Isabella Flores
There are many factors that can help determine whether an HKS BOV is authentic or fake. One way to identify a fake is by checking if there is an adjustment spring at the back, as real HKS SSQV BOVs do not have this feature. Another way to spot a fake is by examining the paint quality, as some fake products may have poor paint that flakes or scratches easily. Additionally, authentic HKS BOVs come sealed in an HKS box with a sticker or logo on the side of the BOV, while fakes may not have proper packaging or branding. It is also important to purchase from reputable suppliers, as some shops may sell counterfeit products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint quality | The paint on authentic HKS BOVs should be of good quality. |
| Packaging | Authentic HKS BOVs come in a large box with a window displaying a serial number. |
| Logo | The HKS logo should be clearly visible on the side of the BOV. |
| Sticker | Some authentic HKS BOVs may come with a gold HKS sticker instead of the logo. |
| Adjustment spring | Authentic HKS SSQV BOVs do not have an adjustment spring at the back. |
| Number of bolts/nuts | Authentic HKS BOVs have 10 bolts/nuts, while fakes usually have 8. |
| Number of fins | Authentic HKS SSQV3 BOVs have 4 fins, while fakes usually have 1 or none. |
| Internals | Authentic HKS BOVs have better quality internals and smoother operation. |
| Price | Authentic HKS BOVs are typically priced higher than fakes. |
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What You'll Learn
Paint quality
One way to identify if the paint has been altered is to look for signs of repainting or polishing, such as scratches or an uneven finish. In one instance, a user reported that the yellow "HKS" symbol came off with some paint remover, indicating that it might have been painted over. Another user reported that their HKS BOV had scratches on the paint, which made them suspect it was a fake.
It is also important to examine the overall paint quality and attention to detail. A genuine HKS BOV should have a smooth and consistent paint finish, with no flaking, chipping, or other imperfections. The paint should be free of bubbles, cracks, or other signs of poor-quality painting or manufacturing.
Additionally, the colour of the paint can also be indicative of authenticity. While the most common colour for an HKS BOV is purple, there are also other colours available, such as red and primer gray with gloss black. However, it is important to note that the presence of an unusual colour may not always indicate a fake product, as some authentic HKS BOVs may have been custom-painted by their owners.
To ensure the authenticity of an HKS BOV, it is advisable to purchase from a reputable supplier or directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, looking for other indicators of authenticity, such as the presence of a serial number, proper packaging, and the quality of internal components, can also help in determining whether the product is genuine.
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Packaging
Box and Sealing:
The authentic HKS BOV should come sealed in an official HKS box, with the HKS branding or logo prominently displayed on the box. This ensures that the product is protected during shipping and handling.
Serial Number and Window:
The genuine HKS BOV box typically has a window, often in the lower corner, that displays a serial number. This serial number is an important security feature and can be used to verify the authenticity of the product.
Instruction Manual:
A genuine HKS BOV should include a detailed instruction manual to guide the user through the installation and usage of the product. The manual should be professionally printed and not appear to be photocopied or of low quality.
Some authentic HKS BOVs may be packaged with additional materials such as zip-lock bags or protective wrapping to ensure the product remains secure and undamaged during transit.
Supplier and Seller Reputation:
It is important to purchase from reputable suppliers and sellers. Authentic HKS BOVs are less likely to be sold by manufacturers, wholesalers, or "first-party" suppliers, as they may not put in the effort to ensure the product's authenticity. Instead, consider purchasing from authorised dealers or trusted online retailers with positive feedback and a history of selling genuine HKS products.
Price and Feedback:
Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate counterfeit products. When purchasing from online platforms like eBay, pay attention to the seller's feedback and reputation. Sellers with no feedback or a history of negative reviews may be more likely to sell fake HKS BOVs.
In summary, the packaging of an authentic HKS BOV should include official branding, a serial number, a sealed box, and a professional instruction manual. It is also important to consider the supplier, seller reputation, and pricing to minimise the risk of purchasing a counterfeit product.
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Serial numbers
While there are no explicit mentions of serial numbers in relation to the paint flaking on authentic HKS BOVs, there are several discussions on identifying authentic HKS BOVs and differentiating them from knock-offs or fakes. Here are some key points regarding serial numbers and other distinguishing features:
- According to a user on the Veloster Turbo Forum, when purchasing a genuine HKS, it should come in a large box with a window in the lower corner that displays a serial number.
- Another user on the same forum inquired about the presence of serial numbers, indicating their potential significance in authentication.
