How Japan’s Fastest Cars Were Built in a Cowshed
About this episode
The episode dives into the fascinating history of H-K-S, one of Japan's most iconic tuning companies, which started in a cowshed near Mount Fuji. Founders Hiroyuki Hasagawa and Gochi Kitagawa revolutionized the Japanese automotive scene by introducing turbocharging to everyday cars when most saw them as mere commuters. The discussion covers H-K-S's innovative spirit, its rise in motorsport, and the cultural impact it has had on car enthusiasts globally. With notable anecdotes about their groundbreaking products and racing successes, the episode highlights how H-K-S has remained at the forefront of automotive performance for decades.
HKS
"This week we're talking H-K-S. It's not just a random collection of words in the alphabet. It's one of the most influential and coolest Japanese tuners of all time."
HKS is a company from Japan that makes parts to make cars faster and perform better. They're famous for their work with many types of cars, especially Japanese ones.
HKS is a well-known Japanese aftermarket tuning company that specializes in performance parts and modifications for various vehicles. Founded in 1973, they have become a significant player in the automotive tuning industry, particularly in the realm of Japanese cars.
Honda Civic
"But before every car meet had at least one Honda Civic with an unmistakable purple logo on the side, H-K-S was a risk."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and can be made to go faster with upgrades. It's often seen at car meets.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been popular for decades, known for its reliability and performance potential. It has a strong aftermarket support, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts, especially for modifications.
boost
"H-K-S was strapping turbos to them, cranking the boost, and rewriting the rules of what a four-cylinder engine could do."
Boost is a term used to describe how much extra air pressure a turbo adds to an engine. More boost usually means more power, but it has to be managed carefully.
Boost refers to the increased air pressure created by a turbocharger in an engine. Higher boost levels can lead to more power output, but they also require careful tuning to maintain engine reliability.
supercharger
"That's a supercharger. Nice. I don't know if you can tell."
A supercharger helps an engine produce more power by pushing in extra air, which lets it burn more fuel. This makes the car go faster.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output. It is typically driven by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft.
GT-R
"...group A, GT-Rs and even an airplane at some point."
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that is very popular among car enthusiasts. It is known for being powerful and has a history of winning races.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful engine. It has a strong motorsport heritage, particularly in Group A racing, where it gained fame for its dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Subaru Wrx
"They had a fully built, like, new Subaru WRX. Very cool."
The Subaru WRX is a fast car made for racing and driving on different types of roads. It has a powerful engine and all-wheel drive, which helps it handle well in various conditions.
The Subaru WRX is a high-performance version of the Subaru Impreza, designed for rally racing and known for its all-wheel drive, turbocharged engine, and sporty handling. It's a favorite among car enthusiasts for its performance capabilities.
Group A
"...The Group A car?"
Group A is a type of racing where regular cars are modified to compete. It helped create some very famous racing cars.
Group A is a category of motorsport that allows modified production cars to compete in racing events. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to the development of many iconic performance vehicles.
Fuji Speedway
"...symbolized by the opening of Fuji Speedway in 1965. The track quickly became a beacon for motorsport fans,..."
Fuji Speedway is a well-known racetrack in Japan where many car races happen. It opened in 1965 and helped make car racing more popular in Japan.
Fuji Speedway is a famous racetrack located in Japan, known for hosting various motorsport events, including Formula 1 races. Its opening in 1965 marked a significant moment in Japanese motorsport history, contributing to the growth of car culture in the country.
Toyota Celica
"...ns, cars like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Toyota Celica, the Mazda Cosmo, and Datsun Fairlady Z."
Mazda Cosmo
"the Mazda Cosmo, and Datsun Fairlady Z."
The Mazda Cosmo is a sports car known for its unique rotary engine, which is different from traditional engines. It's famous among car fans for its design and performance.
The Mazda Cosmo was a sports car produced by Mazda, notable for being one of the first cars to use a rotary engine. It has become a symbol of Mazda's engineering innovation and is revered among car enthusiasts.
Nissan Fairlady Z
"...R, the Toyota Celica, the Mazda Cosmo, and Datsun Fairlady Z. That was the first rotary Mazda, right?"
The Nissan Fairlady Z is a sporty car that has been around since the 1960s. It's loved for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among car fans.
The Nissan Fairlady Z, known as the Nissan Z in many markets, is a sports car that has been in production since the 1960s, celebrated for its performance and design. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and has undergone several generations of development, each improving on the last. The Fairlady Z is often discussed for its blend of style, speed, and driving enjoyment.
rotary engine
"That was the first rotary Mazda, right?"
A rotary engine is a type of engine that works differently from regular engines. Instead of pistons moving up and down, it has a spinning design that helps it run smoothly.
A rotary engine is an internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design to convert pressure into rotating motion. Mazda is particularly known for its use of this engine type in several models.
