Gucci knock off”? It doesn’t even look like or pretend to be a Gucci, other than it’s a wallet that costs 1/30 of what a Gucci goes for. ISIS coilovers are not “HKS Knock Offs” just because they work on the same principle of all the other coilovers out there, they are simply inexpensive coilovers. The reason they are popular is they get 80% of the job done at fraction of the price. Car gets lower, wheels clear them, and they are not sloppy like the blown 20 year old dampers being junked. Obviously those in professional racing are going to want more tune-ability, better reliability and more precision… however those are the 1%’ers. Most preaching about this crap are more of the “posers”, they see their parts list as a fashion statement, “I’m an HKS and Works guy, not a knock off or Tomei and Volks guy”. They get a high off posting their list of name brand parts.

A “knock off” is where a product is blatantly trying to pretend to be a different manufactures product. Taiwan made Bride Seats and Chinese made HKS BOVs are extremely common. These products have nothing to do with Bride or HKS, but are dressed up to completely imitate them and fool the consumer, or at least the consumer’s friends. Products like this should be hated and not purchased. However, please understand the difference from a “fake” HKS SSQV and a brand-less eBay BOV or an ISIS Coilover.

I think ISIS has it going on in the sense that they are developing a “Jeggs/Summit Racing” Brand. These are low cost “get it done” products that are made overseas, however they have the backing of an American company with customer service and warranty support. You know you are getting a “legit” product that is going to work when you buy ISIS, its not top-tier, but you are also not gambling on some eBay POS that when it breaks or doesn’t fit you have no one to fall back too.

HKS, Greddy, Tomei and anyone else that wants to compete and appeal to the masses needs to being offering lower-level product line ups. Edelbrock has various series of Carbs and Intakes. Inexpensive Performer series Carbs & Intakes can be had for a $100-200 and will get the job done for Joe-Average wanting to “upgrade” his 305 Chevy. However if you want to spend the coin, they have Avenger series Carbs, Victor Manifolds, Airgaps so forth, all at higher price points, but also all offering more quality and performance. If you really want to be a company that “only offers the best”, then expect to only sells to a select few. Craftsmen tools is another great example of this, having lost a lot of ground to places like Harbor Freight and Wal-Chinese-slave labor-Mart, Craftsmen began selling lower quality tools under their home-garden brand (Eco was it?) that come in green packages at Sears and Ace Hardware. You can still order and buy the premium, made in the USA professional series tools, but Craftsman understands that only a select group is going to pay the premium.

People that want quality will always look for it and pay for it. They are the minority. Then there are people that just want to get it done, they are the majority. Lastly are the ones that will pay as little as possible and always get screwed and have to buy it again… they are common.

Just like some people buy only OEM, others only 3rd Party New and then some go for Remanufacture only

[Corbic]

. Companies like HKS are successful not because of people buying a catback exhaust, a foam filter. They are successful because they spend a lot of resources in research and development, and people used to have the ego to modify a car to reach the next level, like modify a Silvia to out pace a GTR. me drive my Camaro. This is exactly want many here and in other import communities want... something that gets the job done.



Except HKS is failing, not succeeding. People still build Evos to race GTRs and revamp 60's classics to whoop ass on their modern counter parts.

It's just Evo owners are going to superior companies like AMS who offer better services for less. As stated, what exactly is HKS developing and making these days?

I'd sooner buy a Forced Performance modified turbo the a HKS one. The HKS S/C for the 350Z was a fuvking joke, more expensive then a Vortech or Stillen, crap customer support and dismal performance. 7k for 70hp, ohhh ahhhh.


Also what R&D did thr really do? Are Hypermaxes for an Evo that much different the the ones for a Silvia? Or did they only change the brackets?

HKS can't even begin to compete with Koni, Moltron, Penski or Bilstine when it comes to suspension.

[djcobra]

Damn, why so many negative comments towards HKS? I've never had any issues with HKS Products, infact I would always prefer to buy HKS over any other brand out there.

I Just recently installed a HKS GT-RS turbo (to replace my blown Garrett GT28RS which didn't last too long...) wow, what a difference in performance and how efficient that SOB is! I can see why they price their turbos that high, Bloody worth it! 13psi and almost 330whp tuned with HKS V-Pro. ** Helps to have a Legit HKS Dealer/tuner here in Calgary.

Some of you think I might be biased but I'll always support their products.

If the hobby is too exepensive; well you know the answer.

[Brian]

You are seeing so many negative comments because a majority of people in this hobby these days don't give a shit about the real deal stuff. They weren't around back in the day when parts were actually difficult to get.

[tricky_ab]

You are seeing so many negative comments because a majority of people in this hobby these days don't give a shit about the real deal stuff. They weren't around back in the day when parts were actually difficult to get.


Shots fired! Pow pow pow!

*I agree BTW*

[raz0rbladez909]

Except HKS is failing, not succeeding. People still build Evos to race GTRs and revamp 60's classics to whoop ass on their modern counter parts.

It's just Evo owners are going to superior companies like AMS who offer better services for less. As stated, what exactly is HKS developing and making these days?

I'd sooner buy a Forced Performance modified turbo the a HKS one. The HKS S/C for the 350Z was a fuvking joke, more expensive then a Vortech or Stillen, crap customer support and dismal performance. 7k for 70hp, ohhh ahhhh.


Also what R&D did thr really do? Are Hypermaxes for an Evo that much different the the ones for a Silvia? Or did they only change the brackets?

HKS can't even begin to compete with Koni, Moltron, Penski or Bilstine when it comes to suspension.

These same people that wouldn't pay the price for an HKS product, certainly wouldn't foot the bill for an AMS product either, if you believe they would you are sorely mistaken. AMS parts are just as high as many of their japanese competitors so I don't even see how you are saying they are so much better on pricing and manufacture(Don't get me wrong I like AMS's products as well.)

You can't compare HKS's coilovers to products that are almost triple the cost of HKS, and obviously a company that ONLY produces suspension components is going to be superior, tell me the prices on any Moton, Penske, or Bilstein suspension setups that you are trying to compare and I know there will be a significant price difference.

The thing is HKS makes a vast amount of parts for vast amounts of cars and has been doing it for almost 40 years, they don't just specialize in one car or one brand they make parts for EVERYTHING that is japanese, even fucking hybrids. Some parts are better performers than competition, some aren't, you aren't going to be the best at everything. Like I said, if it weren't for companies like HKS, that have been around modifying imports for so long and producing parts long before godspeed/megan/isis were even thought of, there more than likely wouldn't even be an import performance scene in America. Without that scene many of the japanese performance vehicles that we have today probably would have never come to our shores and you'd still be stuck dreaming about GTR's and EVO's through Gran Turismo 5.

Damn, why so many negative comments towards HKS?

Because Zilvia has become overwhelmed with an infestation of cheap fucks with no taste.

[sidewaysil80]

Shots fired! Pow pow pow!

*I agree BTW*

i think corbics as well as other points are being missed. its not giving a shit about the real deal as it is getting what you pay for and bang for the buck.

example...deatschwerks sr injectors (400.00), hks sr injectors (700.00). both do the same thing AND deatschwerks SPECIALIZES in injectors. vice hks who mass produces everything. i would lean that deatschwerks product and experience would be better then the hks one. not too mention iirc the hks one are just rebadged denso's. some people would rather pay the extra $300 for cool points or as you guys say "supporting the inovator or og brand blah blah blah". but why? their is a superior product or at the very least equally as good more readily availible version for substantially cheaper...

[revcyanide]

I have HKS hipermax coils I paid a pretty penny for, I've ridden on stance and these are better in ever aspect.
dont get me wrong, for the price stances are AMAZING
but this go low as hell. very stiff at the full setting (and WITH low spring rates)
now that ive got it dialed in i can honestly say (just by butt feel) that these are well worth the 2k they retail for.

[raz0rbladez909]

i think corbics as well as other points are being missed. its not giving a shit about the real deal as it is getting what you pay for and bang for the buck.

example...deatschwerks sr injectors (400.00), hks sr injectors (700.00). both do the same thing AND deatschwerks SPECIALIZES in injectors. vice hks who mass produces everything. i would lean that deatschwerks product and experience would be better then the hks one. not too mention iirc the hks one are just rebadged denso's. some people would rather pay the extra $300 for cool points or as you guys say "supporting the inovator or og brand blah blah blah". but why? their is a superior product or at the very least equally as good more readily availible version for substantially cheaper...

I don't think it is being missed, I even agree with many of his points, and if I find another well known product to be superior that is where my money will go, which is why I went Cobb vs hks or greddy for my hardpipes. But I'm not going to cheap out and buy some shit from a company that has been around for 2 weeks and is the newest trend on zilvia(i.e. Godspeed) But there is GOBS of knockoffs of well known products that many people on here are running, look at ebay and type in greddy rs or hks ssqv and see how many knockoffs there are, it is overly rediculous, same thing with the bride seats, the apex'i turbo timers and countless other well known products that ARE being knocked off.

[tricky_ab]

Its tough for any business to stay open in the U.S these days, let alone a company that makes expensive parts for a select few japanese automobiles.

Also,I could be wrong , but back in the day it seemed like it was JDM parts or bust. Nowadays the trend seems to have shifted to fabbing your own stuff, used parts, U.S brands(non knockoff) or other methods that offer similar quality but are cheaper and easier to attain than brand new ballin JDM hardware. Im talking about nice cars not rattle canned godspeed mobiles.

idk just some thoughts


I had read waht he said and yes there are some valid points but I bolded some bits that I don't agree with on the last page. raz0rbladez909 made points a few posts up and I feel the same way...

[ChaserAero]

Sucks to hear, but it is happening all over.

[ZAKU]

If the hobby is too exepensive; well you know the answer.

But it's not the hobby that's too expensive, just certain niche brands that are now shutting down US operations because no one is willing to pay their inflated prices.

Because Zilvia has become overwhelmed with an infestation of cheap fucks with no taste.

This is so stupid. Just because you pay more for a part you suddenly have "taste"? I'd much rather pay less for a superior product, I call in COMMON SENSE.

[turbo toyz]

RIP HKS :cry:

[s13 @ fullboost]

so sad =/ I <3 HKS I have spent alot of money with them

[NissanEnthus]

Because Zilvia has become overwhelmed with an infestation of cheap fucks with no taste.[/QUOTE]

2nd this, but buying or owning a 240 is cheap. So most 18-20 some year olds that own them arent making the big bucks at their age to make a build with quality parts. They see all the cars that are built with high dollar parts and they rush to replicate it but with cheaper knock offs.

[raz0rbladez909]

But it's not the hobby that's too expensive, just certain niche brands that are now shutting down US operations because no one is willing to pay their inflated prices.



This is so stupid. Just because you pay more for a part you suddenly have "taste"? I'd much rather pay less for a superior product, I call in COMMON SENSE.

