Hughes Performance
Hughes Performance is a family-owned Phoenix, Arizona manufacturer founded in 1971 that designs and builds high-performance automatic transmissions, torque converters, and drivetrain components for drag racers, circle track competitors, street performance enthusiasts, and diesel/towing customers, sold through major racing distributors and direct e-commerce.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1971
- HeadquartersPhoenix, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Hughes Performance does
Hughes Performance, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned manufacturer of high-performance automatic transmissions and torque converters founded in 1971 by William C. Hughes, Sr. in Phoenix, Arizona. The company designs and builds components for drag racing, circle track racing, street/strip performance, diesel/towing, and street rod applications, with products ranging from Fuel Miser gas-mileage converters and Tow Master truck converters to full-race PRO-V series converters and the >3,000 HP XP4 transmission. Core technology centers on proprietary mechanical designs — silicon spot brazed fins, forged aluminum stators, CNC billet steel covers, E9310 gears, 4340 hardened input shafts, Kevlar bands, and Kolene steels — all validated through the in-house Hughes Motorsports race team before commercial release.
The business operates a vertical go-to-market model with five primary revenue streams: torque converters, complete performance transmissions, individual transmission components, transmission packages (transmission plus converter plus accessories), and ancillary tools such as the Jack-O-Matic HP7316 air jack. Products are sold via authorized distributors including Summit Racing Equipment, Jegs, and Speedway Motors, complemented by regional distributors in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, and Sweden, plus a direct e-commerce storefront. Pricing is quote-based for most SKUs, with named unit prices in the $650–$699 range for tooling and several thousand dollars for full transmission and converter packages. Customers are predominantly individual racing enthusiasts, weekend racers, professional drag racers, and diesel/towing vehicle owners, with no large enterprise accounts identified.
The company holds SFI certifications on flexplates, transmission cases, and bellhousings (notably the pre-SFI-approved Superglide case and Reid Racing SFI-approved components integrated into the XP4), and depends on long-term supplier relationships (e.g., Alto Products for Red Race Clutches for over 15 years) for key friction materials. Operational control passed from the founder to his four children in 1979, and the Hughes family continues to own and manage the business today, with no external investors or funding events disclosed.
Hughes Performance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hughes Performance
- Legal name
- Hughes Performance, Inc.
- Website
- https://hughesperformance.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1971
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Hughes Performance is a family-owned Phoenix, Arizona manufacturer founded in 1971 that designs and builds high-performance automatic transmissions, torque converters, and drivetrain components for drag racers, circle track competitors, street performance enthusiasts, and diesel/towing customers, sold through major racing distributors and direct e-commerce.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hughes Performance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performance Automotive Parts
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing (33635)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Clutch, Torque Converter & Flywheel Manufacturing (IMACAHAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Passenger Vehicle Transmission & Drivetrain Systems Manufacturing (ICE) (IMACAAAG)
Keywords
Where Hughes Performance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Phoenix
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Hughes Performance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Torque Converters: High-performance torque converters for street, street/strip, and full race applications. Products range from Fuel Miser (gas mileage) to PRO Series race converters.
- Performance Transmissions: Complete rebuilt and enhanced automatic transmissions including TH350, TH400, 4L60E, 4L80E, and various Ford and Mopar applications.
- Transmission Components: Individual components including planetaries, gear sets, deep pans, oil pumps, flexplates, input shafts, valve bodies, servo assemblies, sprags, bands, friction plates, and various kits.
- Jack-O-Matic Air Jack: Air-powered billet jack for race vehicles, priced at $650-$699 for pre-order.
- Transmission Packages: Complete transmission and converter packages including transmission, converter, cooler, dipstick, mount, kick down cable, controller, and transmission fluid.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Jack-O-Matic Air-Powered Billet Jack |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels3 records
Hughes Performance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hughes Performance designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance torque converters and automatic transmissions for drag racing, circle track, street/strip, heavy-duty towing, diesel performance, and street rod applications. Its product line spans multiple torque converter series (XTM, XFM, Fuel Miser, Tow Master, Street Rod, Street Master, Pro-Street, Street/Strip, Competition, PRO-III/IV/V, Billet Generation, Hybrid, IMCA, Direct Drive) and complete transmissions for GM, Ford, and Mopar platforms, supported by components, kits, and complete transmission packages.
Product overview
Hughes Performance is a manufacturer of high-performance automotive racing products founded in 1971, specializing in torque converters and automatic transmissions for drag racing, circle track, street/strip, and heavy-duty towing applications. The product portfolio includes multiple torque converter series (XTM/XFM, Fuel Miser, Tow Master, Street Rod, Pro-Street, Street/Strip, Competition, and Pro Competition/PRO series) covering stall speeds from 1000-4500 RPM, along with complete transmissions (Street/Strip, Full Race, Circle Track, 4L80E), transmission packages, and comprehensive component lines (planetary gear sets, deep pans, oil pumps, flexplates, hardened input shafts, valve bodies, friction plates, and various kits). The company tests all products through its Hughes Motorsports race team and sells through authorized distributors like Summit Racing, JEGS, and Speedway Motors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- XTM and XFM Series Torque Converters Performance torque converters with higher stall speed for gas engines (XTM) and lower stall speed for diesel engines (XFM), available for GM, Ford, and Chrysler transmissions, featuring heavy-duty one-piece hub, balloon plate, heavy-duty sprag, and silicon spot welded fins.