Wangan Midnight
"it's really funny, in Wangan Midnight, the arcade game, that's the fastest car."
Wangan Midnight is an arcade game where you race cars on a famous highway in Japan. It's all about going fast and tuning your car for better performance.
Wangan Midnight is an arcade racing game that features high-speed street racing on the Wangan highway in Japan. It is known for its emphasis on speed and car tuning.
Mazda Miata
"It's tiny. It's like the size of a Miata. I really like it because it's not a big car."
The Mazda Miata is a small, fun sports car that seats two people. It's known for being light and easy to drive, making it popular with car lovers.
The Mazda Miata, also known as the MX-5, is a lightweight two-seater sports car that has gained a reputation for its fun driving dynamics and affordability. It has been popular among car enthusiasts since its introduction in the late 1980s.
performance potential
"These cars had enormous performance potential, but due to Japan's strict regulations, they were heavily restricted for street use."
Performance potential is about how fast and well a car can drive. Some cars can go really fast and handle turns better than others, which makes them more fun to drive.
Performance potential refers to the capability of a vehicle to achieve high levels of speed, handling, and overall driving enjoyment. This is often influenced by factors such as engine power, weight, and design.
OEMs
"While the OEMs, or original equipment manufacturers, offered safe and reliable cars, there was a growing community of enthusiasts hungry to unlock more performance."
OEMs are the companies that make the original parts for cars. For example, if you buy a car, the parts that come with it are made by the OEM.
OEMs stands for Original Equipment Manufacturers, which are companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. In the automotive context, this refers to the manufacturers that create the vehicles and their components as they are sold to consumers.
Edelbrock
"In the United States, the performance aftermarket was already well established, with companies like Summit Racing and Edelbrock offering bolt-on horsepower to anyone with a wrench and a dream."
Edelbrock is a brand that makes parts to help cars run better and faster. They are especially famous for their engine parts that help cars get more power.
Edelbrock is a prominent manufacturer of aftermarket automotive performance parts, particularly known for their intake manifolds and carburetors. They cater to car enthusiasts looking to improve engine performance.
Summit Racing
"In the United States, the performance aftermarket was already well established, with companies like Summit Racing and Edelbrock offering bolt-on horsepower to anyone with a wrench and a dream."
Summit Racing is a store where people can buy parts to make their cars faster and perform better. They have many options for anyone who wants to upgrade their vehicle.
Summit Racing is a well-known retailer in the automotive aftermarket, specializing in performance parts and accessories. They provide a wide range of products for car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicles' performance.
performance tuning
"The mission was simple but bold, to become Japan's first dedicated performance tuning company, one that served the unmet desires of everyday drivers and racers alike."
Performance tuning is when people change parts of their cars to make them faster or handle better. It's common among car enthusiasts and racers who want to improve their vehicles.
Performance tuning refers to the modification of a vehicle to enhance its performance, including speed, handling, and power. This can involve changes to the engine, suspension, and other components to meet the needs of drivers and racers.
turbocharger
"...one of the most technically demanding and misunderstood engine components of the time, the turbocharger. Ooh!"
A turbocharger helps an engine produce more power without making it bigger. It uses the exhaust from the engine to pull in more air, which helps burn more fuel and creates more power.
A turbocharger is a forced induction device that increases an engine's efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which then compresses air entering the engine, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing horsepower.
turbocharging
"Turbos are very uncommon in production cars at this point. I think that Jetfire was like one of the only American cars that had one. They were more common in like diesels and yeah, aircraft as well. At a time when turbocharging was mostly reserved"
Turbocharging is a way to make an engine more powerful by forcing more air into it. This helps the engine burn more fuel and produce more power without needing a bigger engine.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase an engine's efficiency and power output. It compresses the intake air, allowing more air and fuel to enter the engine, resulting in improved performance.
Nissan Skyline L20SU
"One designed for Japanese performance icons like the Nissan Skyline L20SU, the Toyota Celica 18RG..."
The Nissan Skyline L20SU is a type of car that many car fans like because it's fast and can be modified easily.
The Nissan Skyline L20SU is a variant of the Skyline that features the L20 engine, known for its performance and popularity among car enthusiasts, particularly in the tuning community.
global oil crisis
"The year was 1973 and the global oil crisis had just sent a shockwave through the automotive world. Consumers and manufacturers alike were pivoting towards fuel efficiency..."
The global oil crisis was a time when oil prices went up a lot, making people want cars that used less fuel. This changed how car companies made their vehicles.
The global oil crisis of the 1970s was a significant event that led to skyrocketing oil prices and a major shift in consumer behavior towards fuel-efficient vehicles. It prompted automakers to rethink their strategies and designs to meet new demands for efficiency.
fuel efficiency
"...consumers and manufacturers alike were pivoting towards fuel efficiency and more conservative design."