It is called taste when you knowingly purchase a product that is an exact copy of a well known product, whether it be a bov, bodykit, or wheels. Purchasing something that is cheaper yet superior is not what I'm talking about, purchasing blatantly copied shit IS what I'm talking about, SPL parts for example will come out and even say that stance copied their shit yet have inferior build quality. I'd rather pay the innovators in the business that continue to be at the forefront of producing great quality products, whether its HKS, AMS, Tomei, or any other reputable brands, those companies are the backbones in the import industry, not your godspeed/megan bullshit. For example look how many of you dumbasses will knowingly go buy a Megan/SSautochrome/ebay special turbo manifold and have to keep getting the welds fixed because the thing cracks once a week. All of you that are defending the cheapest of the cheap have lead to the downfall of several great companies in this industry, and only when they are all gone will you realize how much better it is to have these companies that actually innovate instead of copy.

Sucks to hear, but it is happening all over.

You're just as much to blame, everything you make is a copy of a reputable company.

[Rally240sx.com]

thats a bummer but doenst really matter to me, I never buy the cheapest parts and I never buy the most expensive, so no HKS for me anyway.

[Brian]

You da man, Razorblade!

[ZAKU]

It is called taste when you knowingly purchase a product that is an exact copy of a well known product

not your godspeed/megan bullshit. For example look how many of you dumbasses will knowingly go buy a Megan/SSautochrome/ebay special turbo manifold and have to keep getting the welds fixed because the thing cracks once a week. All of you that are defending the cheapest of the cheap have lead to the downfall of several great companies in this industry, and only when they are all gone will you realize how much better it is to have these companies that actually innovate instead of copy.

Where have I said that I run knockoff parts?

When did I defend the cheapest of the cheap?

Don't put words in my mouth. My problem with HKS and almost any other Japanese brand is that you pay a hefty premium just for their name.

only when they are all gone will you realize how much better it is to have these companies that actually innovate instead of copy.

Innovate? Take a look at the previously mentioned 350Z supercharger kit.

You're just as much to blame, everything you make is a copy of a reputable company.

Haha, I was wondering if someone was going to say something.

[ixfxi]

This is stupid and you're an ass.

Please explain to me why I should have purchased a set of $2300 Hipermax III coils instead of my $1500 Fortune autos with Swift springs. Or how about paying $143 for a TERRIBLE HKS superflow instead of my Perrin for $52.

Or why I should replace my T28 with a HKS GT2835 for $2030 versus a Garrett GT2871R for $1190?

Regardless of their quality, HKS's parts are ridiculously overpriced and their inability as a business to adapt to a changing market has sealed their fate in North America.

No one needs to prove to you anything. You are cheap and stupid, you will probably continue to buy shitty inferior products for the rest of your life.

What you dont understand is, no one needs to prove a products value - it does that on its own. With HKS products, I never once had a worry or concern that I'm buying a sub-par product. Much like SnapOn tools, Lincoln welders, etc etc.. its all built on a solid foundation. Are there better products? Maybe. But if they are better, the benefits are typically negligible.

And as for ISIS or any of the generic-copycat-grade brands you guys are mentioning, thats a complete waste of time. These guys are here today, gone tomorrow type businesses. They take your money and when your motor blows, they tell you to pound sand. Customer support? You need to profit in order to have customer support.

Its funny how you say they've "sealed their fate," you sound like a cartoon villain.. who are you, Skeletor? Its business. They're not bankrupt, you tool. They are CHOOSING not to sell in this market. Allow me to translate their letter, since some of you guys cant read:

April 28, 2011

HKS Dealers & Vendors

We have been building and selling products for the past 30 years, longer than most chump kids on Zilvia have been alive. We wouldnt be surprised if some of you bastard children were made during our business trips overseas, visiting the numerous filthy whore houses throughout the States.

Today, your country's economy is in the shitter due to numerous factors and variables. We have been patient and waited for your economy to improve. And while we deal with earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear disasters - you hopeless idiots can barely manage to balance your own budget.

So, good luck to you broke asses and have fun wasting time with your cheap knock-off parts. Lord knows, we have already wasted enough time and legal resources attempting to go after the nameless cockroaches on ebay that copy and sell inferior versions of our shit to you unsuspecting idiots.

Konichiwa, bitches!

Jun Toyota
Group Chairman HKS USA, Inc. (Also known as Your Father)

[raz0rbladez909]

Where have I said that I run knockoff parts?

When did I defend the cheapest of the cheap?

Don't put words in my mouth. My problem with HKS and almost any other Japanese brand is that you pay a hefty premium just for their name.



Innovate? Take a look at the previously mentioned 350Z supercharger kit.



Haha, I was wondering if someone was going to say something.

It honestly wasn't meant to specifically target you, so my apologies if it came off that way, I do agree that part of what you are paying for in buying a name brand product is that name, and knowing that they stand behind their products and that they will continue to be around for customer support. That supercharger kit was one of the first forced induction methods out for the z33/v35 so it was indeed innovative, the quality of all the components is second to none and I'm pretty sure it was using a rotrex supercharger, which wasn't very common at the time. These are all innovations no matter if it didn't produce the power levels of the vortech, and bringing up the stillen kit, how many 350z owners have blown their engines because of it? not to mention you have to run their ugly ass hood too.

[ZAKU]

It honestly wasn't meant to specifically target you, so my apologies if it came off that way, I do agree that part of what you are paying for in buying a name brand product is that name, and knowing that they stand behind their products and that they will continue to be around for customer support. That supercharger kit was one of the first forced induction methods out for the z33/v35 so it was indeed innovative, the quality of all the components is second to none and I'm pretty sure it was using a rotrex supercharger, which wasn't very common at the time. These are all innovations no matter if it didn't produce the power levels of the vortech, and bringing up the stillen kit, how many 350z owners have blown their engines because of it? not to mention you have to run their ugly ass hood too.

I take that back, HKS is definitely innovative. It took some time to remember but their V CAM system is some pretty amazing stuff. And yeah, that Stillen system is kinda junky.

No one needs to prove to you anything. You are cheap and stupid, you will probably continue to buy shitty inferior products for the rest of your life.

Wow, you are an insufferable prick.

[Corbic]

Wow. I&rsquo;m hearing some ridiculous garbage in here, no doubt from people that don&rsquo;t even own HKS parts.

Ixfxi, get a fucking clue.

&ldquo;Your cheap and stupid, will continue to buy inferior goods&rdquo;.

Yes, great, lots of people will always buy the cheaper product, I&rsquo;ve stated this. So why is HKS not smart enough build/sell/outsource/market a cheaper product?
Why can&rsquo;t they see beyond their own paradigm of &ldquo;damn the cost, it must be the best&hellip; and with hologram stickers&rdquo; and actually sell what people are buying?


&ldquo;Isis is copy cat garbage, blah blah gone tomorrow, customer service&rdquo;.

Ok smart guy. What did ISIS COPY FROM HKS. Really, do they have a BOV that is IDENTICAL to HKS? Did HKS actually even event the BOV? Did they invent the Injector? Do they even make their own Injectors? Up above someone cites they just rebage another companies injectors and charge a premium. Tie-Rods, Tension Rods, Control arms, guess what, nobody really &ldquo;invented&rdquo; that crap. It&rsquo;s just threaded adjustable heim-Joints that are made to fit particular applications. As I also stated, did HKS really R&D their coilovers SPECIFICLY FOR THE 240SX or any other car? Or did they simply take their existing mono-tube design and spring, then have a tab welled onto it so it mounts to a 240sx?

They didn&rsquo;t invent the turbo, they don&rsquo;t even make turbos, they just clean up other peoples turbos and charge huge premiums. If you haven&rsquo;t noticed, the turbos they have been selling are now rather dated and for $2,000 there are some cutting edge pieces coming out of Garret and BorgWarner, so I frankly go give a shit less if a $2,000 HKS turbo performs better than its base $1,000 Garret sibling, it better god damn perform better. Are you honeslty arguing that HKS offers better CS then Garret or Borgwarner?

Guess what. Guess Fucking what, for all your belly aching about ISIS being a fly-by night company, they are still here and HKS is shutting down. HKS has been around for 30 years? So what. Studebaker was around for over 100 years when it collapsed&hellip; then these upstarts like Toyota and Nissan show up&hellip; and OMFG they are still here! Everyone starts somewhere. Are you going to tell me that Jeggs and Summit Racing have piss poor customer service? Should I be worried about their products? Jeggs have a 1 year, YES, 1 GOD DAMN YEAR return policy. Good luck buying a BOV from HKS and returning it 11 months later. In fact, HKS did not even sell direct, they forced you to deal with venders that ranged from expectable to horrific in CS.

As for your mock letter, you are showing your complete ignorance.

Japans economy is one of the worst in the world. Their people spend zero money, their Auto Industry domestically is drying up as people have stopped buying cars and they are suffering from hyper-deflation which is causing horrific losses in exports. Japan has never been particularly innovative. They have always taken foreign ideas and simply improved on them and sold them for less. The 240Z, Nissans huge success story is a Jaguar/Daytona rip off designed in California and rocking a Mercedes Benz engine. Mazda did not invent the Rotary, the Miata is a Triumph/Alfa spider rip off, Lexus&rsquo;s first big hit, the LS400 is a carbon copy of the 500-series Benz, the GS300 was a Jaguar Design, on and on&hellip;

Their electronic industry has been raped by the Koreans, Nokia, LG, Samsung&hellip; hell where is a Sony iPod or iPhone&hellip; yeah Mini-Disc totally took off. Why can&rsquo;t Honda make a Turbo or V8 car? Acura, LMAO. So spare us your idiotic lecture on global economics.


You cry that cheap parts killed HKS and Greddy, but other companies like AMS, P&L, APS, and Fortune Auto are quickly rising and still making profits.

Also, one of the only &ldquo;innovative&rdquo; companies I can think of is the Harbor Freight of the performance pars world. Powered By Max. Their Coils cost $1000 and do EXACTLY WHAT THE CUSTOMER WANTS, they put out the innovative Cobra down pipe, sub-frame risers, bent control arms, HMIC so forth. Look at Greddy, Tomei, HKS and their product line ups and its all the same crap, FMIC, Turbo Kits and what not.

It's our (the customers) responsibility to keep these dumb asses employed. If someone truly copied your idea, sue then.

[ManoNegra]

i think corbics as well as other points are being missed. its not giving a shit about the real deal as it is getting what you pay for and bang for the buck.

example...deatschwerks sr injectors (400.00), hks sr injectors (700.00). both do the same thing AND deatschwerks SPECIALIZES in injectors. vice hks who mass produces everything. i would lean that deatschwerks product and experience would be better then the hks one. not too mention iirc the hks one are just rebadged denso's. some people would rather pay the extra $300 for cool points or as you guys say "supporting the inovator or og brand blah blah blah". but why? their is a superior product or at the very least equally as good more readily availible version for substantially cheaper...

Whose injectors you think they're talking about here?:

Tuners: Test Your Injectors! (http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/1929/tuners-test-your-injectors.aspx)

[ignited]

China is on the rise to becoming the wealthiest economy in the world.
http://zilvia.net/f/off-topic-chat/381660-age-china-2.html

how could this be?

