Comments on spark plugs

[DocT]

Hey,

I have a Blacktop 20v which currently has Bosch FR6DPP33X platinum plugs in it. I searched the posts and found that Denso and NGK are the preferred plugs. Are these Bosh any good or even suited to this engine? Had a quick google but didnt find much.

[Lloyd]

Peoples opinions will vary widely on spark plugs. You'll find a fair few people like NGKs however

[RS13]

What he said. And big $$ plugs aren't always the best for your car, I've had $35 (each, and I had to get 6!) platinums in both my RB20DETs, after continually having to replace them due to misfiring issues (and no, it wasn't the coils), I bought 6 NGKs for $35 off trademe, not only did the car run smoother, but revved out a lot cleaner. Just do the research, ask around and see what others are running, don't just go by the book..

[AceSniper]

you wil find hardly any people run Bosch in 20v's coz there manual dosnt give a match for the engine, NGK are commonly used in them

[DocT]

Hey, Thanks AceSniper, thats what I wanted to know. I wonder why the previous owner had these plugs in it? Spend all the $$$ on platinum plugs but doesnt even get the proper ones?!

[bluemaumau]

denso ftw!

only cause ive got em*

[Crucible]

Youll find manufacturers recommend platinum tips in engines where the plugs are not easily accessable, like v6's etc. There main advantage is that they are very hard wearing as platinum has a very high melting point. Most platinums can be crossed referanced to a standard tipped plug anyways which will do the same job but maybe will require replacing more often. I fit nothing but NGK, only because they have a good reputation. Ive found champion, denso to be unreliable...just my experiances, not dishing them...

tnt

[Grrrrrrr!]

my personal opinion.. but champion spark plugs are very useful for sinkers when you go fishing.. and thats about all i'll use them for

[Dell'Orto]

Yep, I'll 3rd the fact Champion plugs are pretty average...I've had a guy come into work with one where the electrode had actually come away from the porcelain, and was sliding up and down inside it.
Denso are factory fitment for Toyota I believe.

[XERO]

I had Platnums in the caldina when i got it, i had to get them replaced about 3 months back but only get iridiums, will never go there again, using platnums again... happy as larry

[Mr Revhead]

yep denso are the plugs specced by toyota

[MasCam]

I had Platnums in the caldina when i got it, i had to get them replaced about 3 months back but only get iridiums, will never go there again, using platnums again... happy as larry

What was the problem with the iridiums?? I used them in my last car and they were great, I would have swapped to them in the 3SGTE when they needed replacing.

Chris

[WanaGo]

Just went on the Toyota site, to see what the genuine parts would be listed as - they didnt have any specifics, but they said this in the spark plug category...

Spark Plugs

The resistor located between the centre electrode and the centre axis enables Genuine Toyota Spark Plugs to prevent interference with on-board electronics, such as the radio. Non-genuine spark plugs without resistors fail to reduce interference with electronics.

Genuine Toyota Spark Plugs feature a U-Groove ground electrode which optimises engine performance, including starting, acceleration, fuel economy and power.

Toyota uses reliable materials and precise construction methods to create its spark plug housings. The result is stable performance and long life. Genuine Toyota Spark Plug housings also have a high rate of thermal conduction, ensuring that they are always at the ideal temperature. Without proper heat conduction, spark plugs tend to run too hot or too cold, causing engine misfires or pre-ignition which often leads to engine damage.

To work efficiency, engines must have spark plugs with the appropriate heating range. If the range is inappropriate, the plug may fail to ignite, resulting in poor starting, reduced performance on uphill climbs or when carrying a heavy load, and increased fuel consumption.

Just wondering, what would these plugs be that they refer to?

What should I run in my Caldina GT-T? Just the NGK's? Have no idea what is in it at the moment, but im going to give it a full service when it arrives, so will check the plugs and change them if they look sus.

Thanks

WanaGo

[Mr Revhead]

thats pretty generic, not all toyotas use the "u" groove
the spec plugs for the st215 gt-t are denso pk20r8

[WanaGo]

where did you find that from?

Is there a whole lot of technical stuff listed somewhere for the gt-t?

ta
WanaGo

[edwagon]

I don't have a high opinion of bosch plugs, and as above, champion don't seem to be much good either!
NGK all the way!

OEM plugs will be good too tho...

[matt dunn]

I don't have a high opinion of bosch plugs, and as above, champion don't seem to be much good either!
NGK all the way!

OEM plugs will be good too tho...

You can take about 20 different NGK plugs, cross them over to a bosch or a champion and they will all cross over to 1 plug.
There range is not big enough, and the champions don't take the heat when tey are way down in the head of a jap DOHC.

IMO Denso and NGK are equal.

Matt

[edwagon]

You can take about 20 different NGK plugs, cross them over to a bosch or a champion and they will all cross over to 1 plug.
There range is not big enough, and the champions don't take the heat when tey are way down in the head of a jap DOHC

I had never bothered looking at a bosch or champion plug catalogue, but that makes alot of sense - A mate put new plugs in his stock b8 auto mazda, and after 2 days developed a hoo-er of a miss, but only when it warmed up. He got me to have a look, and after checking the leads etc etc, pulled the plugs out (under much protest from mate who assured me they wern't the problem) and they were bosch!
They were a pure chalky white colour and looked quite glazed, I immediatly thought 'wrong heat range' but was assured they were the ones which were listed for that model ( - i thought oh yeah - b8 vs k8 they'll be the wrong plug)
Put the old NGKs back in and it was fine.
Not really fair to bag bosch IF they wern't the correct plugs, but if they list a 'one plug fits all' then no wonder they don't really work properly in anything in paticular.

[jiranz5]

overall, I get the impression that NGK are the preferred brand. My dad's legacy GT is due for new plugs. As some will know, changing plugs in a horizontally opposed engine isn't all that fun. Would i be better going for iridium, or platinum for longevity and what type of plug should i be looking for? (sorry for the hijack)

[Spannergal]

where did you find that from?

Is there a whole lot of technical stuff listed somewhere for the gt-t?

ta
WanaGo

can't be completely sure, but I'd say that Mr Revhead found that information on the Toyota EPC, as he works for Toyota