Fuel efficiency means how well a car uses fuel. Cars that are fuel-efficient can go further on less gas, which became important during the oil crisis.
Fuel efficiency refers to how far a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel. During the oil crisis, consumers prioritized vehicles that offered better mileage to save on fuel costs.
bolt-on turbo kit
"...HKS released its first major product, a bolt-on turbo kit for the Nissan L20 engine."
A bolt-on turbo kit is a set of parts that you can easily attach to your car's engine to make it faster. It doesn't require a lot of complicated changes to the engine.
A bolt-on turbo kit is an aftermarket modification that allows car owners to add a turbocharger to their engine without extensive modifications. This kit typically includes all necessary components for installation.
turbo kits
"It was one of the first commercially available turbo kits in Japan and offered substantial power gains, boosting the L20's output from a modest 112 to approximately 160 horsepower, which was a 70% increase."
A turbo kit is a set of parts that helps make a car's engine more powerful by forcing in more air. This can make the car go faster without needing a new engine.
Turbo kits are aftermarket components that allow a vehicle to be equipped with a turbocharger, which forces more air into the engine, increasing its power output. They are popular among enthusiasts looking to enhance performance without replacing the entire engine.
horsepower
"...boosting the L20's output from a modest 112 to approximately 160 horsepower, which was a 70% increase."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and perform better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower generally translating to better performance and acceleration.
overheating
"Though early kits suffered from issues like turbo lag and occasional overheating, they provided real repeatable performance, something no other company in Japan was offering at the time."
Overheating happens when a car's engine gets too hot, which can cause problems. It can be due to issues like not enough coolant or a broken part in the cooling system.
Overheating in cars typically refers to the engine running at temperatures higher than normal, which can lead to serious damage. It can be caused by various factors, including coolant leaks, faulty thermostats, or inadequate cooling systems.
turbo lag
"Though early kits suffered from issues like turbo lag and occasional overheating, they provided real repeatable performance, something no other company in Japan was offering at the time."
Turbo lag is the time it takes for a turbocharger to start working after you press the gas pedal. It can make a car feel slow to respond at first.
Turbo lag refers to the delay between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger delivering increased power. This occurs because the turbo needs time to spool up and generate boost, which can affect acceleration and responsiveness.
Nissan Silvia S15
"...my buddy, Vic, he had his S15. We drove out to see him together."
The Nissan Silvia S15 is a sporty car that many people love to modify and race. It's known for being fun to drive and has a strong following among car fans.
The Nissan Silvia S15 is a sports car produced by Nissan from 1999 to 2002. It is known for its performance and tuning potential, especially among car enthusiasts.
turbo timer
"...I didn't realize he had a turbo timer and he just like parked his car and like got out and walked away. Yeah. I was like, it's still running."
A turbo timer helps protect the turbocharger by keeping the car running for a little while after you park it. This is important because turbochargers can get very hot, and letting them cool down helps them last longer.
A turbo timer is a device that keeps the engine running for a set period after the driver has exited the vehicle. This allows the turbocharger to cool down properly and prevents damage from heat buildup.
Porsche 911 Turbo
"... begin until 1975 with the release of the Porsche 911 Turbo. HKS was already in it,"
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a fast and stylish sports car that started being sold in 1975. It's known for being very powerful and fun to drive, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 Turbo, first introduced in 1975, is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car. It is significant for its powerful turbocharged engine and advanced engineering, making it a benchmark in the sports car segment. The 911 Turbo is often discussed for its blend of luxury, speed, and everyday usability.
Jeep Renegade
"Now this wasn't a sanctioned series, but rather a renegade motorsport subculture obsessed with achieving one..."
The Jeep Renegade is a small SUV that can drive well both in the city and on rough roads. It's designed for people who want a car that can do a bit of everything.
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that combines off-road capability with urban practicality. It is designed for drivers who want a versatile vehicle that can handle both city streets and rugged terrain. The Renegade is often discussed for its unique styling and features that cater to adventurous lifestyles.
Chevrolet Camaro
"Yeah. And I believe there was a Camaro as well. There's a Z31 engine."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that has been around since 1966. It's known for being fast and having a cool design, making it popular among people who love cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966, known for its performance and aggressive styling. It competes with other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and has a dedicated fan base. The Camaro is often discussed for its powerful engines and sporty handling.
Toyota Supra
"...ily tuned Celica XX, known overseas as the Celica Supra, they began to break the 300 kilometer per hour b..."
The Toyota Supra is a well-known sports car that became popular in the 1990s. It's famous for being fast and can be modified to go even faster, which makes it a favorite among car fans.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car that gained fame in the 1990s for its performance and tuning potential. Known for its inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive layout, the Supra has become a cultural icon, especially in the automotive and racing communities. It is often discussed for its impressive speed and aftermarket support.