[raz0rbladez909]

A bunch of painful to read shit and below
Good luck buying a BOV from HKS and returning it 11 months later. In fact, HKS did not even sell direct, they forced you to deal with venders that ranged from expectable to horrific in CS.

They have always taken foreign ideas and simply improved on them and sold them for less. The 240Z, Nissans huge success story is a Jaguar/Daytona rip off designed in California and rocking a Mercedes Benz engine. Mazda did not invent the Rotary, the Miata is a Triumph/Alfa spider rip off, Lexus&rsquo;s first big hit, the LS400 is a carbon copy of the 500-series Benz, the GS300 was a Jaguar Design, on and on&hellip;

You cry that cheap parts killed HKS and Greddy, but other companies like AMS, P&L, APS, and Fortune Auto are quickly rising and still making profits.

Also, one of the only &ldquo;innovative&rdquo; companies I can think of is the Harbor Freight of the performance pars world. Powered By Max. Their Coils cost $1000 and do EXACTLY WHAT THE CUSTOMER WANTS, they put out the innovative Cobra down pipe, sub-frame risers, bent control arms, HMIC so forth. Look at Greddy, Tomei, HKS and their product line ups and its all the same crap, FMIC, Turbo Kits and what not.

It's our (the customers) responsibility to keep these dumb asses employed. If someone truly copied your idea, sue then.
Tell me how many car parts companies actually sell direct, even through JEGSSSSSSS who you fucking worship you still aren't getting direct from the manufacturer, so you're comparing HKS by saying their vendors are shitty, big fucking deal use a different vendor? At least I can call HKS if I need a technical question answered or a specific part number. Lets go call ISIS....oh wait you can't because look "ISIS Performance can be contacted via telephone, fax or e-mail through one of our dealers." Or mainly because it is Enjuku Racing's own brand??

"With the 1970 Datsun 240Z, the Japanese auto industry arguably moved from follower to leader. Nissan copied no one with the Datsun 240Z. The 240Z was not Nissan's first noteworthy sports car, as it was preceded by the Datsun 1600 and 2000 roadsters. Very good sports cars, but they looked much like the British MGB. The mechanics under the 240Z's beautiful body was before normally only found in much more expensive sports cars. In Japan and some other markets the 240Z was called the Fairlady Z." By William D. Siuru, Jr., PhD, PE
Datsun 240Z History (http://newcarbuyingguide.com/index.php/news/main/6012/event=view)
Datsun may have looked at other cars and got some influence but to say its a rip off is an utterly retarded statement. I'm sure this doctor is just talking out of his ass about Datsun.

Who the fuck ever said the rotary was invented by Mazda? I'm sure they never have, but they've certainly taken it to far greater lengths than any of the other companies that have rights to the wankel engine. If I used your mindset then the reciprocating engine in every car is a complete copy of the original, your picking things apart that don't even really make sense to pick apart.

The Miata was created in homage far after the Triumph's and Alfa's without any of the issues of being unreliable. There is a reason the miata is still one of the best selling sports cars of all time.

And what the fuck is all your talk about JEGS, tell me how much shit JEGS makes/sells for imports????

PBM is a fabrication shop so obviously you can go to them and get a roll cage or exhaust parts done by them, they are also on a smaller scale and only really specialize in 240sx and a few other drift cars.

And ISIS is knockoffs you idiot, the N1 Duals are a copy of the APEXI N1 Duals, their new dual 3" tip exhaust is a copy of the Greddy/Trust DD, their GT spec is almost certainly a copy of the APEXI guess what GT SPEC, Isis megaphone is the APEXI Hybrid Megaphone, holy fucking shit that was really hard to pick out in all of two fucking minutes. In fact let me go see how much shit ISIS has knocked off both American and Japanese, I'm certain it won't take me long.

More parts ISIS has copied: Greddy Intake manifold(SR20)(RB25), Greddy Pulley set, Greddy Oil pan, OH LOOK RIGHT FUCKING HERE HKS True dual exhaust (Z33/v35), that is honestly all I feel like wasting my time on listing, but there is plenty more for your oh so original company

[NissanEnthus]

^^2nd this!! I hate when people talk dont have the facts straight

But inresponse to "So why is HKS not smart enough build/sell/outsource/market a cheaper product?"

Its not about inteligence....They are the best at what they do and they stand behind it. If they were dicks or greedy they would send their product to be made in China and sell it at a premium....Its like telling your son stop making A's in class and make some C's and D's so you can fit in with the rest of your class.....They are recognized over the world for their craftmanship. They dish out a quality product for those that "WANT" a quality product.

But seriously this arguement will never end....The reality is that there will always be knock offs or cheaper product to anything and everything! Its the competitiveness and the survival of the fittest nature in the business world as it is in real life. Just blaming all these knock off companies is one part of the equation to why companies fail.

[Lukasss]

Pretty much^

[Matej]

Thought HKS USA closed long ago. :)

[Wake]

Man mike and razor just gave me composite wood (you know almost as good as the real thing).

[sidewaysil80]

i honestly don't think knock off's play as big of a part as people WANT to blame them for. look at dmax, no one made replicas of their kits and they were very inexpensive...they closed down. and like i said earlier. if someone is poor and buys a knockoff...they wouldn't have been able to afford the real thing anyway so its not like the original company lost a sale.

in japan, modifiying cars is a big deal and has a large demograph. here, not so much...i think it's just as simple as they werent making enough to where it was worth keeping "hks usa" operating...its not like knockoffs forced them out of business or anything. BUT zilvia thrives on people acting like assholes and dudes with little dicks and even smaller amounts of self esteem bashing and flaming, they need someone to channel their anger at so they blame knock off companies and the people that buy them everytime a thread like this comes up. when in reality it was really a matter of our country being dirt poor and of no worth to hks.

[raz0rbladez909]

i honestly don't think knock off's play as big of a part as people WANT to blame them for. look at dmax, no one made replicas of their kits and they were very inexpensive...they closed down. and like i said earlier. if someone is poor and buys a knockoff...they wouldn't have been able to afford the real thing anyway so its not like the original company lost a sale.
in japan, modifiying cars is a big deal and has a large demograph. here, not so much...i think it's just as simple as they werent making enough to where it was worth keeping "hks usa" operating...its not like knockoffs forced them out of business or anything. BUT zilvia thrives on people acting like assholes and dudes with little dicks and even smaller amounts of self esteem bashing and flaming, they need someone to channel their anger at so they blame knock off companies and the people that buy them everytime a thread like this comes up. when in reality it was really a matter of our country being dirt poor and of no worth to hks.


But if there wasn't a knock off available, and that same poor person wanted that part bad enough, he would then be encouraged to save for that same part.

And maybe in the Hampton roads area of Virginia car modification doesn't have a large demograph, but I guarantee there are plenty of other states where it is alive and well.

And your last statement makes me laugh, alot of the OG people have left because like I said, "Zilvia has become plagued with a bunch of cheap fucks with no taste" if Zilvia is so full of assholes and dudes that are compensating why don't you go hit up VAdriven? Oh that's right because zilvia is well known to have one of THE best for sale sections out of the nissan specific forums, and it certainly isn't because of all the high quality knockoffs being sold.

[drift freaq]

Lots of stuff that was unreadable deleted.

Japans economy is one of the worst in the world. Their people spend zero money, their Auto Industry domestically is drying up as people have stopped buying cars and they are suffering from hyper-deflation which is causing horrific losses in exports. Japan has never been particularly innovative. They have always taken foreign ideas and simply improved on them and sold them for less. The 240Z, Nissans huge success story is a Jaguar/Daytona rip off designed in California and rocking a Mercedes Benz engine. Mazda did not invent the Rotary, the Miata is a Triumph/Alfa spider rip off, Lexus&rsquo;s first big hit, the LS400 is a carbon copy of the 500-series Benz, the GS300 was a Jaguar Design, on and on&hellip;


more stuff that was regurgitated deleted.
.

While you are correct about Japan's economy, let me clarify a few things.
Japan's economy is the way it is because of the trade practices they followed in the 70's and 80's which lead to the situation now.
Funny thing is all the people freaking about China may not have taken the time to realize China is following the same kind of trade policies.
China could be looking at the same situation in 10 years that Japan has been in.

Yet I digress about China lets get back to Japan. Japan has indeed copied in hte past, but they excel at refining and making better.

Now on to your blatantly ignorant statement about Nissan, its L Series Engines and other Japanese cars.

First off Nissan bought the 4 cylinder Mercedes Benz Engine back in 1962. At the time it was aluminum block engine that Mercedes Benz was having problems with. That is why they sold it to Nissan. Nissan promptly made changes to the Engine. Including making it an Iron block. At that point L series came into existence and started to evolve. First the 4 and then the 6. In no way is the L series as it came out in the Z a Mercedes engine. Descendant of? Sure.

Guess what? Ford made the first V8's. Now everybody makes them, does that make every maker of a V8 unoriginal ? Perhaps, except each manufacturers version has changed and evolved.

Now if you think the 240Z was designed in California? Why that is pretty hilarious. It was designed in Japan. In fact the first original prototype design of it was done by Yamaha and Nissan. The companies had a falling out and the project was shelved. This actually happened in the mid 60's . Yamaha then took their part of the concept to Toyota and the 2000GT was born. Prohibitively expensive( can we say LFA LOL) and did not have a big market impact because of that. Nissan then took the shelved project and refined it and came out with the 240Z. Granted the man that was behind it did wind up moving to California and was for a long time deeply involved in Nissan North America ( Mr K) He was Japanese.
Now on the fact that the car did take design cues from other Sports car manufacturers. I do not think nor do most people that it was such that it could have been called a copy.
As for the Engine , Mercedes engine? No, L24 6 yes. You do realize the whole RB line as well as KA engines are direct descendants of the L series engines? Probably not but you know now. lol

Mazda did not invent the Rotary, true they bought it, directly from Wankel. LOL

Oh did I mention the Rotary is nothing to get real excited about? I don't see why you even mention it. LOL

If you are going to go down the road of the Miata at least get what car they copied right. It is a direct copy of a mid 60's Lotus Elan. Interesting thing though. They licensed from Lotus for the suspension technology that is in both the Miata and the RX7 FD. Hmmm copy? Ah more like purchased rights to manufacturer. That is actually very legit business.

In the Mazda case copies yes but legitimate and purchased rights as was the same with Nissan.

Using these as examples for your argument are very not strong or viable.

As is your statement about modern Lexus designs and what not. It's a personal opinion with not much fact to back it up.

LS 400 look like a 500 series Benz LOL . GS300 look a like a Jag in its wets dreams. LOL

I think you need your eyes checked out.

[Corbic]

Tell me how many car parts companies actually sell direct, even through JEGSSSSSSS who you fucking worship you still aren't getting direct from the manufacturer, so you're comparing HKS by saying their vendors are shitty, big fucking deal use a different vendor? At least I can call HKS if I need a technical question answered or a specific part number. Lets go call ISIS....oh wait you can't because look "ISIS Performance can be contacted via telephone, fax or e-mail through one of our dealers." Or mainly because it is Enjuku Racing's own brand??


