HKS Turbocharger

HKS Turbochargers: Decades of Forced-Induction Innovation

Few names carry more weight in the forced-induction world than HKS. The brand's relationship with turbocharging isn't incidental — it's foundational. Back in 1974, just one year after the company's founding at the foot of Mount Fuji, HKS unveiled what is widely recognized as the industry's first aftermarket turbocharger kit for passenger cars. That singular achievement set the trajectory for everything that followed, and today HKS turbochargers remain benchmarks for performance, reliability, and engineering depth in the turbocharger category.

The GT and GTIII Turbocharger Families

HKS organizes its turbocharger lineup into two primary families: the GT Series and the GTIII Series, each targeting a distinct range of power goals and applications.

The GT Turbine Series is a range of universal turbochargers developed to produce from 500 PS to well over 1,000 PS. These units are engineered for inline-4, inline-6, V6, and V8 tuning engines, with applications spanning drag racing, drifting, and track time attack. GT Series models use ball-bearing CHRA (Center Housing and Rotating Assembly) units and stainless steel V-band turbo housings, while a wide maximum efficiency range — spanning pressure ratios from 2 to 3 — means they stay effective whether you're running modest or extreme boost levels.

The GTIII Series pushes the technology further. GTIII turbines are paired with MHI-brand CHRA built with current-generation bearing technology. The GTIII-RS is well-suited to street-to-circuit use and serves as the basis for HKS's bolt-on turbo kits for platforms like the Toyota 86/BRZ. Step up to the GTIII-4R and you gain a machined aluminum ported shroud that combines a bell-mouth design with a T51R-type recirculation channel, providing both anti-surge protection and smooth intake airflow. At the top of the GTIII range, the GTIII-5R — the successor to the legendary T51 SPL BB — is compact in size yet engineered to handle outputs exceeding 800 PS, thanks to its highly durable aluminum forged impeller and MHI high-performance CHRA. Its ported shroud function is even selectable via an adapter for added tuning flexibility.

Engineering Details That Set HKS Apart

What distinguishes HKS turbochargers from the competition is the depth of in-house engineering. All GTIII models carry HKS ported technology as standard. The compressor housings on GTIII-5R and GTIII-4R units feature a special corrosion-resistant matte black coating to prevent aluminum oxidation over time, complemented by a champagne gold anodized ported shroud — a subtle nod to HKS's attention to both function and finish. The aluminum forged impeller design allows high boost to be achieved at lower airflow ranges while actively preventing surge, a common challenge in high-performance turbo applications.

This engineering philosophy is proven on track. HKS's own motorsport program has used GTIII turbochargers in competition vehicles, including the HKS TRB-04 Suzuki Swift, which set a front-wheel-drive lap record at Tsukuba Circuit, powered in part by an HKS GTIII unit making 500 PS from a 4G63 MIVEC engine.

Who Are HKS Turbochargers For?

• Street builds targeting 400–600 HP who want a direct-fit, streetable solution via the GTIII-RS bolt-on kits
• Circuit and time attack builders seeking responsive, anti-surge turbos in the GTIII-4R and 5R range
• Drag and high-power applications demanding 800 PS+ capability with the GT Series big-frame units
• Engine platforms including Nissan RB and SR series, Toyota 2JZ, Mitsubishi 4G63, Subaru EJ, and more

Whether you're building a street car or chasing lap records, HKS turbochargers represent over five decades of forced-induction expertise distilled into every unit. Browse the full selection of HKS turbochargers or explore the complete HKS brand catalog for supporting components.