Not all xNZ-FE heads are same

[sergei]

Below is a very peculiar thing I found out today.

I have ordered spark plugs for my mothers Vitz RS (NCP91) on ebay.
These are genuine denso FK20HR11s. I got them for $30 a set of 4, so I grabbed 3 sets (shipping was something like $15). BTW these are sold here for $35 each (one plug)!
I was thinking of using rest of the sets in others xNZFE powered vehicles in the family.

While the FK20HR11 is correct plug for NCP91, it is long reach plug (26.5mm thread length) and will not fit earlier xNZFE heads (eg NCP65 or NCP13). The earlier heads use short reach plugs (19mm).

I still came ahead by buying from ebay 3 sets, vs 1 set in NZ, as I still have another NCP91 car that I haven't done the plugs yet in.

What is even more peculiar is that the head is the same part number between all 2NZFE and earlier 1NZFE, while the part number is different to 1NZFE found in later models.
So far I think best quick way to tell if it will have long reach is to check if it has drive-by-wire throttle and is 1NZFE (vs 2NZFE). The best way is to ask your Toyota parts person spark plug part number .

What strikes me really weird is I went through similar dilemma when buying plugs for my WRX STI, for some reason GRB STIs come with long reach while earlier modes come with short reach (both EJ207 motors).

I have no idea why would manufacturers purposely switch to long reach plugs... Perhaps better thermal management?

Just thought to share in case it could be useful to someone...

[RS13]

Found the same with my '04 1NZ RunX. Sifted through online IPCs which indicated a standard electrode K16R-U11, bought a set only to find when I went to change them that my car has the long reach FK20HR11s! Fortunately our Caldina takes the K16Rs so not fussed, but at just over $100 decided to wait until 100km to change the FK20s lol. It appears that 1NZFE made until 4/2004 have the standard electrode and after that they came with the FK20s.

[sergei]

Found the same with my '04 1NZ RunX. Sifted through online IPCs which indicated a standard electrode K16R-U11, bought a set only to find when I went to change them that my car has the long reach FK20HR11s! Fortunately our Caldina takes the K16Rs so not fussed, but at just over $100 decided to wait until 100km to change the FK20s lol. It appears that 1NZFE made until 4/2004 have the standard electrode and after that they came with the FK20s.

I have a set of 4x FK20HR11 I can sell you for $40 + postage .

[RS13]

Hah! Tempting.. however, I've read too many stories of knock-offs being sold cheap on Ebay.. I think I'll stick with TGP when the time comes! Thanks anyway Sergei.