Sup Moon man.

Jegs is the direct vendor of Jegs products. I call them up and order from them and they send their branded and products. Jegs also offers outstanding customer service and technical support. I don't have to go to Jegs and go "gee, that looks sweet... now I need to find someone that sells it..." and when it brakes, and I call the guy that sold it, he then tells me I need to call Jegs because its their issue not his.

ISIS is Enjuku's house brand from what I can tell. Its mainly products related to those from Godspeed or Ebay, however, they are now backed by Enjuku. I've delt with Enjuku, as well as many others for yeas, they are a fantastic vendor. I recently contacted them about a ISIS P.S. line I bought that was leaking, it turns out I needed a washer and they mailed it to me, no questions asked. Mind you, I bought this like almost 4 months ago and just got around to installing it. Further more, its a quality line, manufactured using Eaton fittings and hose. Eaton fittings are actually made in Van Wert Ohio, so you can save me a lesson on China. I know members of Enjuku are also very active on this forum and are always helpful... is anyone from HKS here? Does anyone from HKS care about what people are wanting for there cars? No, they are just producing the same tired garbage they have been for 30 years... foam filters, overpriced exhausts, gussied up dated turbos and dime a dozen tuners.

Beyond that, you need to read up on your car history.

Jesus Chirst man, the very first line on Wiki about the GS300

tyled by the famous Italdesign Giugiaro firm, and equipped with an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup, the Toyota Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two inline-6 powered versions for the Japanese market: the 3.0Q and 3.0V. The Aristo 3.0Q (codename JZS147) featured a 2JZ-GE engine which produced 226 hp (169 kW), while the Ari

The car was originally designed for Jaguar, but Jag. could not afford it - Ford..bla bla blah... Giugiaro sold it to Toyota. This is also why it was easy to stuff a JZ in it becuase it was planed to us a Jag I6.

[Corbic]

But if there wasn't a knock off available, and that same poor person wanted that part bad enough, he would then be encouraged to save for that same part.

Why are you not blaming people for building their own parts, buy used parts or find OEM/Used part solutions?

Its not the customers fault that a company goes out of business but that company for not adapting to the customers need.

[Wake]

Jegs also has a multi million dollar racing team that does hours and hours of R&D, which is exactly our point.

JEGS is not a knock off brand like you are trying to make it sound. Plus you cant compare American companies against one that has to import every product it makes.

JEGS manufactures and ships from the united states. Which is exactly what HKS is doing. Keeping its sales in japan.

When you start talking about JEGS in japan let me know. Other wise stop comparing apples and fruit bats.

[raz0rbladez909]

My whole point about you mentioning jegs is the fact that even though they are a parts distributor and not everything the sell is their own brand. They don't have anything to do with the discussion as they aren't even a competitor of hks yet you keep telling me useless facts about a company that has nothing to do with the conversation, then you address a quote about a Toyota towards me when I didn't even respond to you about that, not to mention the fact that 90% of the useless banter you spit out was either disproven or just extremely lack of any real use to anything.

[raz0rbladez909]

Why are you not blaming people for building their own parts, buy used parts or find OEM/Used part solutions?

Its not the customers fault that a company goes out of business but that company for not adapting to the customers need.

People building their own parts shows innovation, and quite often those same people bring something new to the table that helps out the community. And the thing about used parts is somewhat technical but basically the money to receive that part has already been spent, so you have still supported that manufacturer because you just gave back the original purchaser some of the money they spent on it, then comes as it's basically free advertising for whatever companies products you have on your car, if somebody asks what kind of part you have or what kind of numbers you have made from that part ur still helping the business

[Toi]

Progression comes at a price...I understand what you're saying but I'd rather have more parts available for the car that I'm into...

This^^

I don't feel like dealing with having to FAB up for a part that should fit. If you have even touched as many V8s as I have you would know this is what happens with Edlebrock and Holly, dude needs to take a bite of that shit sandwich he is selling!

I have never had that "fab it" issue with HKS or any other legit company, and I HAVE seen the competition that other companies produce like comparing those POS turbos to an HKS2835pro series....Please the HKS outperforms, outflows, and outlast that $300 turbo!!

[Magical Trevor]

Because Zilvia has become overwhelmed with an infestation of cheap fucks with no taste.


Yup... prettttttty much nailed it.

[sidewaysil80]

And maybe in the Hampton roads area of Virginia car modification doesn't have a large demograph, but I guarantee there are plenty of other states where it is alive and well..
ACTUALLY, i'm willing to say that hampton roads virginia is the largest demograph on the mid atlantic...my statement was meant as a whole. i.e. it's a minority in this country where in japan it's a much more popular argument. that coupled with a shitty economy it's a no brainer that parts companies aren't going to be making enough money or sales to warrant a U.S. branch.


And your last statement makes me laugh, alot of the OG people have left because like I said, "Zilvia has become plagued with a bunch of cheap fucks with no taste"
or it's because they don't want to waste their time/be part of the immaturity and chilidish behavior that some members on this site display.


if Zilvia is so full of assholes and dudes that are compensating why don't you go hit up VAdriven?
i never said it's "full of assholes" their are just a handful of members that get off on flaming and trolling and the majority of the site just condones it. i do frequent BOTH sites, zilvia is just where i spend most of time. i'm not sure what you were trying to get at though.


Oh that's right because zilvia is well known to have one of THE best for sale sections out of the nissan specific forums, and it certainly isn't because of all the high quality knockoffs being sold.
are you implying that i frequent this site because of the f/s section? either way, you bring up a good point. so many people on here are quick to hate on knock offs but yet would buy a used name brand part if the deal was good enough. that hurts the original company MORE then a knock off does. dude wants an hks part bad enough...about to buy it new...jumps on zilvia real quick to see if he can save a few bucks...BAM finds it for 20bucks cheaper and buys it. that hurts more then the poor bastard who has NO DESIRE OR INTENTION of buying a name brand part and gets a godspeed or isis version as an alternative.

[lucky7]

Its not about inteligence....They are the best at what they do and they stand behind it. If they were dicks or greedy they would send their product to be made in China and sell it at a premium....Its like telling your son stop making A's in class and make some C's and D's so you can fit in with the rest of your class.....They are recognized over the world for their craftmanship. They dish out a quality product for those that "WANT" a quality product.


yeah, they're doing a really good job selling product in the US. :keke:
perhaps, if they wanted to make some money, they would have things manufactured in china. i wouldn't be surprised if they already did. if by chance they do have to close their doors in the next few years, i can assure you it wont have anything to do with knockoffs. it will have been a choice by that time. they have the ability to compete in the US market, instead, they choose not to.


and i think lots of the "OG" guys left or are leaving, is because the community is full of idiots with big heads.. cockiness and arrogance are not real good traits to have, lol.

[Matej]

HKS started out as a Tomei knock-off company.

True/False?

[lucky7]

relevance?

yes/no?

[Wake]

dude wtf is with you and china parts? Are you a fucking commie or what?

Why would a company that sells top of the line parts outsource to china. You think because capitalist Americans that are trying to fatten their pockets of the little man do it, that everyone should do it?

People like you is the reason our economy is shit to begin with, if china makes it cheaper just have them do it. WTF obviously you dont care about quality.

yay lets support a country that uses led beased materials in kids toys, cuz its cheaper.
Or a country that lets thousands of people die a year because of unsafe labor laws and practices. Who cares they have enough people to still make our shit for cheaper.

Go get cheap chinese food next time you go eat and enjoy your "cheaper meat" because its really the neighbors dog.

[SinGarage]

The way I see it is for anyone in this type of industry to become competitive is to jump on the China bandwagon. As far as I know, you cannot beat their labor charges. It sucks but that is just reality of it all. I think HKS just doesn't want to go that route. Now this is just IMHO and could be completely wrong. Just an observation.

[Wake]

So better labor prices is worth parts with inferior materials and an inferior end product?
Good logic. we can save some change while helping a country shit on its own people. COOL

HKS started out as a Tomei knock-off company.

True/False?

HKS was formed in 1973 by Hiroyuki Hasegawa, a former engineer for Yamaha Motor Company, and his partner Goichi Kitagawa, while the start up capital was supplied by Sigma Automotive (hence the name HKS). The company began operations by tuning gasoline-powered engines in a dairy-farming shed at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan. Their goal was to design and build high performance engines and components that major OE (original equipement) manufacturers could not or would not produce.
In July 1974, Hasegawa engineered and built the first commercialized turbocharger kit for passenger automobiles; since then developing turbocharger upgrades and bolt-on turbocharger kits that subsequently became the core business of HKS. Hasegawa also created the first commercially available electronic turbo timer and boost controller.

Sounds like innovation to me. I dunno what everyones problem is.


1968 TOMEI automobile was established at 1030 Kajigaya Kawasaki-city Kanagawa. We opened Engineering division and Parts division as a racing company for mainly NISSAN.
Paid-in Capital: 13 million Yen.
1971 Moved to 1431-18 Nogawa Miyamae-ku. Introduced 500HP dynamometer for measuring output of racing engine. Increased the capital to 19.5 million yen.
1973 Tuned BMW・M12 racing engine for GC/F2 class.
1978 Tenth anniversary of the company's founding.
Attended all Japan F2 championship as a member of the maker supported racing team. Started manufacturing and distributing racing parts and products. Accordingly, adopted computer system for sales management in Parts division.
1986 Newly opened development division and manufacturing division and constructed factory building according to the business expansion. Digital camshaft grinding machine and chassis dynamometer were introduced at the same time.

Doesnt look like they were even doing the same things at the same time

[Corbic]

Jegs also has a multi million dollar racing team that does hours and hours of R&D, which is exactly our point.

JEGS is not a knock off brand like you are trying to make it sound. Plus you cant compare American companies against one that has to import every product it makes.

JEGS manufactures and ships from the united states. Which is exactly what HKS is doing. Keeping its sales in japan.

When you start talking about JEGS in japan let me know. Other wise stop comparing apples and fruit bats.


Jesus, stop saying "KNOCK OFF". ISIS and Godspeed are not cloning HKS parts and putting HKS logos on them.

I've never said Jegs is a knock off, only that Jegs offers cost effective solutions. Not everyone wants to run out and pay top-dollar for top-parts. Why should i pay $400 for a Aeromotive fuel pump when my $80 Jegs one gets the job done?

Sure, I could save more and get a $30 eBay one, but at least Jegs offers a warranty and support.

That is what is going on with HKS, people don't want to pay $2,500 for coil overs, because all they want to do is go low, not win the race that they will never be in. So buy the ISIS or PBM ones for $700-1000, bank $1,500 and have coils that do what you want with some backing... or buy those garbage ones on ebay for $300.

Looking around at what people have here and in real life, few people seem to really rock "brandless ebay garbage". Most buy it one time, realize they fucked up and buy ISIS, PBM, AF, Stance et al from that point on. Very few people are willing to shell out top dollar for "premium" shit that is more about looking bad and earning style points then actually accomplishing your goal.

