What Spark Plugs are you using?

[DRich43]

Alrighty then, Im now close to the 100k mark and its time for new plugs. Im trying to get some info on what plugs you used and did you like them. So far Im very happy with the factory plugs but was just wondering if someone had a better one for me.

Thanks and I look forward to the responses.

 

[swingbatta]

I just installed Denso iridium plugs and they work fine. There is no noticeable performance difference but the iriduims should last longer. Changing plugs is easy and I think it's good inspect them every 30k, so in the future I'll save some cash and stick with BASIC Denso or NGK plugs.

 

[ClockWork]

There is no better plug for the V8. OEM is best.

 

[MikeInNH]

Denso or NGK are the OEM manufacturers for Toyota. In fact when I replaced my OEM plugs one side was Denso..the other bank was NGK.

Buy either of those plugs and you'll be fine. And you don't have to buy them from the dealer. Any place that carries Denso or NGK is fine...it's the EXACT same plug as the Toyota plug.

 

[Sungod]

When I looked for replacement plugs for my 4.7 the NGK plugs listed in the manual were discontinued and replaced with some other part number. I ended up getting the Denso which were the ones that were factory installed.

When searching for plugs, do not subscribe to any performance or mileage improvement from spark plugs. They are all scams and in many cases like split fire or other gimmick plugs your car will run like junk.

Irridium plugs are about 3x more than standard plugs. They do not improve performance, but they do last 4x longer.

 

[fogcitysurfer]

I ended up with the NGK iridium purchased at Oriellys for about 7 bucks each. They work great. I don't remember the stock number, but it's on other threads here.

 

[MikeInNH]

When searching for plugs, do not subscribe to any performance or mileage improvement from spark plugs. They are all scams and in many cases like split fire or other gimmick plugs your car will run like junk.

Irridium plugs are about 3x more than standard plugs. They do not improve performance, but they do last 4x longer.

Couldn't agree more. Personally I like the regular copper plugs. I replace every year (about 40k miles) ...one good way to tell how your engine is performing and if there are any hidden problems...is the condition of the plugs.

My wifes Lexus...the ONLY plug available is Iridium...so I'll replace them at 90k (sometime next year).

 

[Gecko123]

Denso

I use standard Toyota recommended spark plugs which is Denso (or NGK). The V6's came with standard plugs, not the long lasting iridium plugs. The V8's came with Iridium plugs from what i've been told. My question is, can I put iridium plugs into a V6 engine.

 

[ClockWork]

Toyota uses premium Iridium plugs for durability and longevity. DO NOT skimp out on them. $64 is parts is nothing every 120k miles.

Gecko, yes people have put Iridium plugs in the V6; however, I feel that they came with higher temp plugs from the factory for a reason.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Is there any reason to go to the dealer over the auto parts stores? Advance Auto is having a 15% off sale right now, thinking about replacing the plugs. Looking at the Denso long life iridium plugs, are these a good choice for the v8? The long life plugs are only fifty cents more per plug, seems worth it.

 

[MikeInNH]

Is there any reason to go to the dealer over the auto parts stores?

For spark-plugs?? Absolutely no reason what-so-ever.

Be careful with Advance Auto. Yes they do carry NGK and Denso...However they have a very limited supply. Last I checked they didn't stock the NGK or Denso plug for the 4runner. And then they tried to get me to use Autolite or Champion....."No Thanks...I want my truck to actually RUN after I replace the plugs."

Here in NH we have a few independents that carry quality parts. They carry the full line of NGK or Denso plugs. No problem getting the plugs there at about half of what the dealer charged for the EXACT SAME PLUG. And might be able to find it on-line even cheaper.

 

[034RUNNER]

I lucked out at the auto parts store for new plugs a few weeks ago when trying to take care of some 90k stuff.

 

[scottm]

For spark-plugs?? Absolutely no reason what-so-ever.

Be careful with Advance Auto. Yes they do carry NGK and Denso...However they have a very limited supply. Last I checked they didn't stock the NGK or Denso plug for the 4runner. And then they tried to get me to use Autolite or Champion....."No Thanks...I want my truck to actually RUN after I replace the plugs."

Here in NH we have a few independents that carry quality parts. They carry the full line of NGK or Denso plugs. No problem getting the plugs there at about half of what the dealer charged for the EXACT SAME PLUG. And might be able to find it on-line even cheaper.