Other Distinguishing Features:
- The quality of the internals and the smoothness of operation are significantly better in authentic HKS BOVs compared to knock-offs.
- The number of bolts/nuts can be an indicator; authentic HKS BOVs have ten, while fakes typically have eight.
- The detail on the cone and the HKS logo placement and quality can be differentiating factors. Look for any leftover casting residue or poor trimming.
- The colour of the cone is also important; authentic ones have a red cone, while fakes may vary.
- The presence of an adjustment spring at the back can be a determining factor; authentic HKS SSQV BOVs do not have an adjustment spring, so if it has one, it is likely a fake.
- The screws on authentic HKS BOVs have very fine ridges, while knock-offs may have more prominent ridges.
- The packaging is also important; authentic HKS BOVs should come sealed in an HKS box with the HKS logo on the side of the BOV. Some older versions may have come with an HKS sticker instead.
- The shaft inside an authentic HKS BOV is typically red and affixed with a serial number, while knock-offs usually have plain-coloured shafts without a serial number.
While the discussions primarily focus on various visual and physical characteristics, serial numbers are mentioned as a potential authentication method by some users. It is recommended to refer to official HKS sources or authorised dealers for comprehensive information on identifying authentic HKS products, including any specific serial number details.
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Number of bolts/nuts
The number of bolts and nuts on an HKS BOV depends on the model. Some models have 8 bolts in total, with 4 shorter bolts and 4 longer bolts. The shorter bolts can be removed to retune the SSQV sound. However, the longer bolts should not be removed.
Some older models of the HKS BOV have a bolt and nut at the back for adjustment, while newer models do not have this feature as it was deemed unnecessary.
In terms of identifying authentic HKS BOVs, the number of bolts and nuts can be a factor. One source mentions that a real HKS BOV has 10 bolts and nuts, while a fake one has 8. However, it is not clear if this is in reference to a specific model or a general observation.
It is worth noting that the presence or absence of an adjustment spring at the back can also be a factor in determining authenticity. Real HKS SSQV BOVs do not have an adjustment spring, while fake ones might. Additionally, the quality of the paint and the presence of fine ridges on the screws can be indicative of authenticity.
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Presence of an adjustment spring
The presence or absence of an adjustment spring can be a crucial factor in determining the authenticity of an HKS BOV. It is important to note that the genuine HKS SSQV BOV does not feature an adjustment spring at the back. If you find an adjustment spring on your HKS BOV, it is likely a fake or a rip-off product.
The adjustment spring in question is separate from the spring in the rear housing, which some people may confuse for the adjustment spring. The spring in the rear housing is present in authentic HKS BOVs, and softening or tightening this spring can impact the noise level and performance of the BOV. However, adjusting this spring typically requires disassembling the BOV, which may void the warranty.
Some older generations of the HKS BOV did feature an adjustment screw, bolt, and nut mechanism, but this was phased out in newer models as it was deemed unnecessary. The adjustment screw could be tightened or loosened, but it did not provide any significant functional advantage. It is worth noting that the presence of an adjustment screw alone does not confirm the authenticity of an HKS BOV, as some counterfeit products may also have this feature.
It is always recommended to purchase HKS products from reputable suppliers or directly from the manufacturer to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product. Additionally, visual inspection, verification of product markings, and other authentication methods can be used in conjunction with checking for the presence of an adjustment spring to more confidently determine the authenticity of an HKS BOV.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to spot a fake HKS BOV. Firstly, check for an adjustment spring at the back—authentic HKS SSQV BOVs do not have one. You can also look out for the number of bolts and nuts—real ones have 10, whereas fakes have 8. Additionally, authentic HKS BOVs come sealed in an HKS box with “HKS” written on the side of the BOV.
The quality of the paint is a good indicator—if there are scratches or the paint seems to be flaking, it is likely a fake. The logo and casting quality can also indicate authenticity—look out for poor casting with leftover hangings that weren't trimmed properly.
Yes, the performance and operation of a real HKS BOV are reported to be much better than a fake one. The internals of a real HKS BOV are of higher quality, and the operation is smoother. Some users have reported that fake HKS BOVs can cause the car to run poorly and make gear shifting awkward.
It is recommended to purchase from reputable suppliers or authorised resellers to ensure the authenticity of the product. Some users have reported buying fake HKS BOVs from Amazon, so caution is advised when purchasing from online marketplaces.
Fake HKS BOVs may fail or leak over time, and they may not perform as well as genuine ones. Some shops have been known to sell cheap knock-off valves as authentic, expensive valves, so it is essential to be cautious and purchase from trusted sources.