[raz0rbladez909]

I'll respond more when I'm back home on a computer, so this will be simple but the reason most the OG's left is because they got tired of dealing with lowballing cheap fucks, and people that don't care about their cars. I don't seem to remember many of you being around when most of them were but they had pride in ownership and a dedication to quality, not to mention knockoffs of any sort were looked down upon. Your taste or lack there of greatly shows in the quality and manner that your car turns out to be

[SinGarage]

Never cool but that is the reality of it. In the comercial industry I used to work in, all prototypes are done here in the US, once the design is proven, then sent out to China for mass production. This happens to almost all products specially electronics.

[daryl337]

I love the people who use the word "Knock off" as if these companies developed the design of a car part in the first place.

Take coil overs for example:
They all function the same. No one really copied a design, because there is pretty much 1 general design... with minor features differentiating "low end" and "high end" line coil overs. The only differences that should be considered are the materials used. There *are* comparable coil overs from reputable companies which offer suspensions at considerably cheaper price. A set of Tein coils is around 1700 bucks off of their website (for their higher end line). HKS is looking for 500 bucks more.

Browsing their product line, there isn't very much I am looking at which does not have a comparable quality counterpart from a different manufacturer. MLS gaskets? Don't even pretend that they were pioneered by HKS. Gauges? I severely doubt HKS pioneered the gauge industry. Top feed fuel injectors definately were not their design- yet they are charging 200 dollars per injector. In these ways, unfortunately HKS has not stayed as competative as some of their competators. Instead, they recognize they are a reputable company and have applied (what I like to call) a snob tax to their parts. BMW owners know what I am talking about.



The one item that HKS could probably solely claim they "pioneered" the design on would be their pull type bov in their SSQV line (vs the blow through designs that were on the market previously). Combining a pull type bov in a small housing with their particular snap ring style flange was truly an innovative design. Granted now they can be cheaper to acquire, I do remember the kits were spendy to begin with.


That being said, there are (and always will be) companies who produce absolute crap. If you pick up a turbo manifold and it feels like you might be able to pull the flanges right off the tubes with your hands... you don't want to buy it. Does your fuel pressure regulator look like a block of wood with a couple of holes drilled in it? Does your manual boost controller look like a bic pen? You may not have bought a quality product.

[Corbic]

The way I see it is for anyone in this type of industry to become competitive is to jump on the China bandwagon. As far as I know, you cannot beat their labor charges. It sucks but that is just reality of it all. I think HKS just doesn't want to go that route. Now this is just IMHO and could be completely wrong. Just an observation.

AMS builds all there stuff in house. Quality and RD rival HKS. They are expensive as well... however they are also doing very well.

Please Explain.


Where is HKS's R&D' GTR making 1000hp?

[Corbic]

I'll respond more when I'm back home on a computer, so this will be simple but the reason most the OG's left is because they got tired of dealing with lowballing cheap fucks, and people that don't care about their cars. I don't seem to remember many of you being around when most of them were but they had pride in ownership and a dedication to quality, not to mention knockoffs of any sort were looked down upon. Your taste or lack there of greatly shows in the quality and manner that your car turns out to be

What the fuck is OG... and I really hope its not "Oldskool Gangsta".

Aint no bitches on Zilvia fucking "gangsta"

[Wake]

And You know what he mean by OG dont be a douche just for the fuck of it. And dont assume that there are no real gangsters on zilvia.
If you have to tell somebody your gangster, its not very gangster.



BTW Can any of you guys read?

HKS was formed in 1973 by Hiroyuki Hasegawa, .............Their goal was to design and build high performance engines and components that major OE (original equipement) manufacturers could not or would not produce.
In July 1974, Hasegawa engineered and built the first commercialized turbocharger kit for passenger automobiles; since then developing turbocharger upgrades and bolt-on turbocharger kits that subsequently became the core business of HKS. Hasegawa also created the first commercially available electronic turbo timer and boost controller.

How is that not being the originator? I thought first meant, well.....first

[Corbic]

Never cool but that is the reality of it. In the comercial industry I used to work in, all prototypes are done here in the US, once the design is proven, then sent out to China for mass production. This happens to almost all products specially electronics.


Exactly. iPhones are made in China. The quality of the produce its determined by price point and what the "customer" (ie guy sending it out to be made) is asking for.

China can make a $4,000 chrome dipped, mirrored finished titanium exhaust for you... for the can make a $50 pig-iron one that is stick welded together.

[Wake]

Your still missing my points about chinese products.
But I guess when you dont have a valid argument for it you can always just resort to calling people bitches.

[Corbic]

How is that not being the originator? I thought first meant, well.....first

So what?

The first production turbocharged automobile engines came from General Motors in 1962. T

Oh noes, GM was the first, everyone run out and buy a GM car, GM = INNOVATION!

Not trying to be a dick to you personally, but everyone at some point did good stuff. Hudson, Studebaker, AMC, they all had great designs or innovation at one point. Its just you have to keep doing that to stay relevant.

I have not see that same level of innovation coming out of modern HKS, its always seemed to me like more hype then anything.

[sidewaysil80]

edit:
nevermind

[SinGarage]

AMS builds all there stuff in house. Quality and RD rival HKS. They are expensive as well... however they are also doing very well.

Please Explain.


Where is HKS's R&D' GTR making 1000hp?

I can't comment on this as I don't know anything about AMS. I do notice that HKS is not marketing heavily here in the US for quite some time now. Not like how it was back in the late 80' and early 90's. I do think they are cutting off the US branch as they see it's inevitable coming. Kinda like cutting of an arm because you have gangrene type of thing.

[NissanEnthus]

yeah, they're doing a really good job selling product in the US. :keke:
perhaps, if they wanted to make some money, they would have things manufactured in china. i wouldn't be surprised if they already did. if by chance they do have to close their doors in the next few years, i can assure you it wont have anything to do with knockoffs. it will have been a choice by that time. they have the ability to compete in the US market, instead, they choose not to.


and i think lots of the "OG" guys left or are leaving, is because the community is full of idiots with big heads.. cockiness and arrogance are not real good traits to have, lol.

Not sure where in post you got "they are doing really good in sales". You need some serious reading comprehension skills. And by you stating that HKS may already be making parts in China, you have just solidified your own comment:
"and i think lots of the "OG" guys left or are leaving, is because the community is full of idiots with big heads.. cockiness and arrogance are not real good traits to have, lol.

You also need to go back to page one where HKS states its reasons for closing. Again if you read it correctly(which I doubt and will tell you straight out)...There is no huge demand or market for their products when the economy is down. So for you to say a lame comment like "they chose not compete" makes a you douche that dont understand economics...Should they stay and compete with our down Economy?? LOL

[raz0rbladez909]

AMS builds all there stuff in house. Quality and RD rival HKS. They are expensive as well... however they are also doing very well.

Please Explain.


Where is HKS's R&D' GTR making 1000hp?

What the fuck is OG... and I really hope its not "Oldskool Gangsta".

Aint no bitches on Zilvia fucking "gangsta"

Oh jeez pick apart the most useless part about my statement, but when you get called on all the bullshit u have put out on this thread you say nothing, you are no longer even worth arguing with

[daryl337]

BTW Can any of you guys read?



How is that not being the originator? I thought first meant, well.....first



At that time, they used other turbo chargers, and simply supplied their test fitted piping and any fuel upgrades requested, however they still used other companies turbo's. Like many other "custom tuning" companies which are emerging these days, they started by taking a concept that some one else had originated... and applied their own twist. Until they released a kit, the world did what many places still do... they made their own damn piping.

Its the whole "xxx made the toilet seat.. yyy made the hole" scenario.






The turbo timer I do see a point however. Well played.

[SinGarage]

Automotive chinese products I've seen and have dealt with, yes the quality is inferior. Some are ok, most are marginal, and the rest were just crap.

Electronics on the other has gotten better in the last 10 years it's scary but are still charging for the same price as 10 years ago.

Would anyone fly in a commercial plane if they knew half the electonics for the navigation system and cockpit controls were made in China?

[Corbic]

The turbo timer I do see a point however. Well played.

Yet the most worthless mod ever...

[Wake]

^^ how is that worthless "mod". so my buddy with his cummings turbo diesel shouldnt let his truck cool down after using it? Or he should just stand there next to it with the keys in it until its safer to turn off?

yes turbines in some shape or form have existed for a very long time. far before internal combustion engines.

The point is he was the first to make a "commercialized kit for passenger vehicles", which is innovative. I dont think that someone working out of a farmhouse would have the engineering capabilities or materials needed to make a turbo from scratch. So they went to the best manufacturer at the time (KKK) and had them make one for them. They did the exact same thing any automaker would have done.

I mean does nissan suck for not making their own turbos to put on SR's?

[Corbic]

You also need to go back to page one where HKS states its reasons for closing. Again if you read it correctly(which I doubt and will tell you straight out)...There is no huge demand or market for their products when the economy is down. So for you to say a lame comment like "they chose not compete" makes a you douche that dont understand economics...Should they stay and compete with our down Economy?? LOL

You can't have it both ways though.

On one had we have people blaming "knock offs" and the emerging "budget conscious" aftermarket.

We have people blaming the consumers, saying the lack taste, style and loyalty

and now lastly we have the Economy to blame.


No doubt the real cause is that 10 years ago HKS was unable to predict the mass influx of inexpensive parts that would chip away at their sales and the credit crunch that would take place.

With little liquid resources and uncompetitive products for this economy, they are now forced to with-drawl and are hoping to do so while saving as much face as possible.

[Wake]

SO if a company chooses to leave a particular market they can only hvae one reason? and it better be damn GOOD!

This is stupid. There are no longer any valid points being brought up to argue. Good day sir's

[atom]

Not surprised all these companies are going down in flames. Products were too expensive for all the cheap asses in the US to require them having it's own offices here.

But honestly, I blame the Japanese automakers too. They haven't exactly nurtured the aftermarket scene. Look at all the cars from the 90's that were ripe for modding then compare it to today where the econobox wannabe racer Honda CR-Z is the hot shit right now. The Japanese automotive market has changed drastically for the worse for aftermarket companies.

But yeah, whatever. They aren't closing down for good like other companies, people who want HKS can still get it. I feel worse about the smaller companies like ARC, Aqua, Zero/Sports, etc. that are done for good.

[Wake]

I had no idea zero/sports was gone. That sucks too.

I think for some of us that were too young or poor when HKS was super popular, this may be kind of a bigger deal. Since we couldnt afford the parts then, and we are still going to have to pay an arm and a leg to get said parts because we can ONLY have them imported now.

[daryl337]

Yet the most worthless mod ever...

I'm not attesting that it was a super upgrade, it was just innovative. ;D



HKS had it's place.. lets face it.. the company is not going under completely. They simply are stopping the US branch.

People are pointing fingers at people who are "buying knock offs" but everyone should face it.... HKS isn't the only power player in the Nissan world.



Tomei competes with HKS. Along with Apexi, Greddy, Brian Crower, Garrett, Turbonetics, Blitz, Megan, Isis, Jim Wolf, Circuit Sports, Toda Racing.... for clutches you have os giken and all sorts of quality manufacturers.


