Platinum Sparks worthwile?

[Ozzcaddy]

I'll be needing to change the spark plugs in my V6, and I went to Auto Barn today and they quoted $25 each ($150.00 - 6 plugs) for NGK Laser Double Platinum - BKR6EKPB-11.

I can get the same plugs from the USA from www.rockauto.com for US$58.50 + Shipping US$22.17 Total = US$80.67. That is equal to Aus$79.55 at todays exchange rate. A big saving.

[STYLSH]

Or you could just go to toyota and ask for the Denso's. Could even end up cheaper.

[Ozzcaddy]

Or you could just go to toyota and ask for the Denso's. Could even end up cheaper.

That's a good point. But why would Toyota recommend 2 Brands of plugs Denso and NGK that are different. Even though the Denso (PK20TR11)($5.86US) is Double Platinum, it only has one ground electrode, where the NGK (BKR6EKPB-11) ($9.75US) also Double Platinum has 2 ground electrodes.

[DJKOR]

That's a good point. But why would Toyota recommend 2 Brands of plugs Denso and NGK that are different. Even though the Denso (PK20TR11)($5.86US) is Double Platinum, it only has one ground electrode, where the NGK (BKR6EKPB-11) ($9.75US) also Double Platinum has 2 ground electrodes.

Just because the physical design of the spark plug is different, it doesn't mean it can be any less compatible. Those were probably two plugs that they have tested to have optimum results with.

[Ozzcaddy]

I've seen 2 separate pictures of the Denso spark plug, one showing one ground electrode, the other showing two ground electrodes. So obvious one picture is incorrect, which is most likely the one ground electrode.

I'll still contact Toyota for a price on the Denso plug.

Edited January 3, 2011 by Ozzcaddy