Spark plugs for 1998 T4R LTD 3.4 v6 auto

Vegimate1

New member
Guys, can anyone advise the best spark plugs for my ride? I have read that for best results we should be using 2 different types of plugs one for passenger side, one for driver's side. What gives. Appreciate your input.
Vegi.
 
Register to hide this ad
I don't think anyone knows WHY they put two different manufacturers plugs in the T4R, maybe a contract or something.

Anyway, most don't bother going with back with two brand name plugs, but go with one.

I chose NGK, cause I can!!! Just make sure you get the double tip plugs.
 
Champion spark Plugs

I guess you can use whatever plug you'd like....I just replaced mine at 165,000mi with Champion 318 Copper plugs. This was after talking with my brother who has been a mechanic for over 25yrs.

He works for Federal Mogal now...and they build parts for all types of car manufacturers...so he see a lot of stuff fly by his computer screen on a daily basis. Here is a quote I got from him last week.

"The only answer I have heard on that is Toyota wants to save money and use a platinum plug on one side, the waste side of the ignition spark. They felt that was the side that took the most abuse and most wear. When replacing plugs, don't worry about that. Even a Champion copper plus plug will go 80,000 miles sometimes more. But the nice thing is they take the least amount of energy to fire. So if you have a weak link in the ignition system like a bad coil or plug boot or wire it won't have an adverse effect as if you ran a platinum or double platinum plug which require a lot more energy to fire."

Take it for what it's worth.
Bfrosty
 
I guess you can use whatever plug you'd like....I just replaced mine at 165,000mi with Champion 318 Copper plugs...

Even a Champion copper plus plug will go 80,000 miles sometimes more. But the nice thing is they take the least amount of energy to fire. So if you have a weak link in the ignition system like a bad coil or plug boot or wire it won't have an adverse effect as if you ran a platinum or double platinum plug which require a lot more energy to fire."

I'll just let my engine do the talking...

DSC00646.jpg~original
 
I guess you can use whatever plug you'd like....I just replaced mine at 165,000mi with Champion 318 Copper plugs. This was after talking with my brother who has been a mechanic for over 25yrs.

He works for Federal Mogal now...and they build parts for all types of car manufacturers...so he see a lot of stuff fly by his computer screen on a daily basis. Here is a quote I got from him last week.

"The only answer I have heard on that is Toyota wants to save money and use a platinum plug on one side, the waste side of the ignition spark. They felt that was the side that took the most abuse and most wear. When replacing plugs, don't worry about that. Even a Champion copper plus plug will go 80,000 miles sometimes more. But the nice thing is they take the least amount of energy to fire. So if you have a weak link in the ignition system like a bad coil or plug boot or wire it won't have an adverse effect as if you ran a platinum or double platinum plug which require a lot more energy to fire."

Take it for what it's worth.
Bfrosty
Hey, Bfrosty, appreciate the advice and makes sense.
Vegi
 
I don't think anyone knows WHY they put two different manufacturers plugs in the T4R, maybe a contract or something.

Anyway, most don't bother going with back with two brand name plugs, but go with one.

I chose NGK, cause I can!!! Just make sure you get the double tip plugs.
Thanks, Sig. My ride is at 168K right now and runs great. Figured it is time to change. Any thoughts from you guys on whether I should change to leads, etc., at the same time?

Vegi.
 
I'd put a bet down for a 6 pack that you will get half the life out of those Crapions than you would a set of factory Denso's . Why on earth would a 25 yr mechanic switch you away from a dual electrode plug to that ? I'd pull em and toss in the correct , mfger's suggested plugs .

I guess you can use whatever plug you'd like....I just replaced mine at 165,000mi with Champion 318 Copper plugs. This was after talking with my brother who has been a mechanic for over 25yrs.
 
Last edited:
I'll just let my engine do the talking...

DSC00646.jpg~original

Can't argue with that ... but why? I have always considered these multi tipped or grounded plugs like Spitfires just a gimmick that usually harms performance and longevity. What is so different about the design of the engine that requires two grounds on the spark plugs?
 
Before I formatted my laptop I had a really good article saved about the reason why you need the plugs that Toyota recommends but I neglected to save it . I'm sure somebody will find it or post the reason .

Ok > severely edited for length considerations..

Does yours use the OEM twin ground electrode spark plugs? ( with twin coil packs and distributorless.) These use a waste spark ignition, therefore the plugs fire twice during a 4 stroke cycle. If you use a single ground electrode, it will severely shorten the life of the plug. e.g. 6,000rpm on your engine will be like running 12,000rpm on another car, since the plug fires twice as often. What happens in waste spark ignition is that 1 coil pack fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously, e.g. cylinder 1 and cylinder 4. So while one spark plug is firing normally, spark jumps from center electrode to ground electrode, the other spark plug is firing in reverse, i.e. from ground electrode to center electrode.
 
Last edited:
I would recommend using Platinum plugs. They WILL last longer and should theoretically give you slightly better performance. I just replaced mine last week. NGK will tell you what to use HERE, but I would caution you to ONLY use dual-ground plugs as has already been said. I used dual-Platinum NGK BKR5EKPB-11 (#4302) plugs and a NGK TE66 wireset.

My advice: go to Advance Auto parts' website and see if they have those parts in stock at a store near where you live. If you order online, you can use ANY of their various online coupon codes out there, and then pick up the order at your local store within an hour (pending in-stock status). FWIW, I was able to get 40% off of the plugs and wires last week with a coupon code I found. The dual-Platinum NGK BKR5EKPB-11 (#4302) plugs I used are normally $9.68 each, and the NGK TE66 wireset (#4412) is normally $36.29 there. The discount saved me almost $40!!! :bigok:

PS - You asked for the best plugs, and IMHO, those Platinum NGK's are it. The standard copper-tipped ones will work fine too.
PPS - Don't worry about using two diff brands. NGK and Denso are esentially the same nowadays.
 
Last edited:
I wouldnt even use champion plugs in my lawn mower.

I got the correct Denso plugs (k16tr11) from rockauto, with a PCV valve, and shipping for $21.00 total.
 
I wouldnt even use champion plugs in my lawn mower.

I got the correct Denso plugs (k16tr11) from rockauto, with a PCV valve, and shipping for $21.00 total.

I've used nothing but Champion D18Y's in the 4cyl 123 cu. in our 1966 Farmall 140 tractor since new. It runs great. They do fine in Briggs & Stratton lawnmowers. Never in my 20 year old Honda HT3810 mower, though. And I sure wouldn't put Champs in a 4Runner. NGK or Denso, only--I doubt it matters which. I use NGK's because I live 2 miles from a NAPA and that's what they have.
 
uhhh last time i replaced my spark plugs i replaced with single thingy..not the twin thingy...bad news?
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,120
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top