These guys arent necessarily hurting because of any particular chinese undercutter.

They are hurting because these companies have saturated the market as it is. Lets face it, with an increase in global environmentally friendly efforts, the tuner industry is going to slow down. Add on that there are so many companies to compete with, you arent going to get nearly as big of a cut as you used to.

Market saturation happens in almost any type of economy, with the exception of precious materials (See: oil companies, and china's rare metal deposits)

[BoostSlideWayz]

First greddy and now this ?! this is horrible.. like the 2 major companies of import industry ..... gone...

[daryl337]

The point is he was the first to make a "commercialized kit for passenger vehicles", which is innovative. I dont think that someone working out of a farmhouse would have the engineering capabilities or materials needed to make a turbo from scratch. So they went to the best manufacturer at the time (KKK) and had them make one for them. They did the exact same thing any automaker would have done.

I mean does nissan suck for not making their own turbos to put on SR's?

Our point exactly.


So how does one differentiate innovation and "knock off?"


The market is the market. People will always come up with a good idea, and some one is going to take that idea and mass produce it.. probably in a shittier quality than you had originally designed.










All said and done, since my work shift is over and I have a head to go install... I end my thoughts with this:


It sucks to see HKS is struggling.
Knock offs arent to blame, because those things will exist everywhere.
Market saturation chipping away at the piece of the pie is to blame.



I do hope that HKS will one day return, as although they are pricey as all hell... they make great products and set a standard of comparison for the rest of the industry.
PS. Sell me a bov. Plox.

[NissanEnthus]

AMS builds all there stuff in house. Quality and RD rival HKS. They are expensive as well... however they are also doing very well.

Please Explain.


Where is HKS's R&D' GTR making 1000hp?

AMS does not overproduce its products which are few compared to HKS...Alot of their stuff is made to order as well as engine building and tuning. Also those GTR's you read about are actually customers cars with deep pockets with the exception of one I believe is owned by one of the owners and is their test mule. AMS is what HKS started out as a tuning shop that has grown through its reputation and quality workmanship....But as far as doin very well no one can comment on that except for them....To dis-credit a company as a whole because they dont show you a 1000 hp GTR is kind of dumb....But REALISTICALLY why would you need to see or read about a 1000HP GTR as proof....your not gonna buy one...or better yet why the hell would anyone want it except for bragging rights...

[lucky7]

Not sure where in post you got "they are doing really good in sales". You need some serious reading comprehension skills. And by you stating that HKS may already be making parts in China, you have just solidified your own comment:
"and i think lots of the "OG" guys left or are leaving, is because the community is full of idiots with big heads.. cockiness and arrogance are not real good traits to have, lol.

You also need to go back to page one where HKS states its reasons for closing. Again if you read it correctly(which I doubt and will tell you straight out)...There is no huge demand or market for their products when the economy is down. So for you to say a lame comment like "they chose not compete" makes a you douche that dont understand economics...Should they stay and compete with our down Economy?? LOL

i know enough about business and economics to back up exactly what i said. HKS chooses not to compete in the US market, end of story. we all know that inflation is starting to hit pretty hard in the US. when i said that "they are doing really good in sales", that was utter sarcasm. if they wanted more sales, they would offer lower priced products, and they would market better it's that simple.

and yes, i mentioned HKS might for all we know, getting parts from china. how would we know for sure? hardware, gaskets, electronic components? i was simply pointing out the possibility.

and most of the old guys left because they simply "grew up".

[atom]

The funny thing is JDM companies that are/were doing well are companies that are following AMS's strategy, not HKS.

I'm totally out of whack with whats going on in the industry now but a few years ago I was surprised to find out the companies that were doing relatively well in Japan were service oriented companies like Trial and Phoenix Power as opposed to parts oriented companies like HKS and Greddy. You can knock off parts all you want, service and know-how you cannot.

[Wake]

but you have to remember that companies like trial and phoenix's power are using parts and electronics from companies like HKS.

They dont make their own. Even trial's body kits are manufactured by someone else.

[SinGarage]

Does Kameari produce their parts in house? I believe that they do but not sure. Can someone confirm?

[NissanEnthus]

i know enough about business and economics to back up exactly what i said. HKS chooses not to compete in the US market, end of story. we all know that inflation is starting to hit pretty hard in the US. when i said that "they are doing really good in sales", that was utter sarcasm. if they wanted more sales, they would offer lower priced products, and they would market better it's that simple.

and yes, i mentioned HKS might for all we know, getting parts from china. how would we know for sure? hardware, gaskets, electronic components? i was simply pointing out the possibility.

and most of the old guys left because they simply "grew up".

The whole time everyone is talking about HKS and I had no idea we had an employee...Or excuse me an Executive from HKS on the zilvia forums to tell us what the real story is behind them closing. WOW! Let me guess you wrote that letter on the first page....And such an informed economist sir to say "we all know INFALATION IS JUST STARTING to hit the US....You are so correct we have had years of AWSOME economy and just yesterday the inflation thing hit us

[ronmcdon]

Wouldn't it be more logical for HKS to do the exact opposite?
Meaning close their Japanese branch and move to the US instead?

With the rising Yen and dropping dollar, you would think that it would be the more cost-effective move.
Unless of course, most of HKS departments/staff are already in China or somewhere costs are lower than the US.

[lucky7]

The whole time everyone is talking about HKS and I had no idea we had an employee...Or excuse me an Executive from HKS on the zilvia forums to tell us what the real story is behind them closing. WOW! Let me guess you wrote that letter on the first page....And such an informed economist sir to say "we all know INFALATION IS JUST STARTING to hit the US....You are so correct we have had years of AWSOME economy and just yesterday the inflation thing hit us

tell me then, since you seem to know things that nobody else knows. why are they pulling out of the US market? aside from the obvious fact that they're not selling jack shit here. which is painfully obvious if you can read between the lines.

and btw, they're predicting hyperflation by the end of '11. much of which has to do with our govt shamelessly printing money and spending what they don't have.

[drift freaq]

Not surprised all these companies are going down in flames. Products were too expensive for all the cheap asses in the US to require them having it's own offices here.

But honestly, I blame the Japanese automakers too. They haven't exactly nurtured the aftermarket scene. Look at all the cars from the 90's that were ripe for modding then compare it to today where the econobox wannabe racer Honda CR-Z is the hot shit right now. The Japanese automotive market has changed drastically for the worse for aftermarket companies.

But yeah, whatever. They aren't closing down for good like other companies, people who want HKS can still get it. I feel worse about the smaller companies like ARC, Aqua, Zero/Sports, etc. that are done for good.

Ok here we go. What the man wrote above is true. Japanese companies like Greddy, HKS, Apexi, etc.. have always been on the expensive side.
Regardless of that when the market was different they were still able to sell.

There is also truth that the Japanese car manufacturers in the last 5 years have not really been focusing on building cars that were destined for tuning. Honda specifically pulled out of F1 and publicly stated they were going to focus on economy type vehicles. Actually that is always were Honda was strongest.

Toyota has ever more focused on economy as well, regardless of the LFA and the proposed FT86.
Nissan has had to stay in a somewhat sports car oriented vein because its what their heritage is all about as is with Mazda in the last 20 years.

Now with less sports oriented cars available there is less need for tuning parts.
With the fact that quite a few manufacturers are turning out cars with good hp numbers from the factory as well it changes the picture.

All of this combined with the advent of cheap parts made in China ( Oh and yes HKS most likely does have a manufacturing plant in China as well, due to the high cost of labor in Japan these days) . The downturn in the economy and last but not least the Earthquake/Tsunami and its a perfect reason on the balance sheet to cease operations in the U.S. for HKS.

It really does no good to argue anything else as those are real facts that all contributed to the situation.

As far as people talking about inflation goes. LOL I was alive when this country had double digit inflation.
We are far from it at this point. Hyperinflation in the next few years? LOL give me a break.

We weathered double digit inflation in this country and pulled through into some very good economic times for years to come.

Oh and as far as OG comments go. I have been here damn near the whole time. Wanted to walk away many times, got disgusted many times, pretty much don't post often anymore because of it.

It used to be fun, You used to be able to debate and argue and it was not a big deal, flame away as we used to say.

Its not that way anymore. You tell someone facts, they say your full of shit, even if they know absolutely nothing of what they talk about.
They act like children and you talk to them like they act and they say your condescending.

Its called act grown up, get treated grown up. This shit used to never go on back in the day. A few of us have stuck it out. Most have left, almost all are disgusted.

That sums up why a lot of have left. IMO

current crop of 240 owners is different. Can't change it.

HKS is leaving as well, get over it.

[NissanEnthus]

tell me then, since you seem to know things that nobody else knows. why are they pulling out of the US market? aside from the obvious fact that they're not selling jack shit here. which is painfully obvious if you can read between the lines.

and btw, they're predicting hyperflation by the end of '11. much of which has to do with our govt shamelessly printing money and spending what they don't have.

I DONT HAVE TO TELL YOU SHIT....READ THE HKS LETTER IN THE FIRST PAGE AND THEN TALK....btw i'm not being saracstic anymore

[lucky7]

you're not saying much of anything. :keke:
i've read the letter several times, and it still says the same thing i read the first time around. .

[One_love_silvia]

this is NOT okay...

[usdm180sx]

i think corbics as well as other points are being missed. its not giving a shit about the real deal as it is getting what you pay for and bang for the buck.

example...deatschwerks sr injectors (400.00), hks sr injectors (700.00). both do the same thing AND deatschwerks SPECIALIZES in injectors. vice hks who mass produces everything. i would lean that deatschwerks product and experience would be better then the hks one. not too mention iirc the hks one are just rebadged denso's. some people would rather pay the extra $300 for cool points or as you guys say "supporting the inovator or og brand blah blah blah". but why? their is a superior product or at the very least equally as good more readily availible version for substantially cheaper...

Nah man bad example. Deatschwerks are redrilled. Sure they may flow like the charts say but the atomization isn't as good. I like (some) HKS products because they work well. Except for their power flow filters. Apexi is the best. There was a test on this. I forgot the link. I also have the FCon VPro and it's as awesome as ecu's get. Granted you have to have it tuned by an HKS Power dealer but I'm not a tuner so I don't give a shit. I had the GT-RS Turbo as well and it's a bad ass turbo. Their stainless steel headers are on par with full race imo. NEVER cracked on me. The welds are immaculate and the flange is like 1/2" thick. Good quality shit.

[Matej]

Oh no, totally forgot about HKS air filters. I like those.
Now I suddenly care. I shall stock up on replacement filter mesh, in every color.

[towlie]

You guys were complaining about poor customer service. Where exactly are you purchasing these parts from ?

To be an US authorized HKS dealer, I'm pretty sure customer service would be decent at worst

[ixfxi]

Looking around at what people have here and in real life, few people seem to really rock "brandless ebay garbage". Most buy it one time, realize they fucked up and buy ISIS, PBM, AF, Stance et al from that point on. Very few people are willing to shell out top dollar for "premium" shit that is more about looking bad and earning style points then actually accomplishing your goal.