I checked Advance online, they don't list an NGK or Denso in copper for my truck. Autozone has an NGK V-Power copper, and NAPA has Denso copper for $3.59, probably what I'll go with.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

My local Advance Auto stocks the Denso iridiums that I mentioned earlier. Just placed my order fit them, was able to get them for $51, list price is $72 for 8 plugs. Not bad IMO, makes it worth going for the higher end plugs. I've noticed a decrease in gas mileage, hoping seafoam followed by new plugs will help. I'm at 160K miles, I have no clue if they've ever been changed (purchased at 120K miles). Just wanted to say thanks for the info, this thread has been very helpful.

 

[Presta24]

NGK Ir

 

[Sungod]

My local Advance Auto stocks the Denso iridiums that I mentioned earlier. Just placed my order fit them, was able to get them for $51, list price is $72 for 8 plugs. Not bad IMO, makes it worth going for the higher end plugs. I've noticed a decrease in gas mileage, hoping seafoam followed by new plugs will help. I'm at 160K miles, I have no clue if they've ever been changed (purchased at 120K miles). Just wanted to say thanks for the info, this thread has been very helpful.

That sounds like a good deal. I ordered mine online and paid slightly more because Advance didn't have them at the time.

You will make your life easier if you take off the air intake. On the driver side I had to use a swivel on the end of the extension to get one of them out without having to take other parts loose. It was probably one of the easier cars to replace the plugs on. Just be careful when removing the coil packs. There is a washer in between that can fall off and you will spend the next 30 mins trying to fish it out because they always fall into the most in accessible spot.

Don't hold out a lot of hope for improved mileage from seafoaming and new plugs. You best hope for improved mileage comes when the summer blend of gas hits the pumps.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've noticed a gradual decrease in mileage over the last several months. I've kept a history of every fill up for the last year or so, mpg is definitely down, not just due to winter gas. I've adjusted driving habits and it's an improvement, but still worse than previously.

That said, now I have to admit that I should have listened more carefully to MikeinNH. Went to pick up my order, they hadn't put it together yet (this was 2.5 hours later, was suppose to be done within the hour). They started gathering my parts, couldn't find the plugs. After about a 45 minute wait for them to find them and also them calling other stores in the area (and not just AA stores), I finally had enough and cancelled the order. I'll be going elsewhere from here on, just not a good experience. To their defense, the system did show that they were in stock.

I don't have high expectations that seafoam and new plugs will transform my vehicle. I do think that at 160k miles and not knowing the history of the plugs, it's a good place to start.

 

[450exc115]

I can only give my experience on my wife's subaru which we owned for 10 years. OEM plugs were copper core NGK.. At 30K they had gapped and rounded (2 years of driving) and resulted in 1-2 mph loss (I use a log to track history on our vehicles). I replaced them with OEM and once again at 60K the mileage was down. SO being smart I put in some expensive iridium plugs (NGKs) and replace wires (NGK 8mm). Guess when the mileage dropped again? Yup 30K later. Turns out the Subaru is a high volatage system and just likes to eat plugs, expensive or not. SO I went back to copper and just changes plugs every 2 years and wires every 4.. $50 bucks is not a hard pill to swallow in fact that is dinner out with some drinks.

That being said I just rolled 55K in my 4runner and I'll be changing the plugs come the warmer spring days..

 

[MikeInNH]

After about a 45 minute wait for them to find them and also them calling other stores in the area (and not just AA stores), I finally had enough and cancelled the order. I'll be going elsewhere from here on, just not a good experience.

Do you have any locally owned parts stores. Here in NH we have a couple big ones. They are small chains with about 10-20 stores each. But they carry quality parts. Some have a machine shop right at the store. And the people at the parts counter actually know what they're talking about.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Do you have any locally owned parts stores. Here in NH we have a couple big ones. They are small chains with about 10-20 stores each. But they carry quality parts. Some have a machine shop right at the store. And the people at the parts counter actually know what they're talking about.

I just moved back in July, still learning the area so I'm not aware of any at the moment. However, there are a couple good ones back home. I can get the OEM plugs from the dealer for $8 each, probably just going to go that route and avoid any more headaches.