- Fuel Miser Series Torque Converters Gas-mileage optimization torque converters that reduce slippage by 25-30% to increase fuel economy by 2-4 miles per gallon, with closer 1:1 lockup and cooler transmission operation.
- Tow Master Series Torque Converters Severe-duty performance converters for late-model trucks, crew cabs, 4x4s, and motor homes that increase bottom-end pulling power without sacrificing top-end efficiency or lockup.
- PRO Series Full Race Torque Converters Custom full-race torque converters available in PRO-III, PRO-IV, and PRO-V configurations in 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-inch sizes, featuring silicon spot brazed fins, forged aluminum stators, 4130 Chrome-Moly turbine hubs, redesigned internal sprags with new springs and rollers, Torrington bearings, and dual anti-ballooning plates; engineered for specific vehicle applications.
- Billet Generation Torque Converters Heavy-duty converters with CNC billet steel cover and triple-disc lockup piston assembly designed to handle 25-30% increased torque from modified diesel engines (Ford Powerstroke, Dodge Cummins, GM Duramax), eliminating cover flexing and protecting the piston.
- IMCA Circle Track and Direct Drive Converters 10-inch IMCA converters with full-bearing design for oval track racing plus Direct Drive and Pro Direct series converter eliminators for circle track applications requiring maximum torque multiplication, top-end efficiency, and quicker corner exits.
- 10-12 Inch Hybrid Torque Converters Street/strip converters featuring 12-inch lockup with 10-inch top design and 80% more friction surface on a modified piston, solving high-torque motor requirements that exceed standard 10-inch lockup capability, with 4000-4500 stall.
- Street and Strip Automatic Transmissions Complete rebuilt and enhanced automatic transmissions for street and strip applications across multiple platforms, including 4L60E Rear Wheel Drive Overdrive, A727 Torqueflite (with A518 overdrive), and E40D/4R100 electronic overdrive, with upgraded friction materials, Kevlar bands, and modified valve bodies.
- Full Race Powerglide Transmissions Sportsman and Pro Series III competition transmissions with capacity to withstand 1500+ horsepower when configured with optional steel input shaft, E9310 gears with billet output shaft, and Superglide case; featuring full-bearing design, fluid release transbrake, and Red Race plates.
- P/G Circlematic and Circlemaster Circle Track Transmissions Serious competition transmissions for oval track racing based on drag strip components. Circlematic is lockable in low or high gear, while Circlemaster locks into high gear to eliminate weight-costing components; both feature full-bearing design, Kevlar-lined low band, and Red Race plates.
- 4L80E Automatic Overdrive Transmissions Ultimate overdrive transmission platform for strong combinations up to 1500+ flywheel horsepower, with 0.75:1 overdrive ratio, lockup torque converter, robust internal components, and available custom bellhousing systems for Ford modular, small block Ford, and big block Ford engines.
- XP4 Transmission Extreme performance transmission featuring 1 1/4-inch Pro Mod input shaft, Promod band, 10 Performer frictions, 1.69 billet gear set, Reid Racing 2-piece SFI Approved Case and Bellhousing, and 400-spline billet output shaft; withstands over 3,000 HP and is available in Long, Medium, and Short configurations.
- Transmission Packages Complete transmission and converter packages including transmission, converter, cooler, dipstick, trans mount, kick down cable, transmission controller, and fluid, available in Street Rod, Muscle Car, Pro Street, HD Truck/SUV, and Extreme Duty configurations.
- Jack-O-Matic HP7316 Air-Powered Billet Jack Precision-machined air-powered 3,000 lbs lifting solution for high-performance race vehicles, crafted from premium billet aluminum with dual heavy-duty air bags, integrated safety lock pins, fully compressed height of 8.5 inches extending to 13 inches; priced $650 without laser engraving or $699 with custom engraving.
- Billet Planetary Gear Sets All-billet planetary gear sets for aluminum Powerglides with gear ratios of 1.69:1, 1.76:1, and 1.80:1, featuring E9310 gears, forged ring gear, forged planetary housing, 9310 pins, and forged billet output shaft with excellent torsion memory.
- SFI Approved Flexplates SFI-certified double-welded flexplates .035 inches thicker than OEM, designed to withstand high horsepower and high RPM engines, available in Extreme Series 4mm thick variants for race applications handling all Hughes high-stall converters.
- Hardened Input Shafts Hardened input shafts made from 4340 steel billet for Powerglide transmissions preventing twisting or breakage, with turbo shafts available in special forged alloy steel for higher horsepower applications.
- Valve Bodies Performance valve bodies in three configurations: Manual/Automatic for street/strip operation, Full Manual for competition without transbrake, and Transbrake for drag racing with fastest release time and reliability.
- Transmission Adapter Plates Precision-machined aluminum adapter plates allowing Ford and Mopar engines to connect to GM transmissions, with kits including all hardware and flexplate.