Are you serious? All the broke fucks I know continue to be broke fucks that buy cheap shit. Take you for example. Post some pics of your car so I can compare it to my piece of shit, and I am sure everyone will agree that your car is absolutely superior.

Oh, sorry... that was sarcasm.


iPhones are made in China.

Apparently you never googled the keywords "foxconn" and "suicide," owning an iPhone sure is something to be proud of. What do I know, I dont even own a cell phone anymore.


Oh noes, GM was the first, everyone run out and buy a GM car, GM = INNOVATION!

Hmm. Corvette still is a highly desirable sportscar. LS motors are still highly desirable motors. Is there a problem with GM that I dont know about?


The funny thing is JDM companies that are/were doing well are companies that are following AMS's strategy, not HKS.

Funny. AMS is celebrating their first decade in business. Not bad, I am celebrating my first decade in business too.. and I'm a loser.

HKS has celebrated THIRTY (30) years in business and is pulling out of the US market during a GLOBAL economical crisis. Clearly, AMS is not even on the same level as HKS.


I also have the FCon VPro and it's as awesome as ecu's get. Granted you have to have it tuned by an HKS Power dealer but I'm not a tuner so I don't give a shit. I had the GT-RS Turbo as well and it's a bad ass turbo. Their stainless steel headers are on par with full race imo. NEVER cracked on me. The welds are immaculate and the flange is like 1/2" thick. Good quality shit.

Anyone who has been around knows that HKS = QUALITY.

I spoke to numerous customers today who find it absurd that a thread like this even exists. It really is unfortunate at how quickly (some) young people ignore the accomplishments of their successors and how easily they can disregard facts for hear-say and opinion.

This thread is TOAST.

[lucky7]

^ i don't know why you keep pushing back. his points are, for the most part valid.
everyone knows HKS makes good stuff. but most of us also know that there are reputable/comparable products that are priced far more competitively. adapt and compete, or GTFO. they may have been around for 30 years, but you can't expect to run the business the same way you did 30 years ago. their industry has been evolving, but i don't feel that they have not. not nearly at the same pace at least.

[ManoNegra]

Of all the leading Japanese tuning companies, only Greddy, ARK, RAYS, Tomei and Toda will be currently openly active and supportive of the US market. If you continue to patronize companies that rip off, soon you will have no parts other than janky copies of crap for your cars and no parts will be developed for newer cars. It's hard for us to publicly name names of the rip off artists, last time we attempted to do this, we were threatened by a lawsuit.

A prime example of a market that was eliminated by the Chinese was that of the Sentra SE-R. At one time it had a thriving aftermarket but the Chinese and Ebayers moved in and drove all the innovating companies either out of business or into other markets. Few quality parts are now available for the platform and the SE-R scene died. Few new parts have been developed for new Sentras and the only enthusiasts left are mostly people who build janky cars. All interest and innovation has moved on. The Chinese copycatter killed this platform dead in around three years.


enjoy it while it lasts fools

[Wake]

Thats why I buy skullworks.

Who cares if a few chinese dudes kill themselves to live up to our demand. As long as we get it for cheaper.

Its the American way, who cares whose back you have to step on to get what you want, as long as you get it for cheap and come out slightly better off.

[Om1kron]

not going to read this thread, it sucks when a japanese company branches out to the US and then is sent packing because we either fabricate our own shit, make equally decent products without the jdm factor, or are cheap asses and buy fake shit from ebay.

The whole point is it doesn't fucking matter if hks is packing up and going home because the only thing most zilvians would buy are radiator caps, oil caps, and maybe a turbo timer.

very few people if any have hks turbos for nissans or anything for that matter, much less this will effect EVO owners more than us. Or other people that have "baller chassis" as a lot of you tards like to call it. 370z, gtr, etc.

So I don't know why we're making a fuss about it here.

[usdm180sx]

It really sucks because Jon Kuroyama is one bad ass tuner and he worked for HKS USA. He's the main reason I went with the VPro. DriftSpeed here I come with my VPro to tune my s13!

Anyway, it's sad to see this happen but their costs are too high and their profits are too low in the US market for it to make sense to stay here. Not enough ballers who want top of the line shit to support them so off they go.

[raz0rbladez909]

enjoy it while it lasts fools

Exactly what I've been saying this entire time. Glad I'm not the only one

[djcobra]

Nah man bad example. Deatschwerks are redrilled. Sure they may flow like the charts say but the atomization isn't as good. I like (some) HKS products because they work well. Except for their power flow filters. Apexi is the best. There was a test on this. I forgot the link. I also have the FCon VPro and it's as awesome as ecu's get. Granted you have to have it tuned by an HKS Power dealer but I'm not a tuner so I don't give a shit. I had the GT-RS Turbo as well and it's a bad ass turbo. Their stainless steel headers are on par with full race imo. NEVER cracked on me. The welds are immaculate and the flange is like 1/2" thick. Good quality shit.

Norm, your Green S14 inspired me so much that my current setup on my Red S14 is almost identical to yours. That HKS GT-RS is one bad ass turbo! ;)

Steve.

[revcyanide]

whether you like the product or not, whether you think its overpriced or not
this is BAD for the community and anyone who thinks differently is fucking stupid.

[bardabe]

FuCKING AWESOME!!!! *insert sarcasm here* this sucks.

[drift freaq]

not going to read this thread, it sucks when a japanese company branches out to the US and then is sent packing because we either fabricate our own shit, make equally decent products without the jdm factor, or are cheap asses and buy fake shit from ebay.

The whole point is it doesn't fucking matter if hks is packing up and going home because the only thing most zilvians would buy are radiator caps, oil caps, and maybe a turbo timer.

very few people if any have hks turbos for nissans or anything for that matter, much less this will effect EVO owners more than us. Or other people that have "baller chassis" as a lot of you tards like to call it. 370z, gtr, etc.

So I don't know why we're making a fuss about it here.

I had a HKS GT2530 on my RB it was bad fucking ass. One dope ass little turbo that was good for 300whp and instant spool.

Its true its a bummer they are going but you know like I said earlier shit changes, things are tough right now. Its over get over it.

If I spent all my time lamenting the passing of great times in my life? I would not have time to have more great times.

Its the same deal with this. HKS is leaving its the end of a particular era . Move on and look for something new.

Personally I find it kinda of cool that people are starting to come up with stuff themselves again.

A lot of you are spoiled, Oh no here comes dave with his old shit talk.... LOL

Its true you punk asses, you are spoiled kids crying. When I first got into cars and tuning a lot of the shit was stateside only. Or through Datsun competition department.
I was in the Japanese engine and trans Business when HKS first came here. My and my associates dealt with Lucky Dodge. LOL that was his name.

I watched shit bloom and all of sudden all this stuff was available and you did not have to fabricate like a lot did back in the day.


It's cool that people are fabricating again, its a good thing. Instead of crying about them leaving, get off your asses and starting looking at ways to do things here.
Try supporting the home grown stateside business ( I could plug my business here hehehehhehe)

People like Def, Skullworks, The guy that makes custom Koni housings who I cannot think of his name for the life of me at the moment, Clear corners( don't buy those cheap ass Chinese HID crap!) etc...



Ok I am done as this thread is done. You guys can all go one beating the dead horse.

[Wake]

Aww but it was so much fun.

http://archive.perfectduluthday.com/beating-a-dead-horse.gif

[upsdude]

Thats why I buy skullworks.

Who cares if a few chinese dudes kill themselves to live up to our demand. As long as we get it for cheaper.

Its the American way, who cares whose back you have to step on to get what you want, as long as you get it for cheap and come out slightly better off.

i know you're being sarcsastic but there's alot of truth in that statement-why do you think walmart is so successful?

[Michael E]

Who didnt see this coming

[DxZoo]

The way i look at the whole "knock off" argument, alot of people wouldnt even be buying aftermarket parts if there werent cheaper options. A car enthusiast living on a budget isnt going to spend 2500$ coils, 800$ in supension arms, and 3000$ on wheels even if those are his only options to modify his car. He can, however, save for a 6 months and buy equivalent cheaper lower quality parts for an 1/6th of the price. So its kind of unfair to criticize not buying $7k in parts and blaming the death of the industry on it when thats simply not possible for many people anyway. Economy sucks, people have less to spend, its just simple as that.

['97 S14 SE Turbo]

The above statement just show financial irresponsibility...

If anyone one's on a budget, dumping money into cars should be the last thing on their mind. They should put that money to good use, get an advance degree, get a better job/career, then have the wealth to really "play" with cars.

Too many people wanting to walk the walk, but can't really afford it...

[ronmcdon]

Yeah, but obviously the reality is ppl typically are NOT responsible or rational.
(who the hell owns a 15+ year old nissan and dumps $$$ into is?)

Young adults are the ones who typically have the most disposable income,
so I wouldn't be surprised that's the target demographic of automotive after-market companies.

Besides, not all younger adults are going for an 'all or nothing' approach of car parts or bust attitude.
Most usually come up with a fair compromise, arguably easier achieved with cheaper parts.
Then again, I do not feel HKS parts are unreasonably priced compared to several other Japanese companies.

[lucky7]

you could argue that buying cheaper parts is in fact, more financially responsible.

[DxZoo]

The above statement just show financial irresponsibility...

If anyone one's on a budget, dumping money into cars should be the last thing on their mind. They should put that money to good use, get an advance degree, get a better job/career, then have the wealth to really "play" with cars.

Too many people wanting to walk the walk, but can't really afford it...

What are you saying. If you don't drop huge sums of money into a 20 year old jap car you're not "walking the walk"? Its not financially irresponsible to spend reasonable amounts of money on your hobby/interest.

[WanganRunner]

This is sad, but at least all the parts are still going to get made.

If the HKS parent company were actually going away, I'd be a lot more distressed. Sucks for anyone at HKS USA who is going to lose a job though.

This is the natural progression of things, as more US companies sprout up and especially as the yen continues to appreciate against the dollar.

This is REALLY going to hit the fan with the mainline Japanese auto companies, if we get to 60Y per $1 or something crazy like that, all those firms will effectively be priced out of their largest market.

[ronmcdon]

I think that is part of the reason why so many of the manufacturers are building plants in the US.
With the high (if not overpriced) value of the YEN, it's not a cost-effective way to manufacture anything in Japan.
Now if they were already manufacturing in China then it would not matter as much.

[HalveBlue]

Those that know, know.

I was thought that if you respect the things you own they will serve you for a life time.

I remember when getting a fucking dent or scratch was a big fucking deal. These days it's hard to find a car on Zilvia that doesn't look like it's been shoved down Mt. Everest a couple of times.

Fact is, you pay for quality.

What was that saying again?

ah yes...

You gotta pay to play!

As true today as it's ever been.

But why bother? "It's just some 20 year old Japanese import..." :rolleyes:

[towlie]

What was that saying again?

ah yes...

You gotta pay to play!

As true today as it's ever been.