BMW Z4
"...e a Dooley. Did you see the Supra that they put a Z4 front end on? What?"
The BMW Z4 is a fancy sports car that looks great and is fun to drive. It's available as a convertible, which means you can take the roof off, making it a nice choice for sunny days.
The BMW Z4 is a luxury sports car known for its sleek design and dynamic driving experience. It offers a combination of performance and comfort, making it a popular choice among those looking for a stylish convertible or coupe. The Z4 is often discussed for its engaging driving dynamics and premium features.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...is pretty convenient. So for context, the 1984 C4 Corvette with double the displacement made only about 205 ..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that started being made in 1953. The C4 model from 1984 is known for its unique look and good performance, making it a popular choice for sports car lovers.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an American sports car that has been in production since 1953, known for its distinctive design and performance capabilities. The C4 generation, introduced in 1984, marked a significant evolution in the Corvette lineup, featuring improved technology and handling. The Corvette is often discussed for its status as a symbol of American automotive engineering.
Peugeot 205
"... legendary machines like the Audi Quattro and the Peugeot 205 T16. So, Asagawa made a bold move."
Peugeot 205 T16
"...ry machines like the Audi Quattro and the Peugeot 205 T16. So, Asagawa made a bold move."
The Peugeot 205 T16 is a special car made for racing in the 1980s. It's known for being very fast and winning many races, making it an important part of car history.
The Peugeot 205 T16 is a rally car that became famous in the 1980s for its success in the World Rally Championship. It is notable for its innovative design and powerful turbocharged engine, which helped it dominate the rally scene. The 205 T16 is often discussed for its engineering excellence and impact on motorsport.
Audi Quattro
"...racing thanks to legendary machines like the Audi Quattro and the Peugeot 205 T16. So, Asagawa made a bold ..."
Mitsubishi Pajero
"He extracted the transfer case from a Mitsubishi Pajero SUV and integrated it into the Starian"
Ford Ranger
"... range of vehicles from SUVs, light trucks to the ranger. When we were out in Baja, we lost our spares"
The Ford Ranger is a smaller pickup truck that many people use for work and play. It's known for being tough and useful, making it a good option for those who need a truck without it being too big.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been popular for its versatility and capability since its introduction in the 1980s. It is known for being able to handle both work and recreational tasks, making it a practical choice for many drivers. The Ranger is often discussed for its balance of size, power, and fuel efficiency.
Subaru Baja
"..., light trucks to the ranger. When we were out in Baja, we lost our spares and ended up running the same..."
The Subaru Baja is a mix between a small truck and an SUV that was made from 2003 to 2006. It's known for being able to handle different types of roads and is useful for carrying things.
The Subaru Baja is a unique vehicle that combines elements of a pickup truck and a compact SUV, produced from 2003 to 2006. It is known for its versatility and all-wheel-drive capability, making it suitable for various driving conditions. The Baja is often discussed for its unconventional design and practicality.
Mitsubishi Lancer
"...build of the decade, the HKS CT230R, based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9. The CT230R featured a fully built 4G63 eng..."
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or Evo for short, is a fast version of a regular car called the Lancer. It's popular for its ability to handle well on the road and is often used in racing.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, often referred to as the Evo, is a high-performance version of the Lancer sedan, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive system. It gained a cult following for its turbocharged engines and agile handling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers. The Evo is frequently discussed for its performance capabilities and tuning potential.
Kia Soul
"...s a legacy brand stay relevant without losing its soul? Their answer was not to retreat from innovation,"
The Kia Soul is a small car that has a unique boxy shape. It's popular because it's affordable and has a lot of room inside, making it a good choice for many drivers.
The Kia Soul is a compact car known for its distinctive boxy shape and practical interior space. It has gained popularity for its quirky design and affordability, appealing to a wide range of drivers. The Soul is often discussed for its value, versatility, and unique character.
Toyota 86
"...forms, including turbo kits for vehicles like the Toyota 86 and hybrid-compatible ECUs."
The Toyota Corolla is a very popular car that has been around since 1966. It's known for being reliable and getting good gas mileage, making it a great choice for everyday driving.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in automotive history, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has been in production since 1966 and is often praised for its low maintenance costs and longevity. The Corolla is frequently discussed for its reputation as a dependable daily driver.
Toyota GR Yaris
"...ferent company. My favorite recent HKS car is the GR Yaris that they built with a huge, like, wide body on i..."
The Toyota GR Yaris is a fast version of the regular Yaris car, made for racing. It's known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine, which makes it popular among car lovers.
The Toyota GR Yaris is a high-performance version of the Yaris hatchback, developed for rally racing and known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine. It has received acclaim for its sporty handling and compact size, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The GR Yaris is often discussed for its performance capabilities and motorsport heritage.
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