- Premium Overhaul Race Box Kit Premium race overhaul kit including paper and rubber kit, sealing rings, seals, high performance Red Alto clutches, Kevlar-lined race band, filter, modulator, washers, and bushings, available with optional Kolene steels and a master rebuilder variant.
- Service Maintenance Kit Transmission fluid and filter service kit for preventative maintenance, essential for transmission life and performance.
Companies that use Hughes Performance
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Hughes Performance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Hughes Performance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Summit Racing EquipmentcoreMajor authorized distributor of Hughes Performance torque converters, transmissions, and components.
- JegscoreAuthorized distributor offering Hughes Performance products to retail customers.
- Speedway MotorscoreAuthorized distributor for Hughes Performance racing products.
- IHRA (International Hot Rod Association)minorRacing organization with contingency program supporting racers using Hughes Performance products.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Hughes Performance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Performance Automatic: Performance Automatic builds high-performance automatic transmissions and torque converters for street rods, muscle cars, and drag racing. Directly competes with Hughes on complete street/strip and racing transmissions for GM platforms.
- B&M Racing & Performance: B&M manufactures performance transmissions, torque converters, shifters, and coolers targeting hot rod, street, and racing enthusiasts. Overlaps Hughes on torque converters and complete performance automatic transmissions for GM/Ford platforms.
- Coan Engineering: Coan Engineering produces high-performance and racing automatic transmissions engineered for extreme horsepower. Comparable to Hughes' Sportsman, Pro Series, and XP4 competition transmissions serving drag and off-road racers.
- ATI Performance Products: ATI produces performance torque converters, driveshafts, and balance-related driveline components, and supplies SFI-certified components used by professional drag racers. Directly comparable to Hughes in torque converter technology and racing customer base.
- TCI Automotive: TCI manufactures high-performance torque converters and automatic transmissions for drag racing, street performance, and off-road — closely overlapping Hughes Performance's product line across GM, Ford, and Chrysler applications. It is one of the most direct competitors in the aftermarket performance transmission space.
- PRO Gear: PRO Gear specializes in drag racing transmissions and gear sets, including Pro Mod units, for door-slammer and small-tire racing. Closely comparable to Hughes' Powerglide-based full race transmissions and billet planetary gear sets.
- Circle D Specialties: Circle D Specialties is a specialist torque converter manufacturer focused on drag racing applications with custom stall speeds and high-performance billet designs. Highly comparable to Hughes' PRO and billet converter lines serving professional bracket and heads-up racers.
- Gearstar Performance Converters: Gearstar manufactures performance torque converters for street, towing, and racing applications with custom stall builds. Competes with Hughes' Fuel Miser, Tow Master, and Street Rod converter lines for similar performance enthusiast customers.
Broad incumbents
- Holley Performance Products: Holley is a large aftermarket conglomerate that owns TCI, B&M, ATI, and many other performance brands, offering transmissions, fuel systems, and electronics across the broader vehicle aftermarket. Comparable as a broad incumbent whose subsidiaries directly compete with Hughes across multiple product categories.
Emerging players
- Reid Racing: Reid Racing supplies SFI-approved cases, bellhousings, and quick-change transmission components used in professional drag racing. Functions both as a technology partner (Reid components appear in Hughes' XP4) and an adjacent player in the same drivetrain aftermarket category.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hughes Performance social profiles
Digital presenceHughes Performance compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Hughes Performance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hughes Performance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Hughes Performance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hughes Performance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hughes Performance
What does Hughes Performance do?
Hughes Performance designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance torque converters and automatic transmissions for drag racing, circle track, street/strip, heavy-duty towing, diesel performance, and street rod applications. Its product line spans multiple torque converter series (XTM, XFM, Fuel Miser, Tow Master, Street Rod, Street Master, Pro-Street, Street/Strip, Competition, PRO-III/IV/V, Billet Generation, Hybrid, IMCA, Direct Drive) and complete transmissions for GM, Ford, and Mopar platforms, supported by components, kits, and complete transmission packages.
Is Hughes Performance a public or private company?
Hughes Performance is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Hughes Performance founded?
Hughes Performance was founded in 1971. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Hughes Performance based?
Hughes Performance is headquartered in Phoenix, United States, in the North America region.
How does Hughes Performance make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Torque Converters are the primary driver. The others are performance Transmissions, transmission Components, jack-O-Matic Air Jack and transmission Packages.
Who are Hughes Performance's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Performance Automatic, B&M Racing & Performance, Coan Engineering, ATI Performance Products, TCI Automotive, PRO Gear, Circle D Specialties and Gearstar Performance Converters. Holley Performance Products is listed as a broad incumbent. Reid Racing is listed as an emerging player.
Does Hughes Performance have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hughes Performance.
What industry is Hughes Performance in?
Hughes Performance's product category is Performance Automotive Parts. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAHAI, Clutch, Torque Converter & Flywheel Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMACAAAG, Passenger Vehicle Transmission & Drivetrain Systems Manufacturing (ICE). Its NAICS code is 33635.