But why bother? "It's just some 20 year old Japanese import..." :rolleyes:

I was going to guess "you get what you pay for" lol

Also, I've never heard anyone say that. Might aswell ditch classic muscle cars if that's how people are thinking, " it's just some 45 year old junker from a era were starting to forget"

[raz0rbladez909]

CHEAP : FAST : QUALITY Pick two of the three.

[bardabe]

this is still going on? lol just let it go. sooner or later people will realize being cheap fucks and having poor knocked off tasteless cars will get them nowhere, and the car culture will slowly come up again.

[Corbic]

CHEAP : FAST : QUALITY Pick two of the three.

It's a 240, their cheap, and that's about it.

If you want quality why are you not driving a Porsche? Then you wouldn't have to worry about knock offs and that other douchee kid in tight jeans down the street making you look bad or ruining the scene.

[lucky7]

It's a 240, their cheap, and that's about it.

If you want quality why are you not driving a Porsche? Then you wouldn't have to worry about knock offs and that other douchee kid in tight jeans down the street making you look bad or ruining the scene.

lol, forget it dude. he's too far gone already. :keke:

[bardabe]

this is the way I see it, sucks that HKS is going to be more expensive to get in the states. but that leaves basically the Janky broke kids to build their POS ebay cars. and then the legit tuners. which will come to legit companies for their parts such as Full Race, Skull Works, and Myself to name a few. not to mention we don't stick to the cheap old market and the newer car market where the true enthusiast are is where all the money is at anyway.

[silverarrow27]

CHEAP : FAST : QUALITY Pick two of the three.

Cheap and quality just does not go hand in hand :Ownedd:

[Corbic]

this is the way I see it, sucks that HKS is going to be more expensive to get in the states. but that leaves basically the Janky broke kids to build their POS ebay cars. and then the legit tuners. which will come to legit companies for their parts such as Full Race, Skull Works, and Myself to name a few. not to mention we don't stick to the cheap old market and the newer car market where the true enthusiast are is where all the money is at anyway.

If you where a true enthusiast you would own a P-car or at very least a FD.

Your on a website dedicated to an sporty economy car that sells or $1,500 on the used market today.

Modifying one could be compared to polishing a turd. It's like buying Rosie O'donell $30k in clothes and Jewlery and saying she's hotter than a naked Jordana Brewster.

[raz0rbladez909]

Cheap and quality just does not go hand in hand :Ownedd:
Not necessarily but you can get quality stuff for cheaper if you are willing to wait most of the time.

If you where a true enthusiast you would own a P-car or at very least a FD.

Your on a website dedicated to an sporty economy car that sells or $1,500 on the used market today.

Modifying one could be compared to polishing a turd. It's like buying Rosie O'donell $30k in clothes and Jewlery and saying she's hotter than a naked Jordana Brewster.

How is he not a "true enthusiast"? By P-car do you mean performance car? Are you assuming that because he is on Zilvia that all he owns is a 240sx? And by FD are you referring to an RX7? And if you read a little bit you would know that ZILVIA isn't only 240sx's you know it quite clearly says NISSAN 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) CAR FORUM. Last time I checked the Z-car was definitely considered a performance car, and the original years are now considered classics, maybe before you assume everybody on here owns a 240sx you might want to look at a profile or two.

[bardabe]

If you where a true enthusiast you would own a P-car or at very least a FD.

Your on a website dedicated to an sporty economy car that sells or $1,500 on the used market today.

Modifying one could be compared to polishing a turd. It's like buying Rosie O'donell $30k in clothes and Jewlery and saying she's hotter than a naked Jordana Brewster.
im not here to argue, it was a mere statement and opinion of the way i see things going. oh and for the record, my first car was a 1993 Silvia Club K's (yes a silvia not a 240sx) so that is the reason i am on this forum. since then I have owned couple Z32's an 07 Z33, and now I personally have an Evo X as a Daily driver. so yes i believe i own a P-car. most people on this forum refer to me as being "expensive" but the guys that actually have real cars, with real parts, and real goals. know the kind of business I do. if you ever have any questions about who i do business with or how i do business feel free to contact me. I'll make your car run better than most shops on this forum claim to do.

[Corbic]

Not necessarily but you can get quality stuff for cheaper if you are willing to wait most of the time.



How is he not a "true enthusiast"? By P-car do you mean performance car? Are you assuming that because he is on Zilvia that all he owns is a 240sx? And by FD are you referring to an RX7? And if you read a little bit you would know that ZILVIA isn't only 240sx's you know it quite clearly says NISSAN 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) CAR FORUM. Last time I checked the Z-car was definitely considered a performance car, and the original years are now considered classics, maybe before you assume everybody on here owns a 240sx you might want to look at a profile or two.

Wow, you truly are not an enthusiast, and by that I mean you have no experience in the car world besides this form from the sound of it.

A P-car is a Porsche, generally considered the pinnacle of a drivers "Drivers car". A true enthusiast snob, you know, one that mocks others for spending less on their cars, would drive nothing less then a P-car or maybe a M-series (BMW M3, M5, so forth).

An FD is in fact a 3 Gen RX-7, once again, another respected Japanese "Drivers cars" becuase of its light weight and responsive engine. Its a true sports car, unlike a 240sx. If he owned one, he would most likely be on ClubRX7.

Z-cars, while in some cases are sports cars, are normally Grand Tourers or economy performance. The 350Z being highly compromised, heavy, sluggish and rocking a inferior V6 found in Altimas. I supposed some uncultured swine own classic Datsuns, which have redeeming quality, but then again those are simply Jaguar, Porsche, and Daytona knock-offs. Cheap garbage sold to the masses lacking the taste to buy a E-Type or properly build a Daytona replica.

Once again, those owners would be a on ZCars.com, My350z ect. Very little Z action on Zilvia, as you said, to many broke ass kids.

I'm looking at your profile right now. A poor mans E-type knock off and a gussied up over priced economy car with AWD which is greatly inferior to its predecessors. :rolleyes:

[raz0rbladez909]

Wow, you truly are not an enthusiast, and by that I mean you have no experience in the car world besides this form from the sound of it.

A P-car is a Porsche, generally considered the pinnacle of a drivers "Drivers car". A true enthusiast snob, you know, one that mocks others for spending less on their cars, would drive nothing less then a P-car or maybe a M-series (BMW M3, M5, so forth).

An FD is in fact a 3 Gen RX-7, once again, another respected Japanese "Drivers cars" becuase of its light weight and responsive engine. Its a true sports car, unlike a 240sx. If he owned one, he would most likely be on ClubRX7.

Z-cars, while in some cases are sports cars, are normally Grand Tourers or economy performance. The 350Z being highly compromised, heavy, sluggish and rocking a inferior V6 found in Altimas. I supposed some uncultured swine own classic Datsuns, which have redeeming quality, but then again those are simply Jaguar, Porsche, and Daytona knock-offs. Cheap garbage sold to the masses lacking the taste to buy a E-Type or properly build a Daytona replica.

Once again, those owners would be a on ZCars.com, My350z ect. Very little Z action on Zilvia, as you said, to many broke ass kids.

I'm looking at your profile right now. A poor mans E-type knock off and a gussied up over priced economy car with AWD which is greatly inferior to its predecessors. :rolleyes:

Wow I didn't realize not knowing P-car was slang for Porsche, how difficult is Porsche to say? How does not owning a Porsche remove all possibility of me being an automotive enthusiast? So all Boxster and Cayman owners must be enthusiasts as well huh? I'm sure they are. :rolleyes: It's funny because you're trying to come off as condescending, but your message is quite clear that you are bothered because I don't have the same viewpoint as you.

FD's are great cars, but I would hate to deal with something as horribly unreliable as a turbo rotary, rotaries aren't the easiest to keep cool N/A let alone when adding a turbocharger to them. So you can have fun with that, as you say a "Drivers Car". Being that I've previously owned two different NB Miatas I really don't get where you are trying to educate me in this area.

That same inferior V-6 that you are bashing can easily make twice the power and 10x the reliability of that same rotary that you are busy sucking off over there. And uncultured swine huh? I'll just take that as your poor attempt at trying to get a rise out of me.

Just because I am on one forum, does not mean I can not be apart of many, in fact when it comes to every car I have ever owned or considered owning I have always joined a specific forum first so I can learn about all the pro's and con's beforehand. Zilvia just happens to be where I started out, and happens to be where I started learning most of what I know today, so it may be understandable that I take to a particular route when it comes to automotive modification. I may come off as an asshole sometimes or an elitist in some ways, if you think so thats fine, you don't have to like me. I'm not here to make you happy and my opinion still stands. Either do it right the first time, or you will be doing it a second or third time.

Think what you want about the cars I own, your opinion is your opinion, which you have the right to express, whether I like it or not. It doesn't bother me one bit, in fact I quite enjoy my cars, whether you think it's a "Gussied up Over priced economy car with AWD which is greatly inferior to its predecessors." or a "Poor mans E-type knockoff" Either of which I can guarantee can and will be done in good taste, and not hastily following the newest trends circulating the internet.

With that said, I'm done posting in here, I have already said what I intended to say, my opinion is exactly what it is, an opinion. Perhaps I went a little off topic but that's where this is posted and I really have nothing to prove to you by wasting anymore time on this.

[yoojeankim]

it was sad enough hearing ARC shut down.. now this :X

[Rally240sx.com]

:lockd:!!!!!!

[fightinchunk]

not too mention how many people look in the for sale section before they buy a part to try and find it used? THATS prob the biggest killer to all these car part companies.

so zilvia killed hks. gotcha!

[sidewaysil80]

so zilvia killed hks. gotcha!
ummm, no. the US used part market potentially played a large role in the closing of HKS USA.

[fightinchunk]

ahh so zilvia private classifieds section killed hks. i see






it was a joke.

[VROOOM]

Japanese companies are too expensive for the US. i remember when Jun was here. i went there to see how much a SR swap would be. this was around 1998-1999. i talked to the owner and everything. then got a call from them. it was going to be $14,000 and i was to supply the transmission. this was a bone stock SR swap.

[fightinchunk]

Japanese companies are too expensive for the US. i remember when Jun was here. i went there to see how much a SR swap would be. this was around 1998-1999. i talked to the owner and everything. then got a call from them. it was going to be $14,000 and i was to supply the transmission. this was a bone stock SR swap.

ohh I remember when JUN left... them leaving was detrimental to our scene and who we are and what we stand for blah blah blah blah blah gay blah blah


relax

[VROOOM]

ohh I remember when JUN left... them leaving was detrimental to our scene and who we are and what we stand for blah blah blah blah blah gay blah blah


relax

and they left because they charge 14k for a SR swap. they were very cool guys but no one in thier right mind would pay 14k for an SR swap.

[SoBay240guy]

FWIW only people that buy Porsche's on a second mortgage call them P-Cars, people that can afford them generally call them by chassis code, genertion (ie 997t.2) or model designator and prefer to pronounce porsche so they don't get confused with all the P-car driving wussies that pronounce porch.

[redline racer510]

CHEAP : FAST : QUALITY Pick two of the three.
I pick cheap and quality lol, jp.

[!Zar!]

I pick cheap and quality lol, jp.

That is possible if you buy used and are smart about it.