Spark Plugs. Iridium IK or VK?

[Pudsey]

I have just ordered some new spark plugs.

 

I used Opie Oils after first researching on here to make sure the correct plug was choosen, and now after using the online ordering facility I am not so sure.

 

I selected the supra as late as possible and it gave one option only as the VK20.

 

Now after researching the plug with Denso Global, I find that this code relates to a Tough Iridium Spark Plug hence VK.

 

Looking back at the tech specification by Alex on here I see it specifies a Power Iridium Plug (IK).

 

Now I know the tech spec bit was written sometime ago now, and assume Denso have brought out this new plug in the time that has pasted.

 

Just after some advice now on whether I need to change the order as these aren't exactly cheap are they.

 

I own a 1998 (R-Registration) VVTI-Twin Turbo and it is completely Stock too.

Edited January 17, 2010 by Pudsey (see edit history)

[oilman]

IK's are the same as Vk's except the VK is a tough plug, in short has more iridium so should last even longer.

 

Cheers

 

Guy

[Pudsey]

Excellent stuff.....I did ring this morning and was given the same advice which was a relief.

 

So there you go ladies and gents just incase you wondered.

 

Thanks Guy.

[Pudsey]

Bought these plugs a while ago along with few other services bits and bobs, and now have another question regarding the VVT-I Spark Plug specification.

 

Question now is..... (and this won't help as I don't have a picture to hand at the moment, will take one tomorrow though).

 

Update Photo: -

 

I have a factory sticker on the underside of my bonnet near the latch, that caught my eye today whilst charging the battery.

 

Written Explaination of the diagram: -

 

Diagram (1) shows a Normal Spark Plug Tip Combustion End (with one electrode, hence ground)

 

and

 

Diagram (2) alongside shows a Normal Spark Plug Tip Combustion End (with two electrodes, hence multi ground).

 

The diagram then has a 'Blue' cross through the diagram (1), and a 'Blue' circle around the multi electrode diagram (2).

 

This clearly indicates that you should use the multi electrode plug as per factory specification, but the plugs I have are all as per diagram (1) hence a normal single electrode spark plug.

 

Does anybody actually know if the VVT-I is supposed to have a multi electrode plug?

 

As winter came in my car has been wrapped up as warm as can be in the garage, but planning to complete a service of all of the essentials once the weather perks up.

 

Would just like to clarify this one, and I can't remember if I have asked this before either doh.

 

Views appreciated as ever.......

 

Update: - couple minutes later

 

Just searched the spark plug tech again, and have seen that there has been some discussion around this very subject recently.

 

This discussion in the Tech hadn't taken place when I purchased my plugs, so now I have read that one too.

 

Do we have a definitive answer on the subject.....

Edited January 17, 2010 by Pudsey
Photo added..... (see edit history)

[oilman]

We have sold the Denso plugs to many people with various VVT engines and have not had a complaint about that. The muti-electrode is designed to make the fuel ignite more efficiently, but the Densos are designed to ignite efficiently with just one electrode. Perhaps some one on here would have more specific information about the VVT-i engine, but from what I've seen, they'll be fine.

[Pudsey]

Thanks for your reply.

 

Just doesn't seem to be alot of proper technical information on the VVT-i variant.

 

Plays on your mind though when you see the factory sticker saying 'No' doesn't it.

 

Are there any members with experience of running different Spark Plugs eg specifically 'Iriduims' for example in a VVT-i.

 

Just want to be rest assured before putting the new ones in.

 

Seems to be some differences of opinion on whether you need to check the Spark Plug gaps too on Iridiums.

[Pudsey]

Okay so seeing as today was a fairly mild and pretty sunny too, thought I would change my spark plugs whilst giving the battery a boost after winter storage.

 

After having no real reply thought I'd change them anyway...

 

When I first searched the site for Spark Plug changes on a Supra I couldn't find many pictures to check out the task ahead, so took a couple so people who have never changed them on a Supra before can have a look prior to getting dirty.

 

Cam Cover removed: -

 

These little clips are difficult to remove, so I made a little hook to unlatch them from underneath to prevent levering them and snapping the clips: -

 

1 x Coil Pack (Side View) removed on the Twin Turbo you have three of these babies: -

1 x Coil Pack (Top View): -

 

One Spark Plug removed, best off hovering all the areas to prevent any nasties falling into the bores prior to removing any of the plugs, and again when each has been removed: -

 

One of my old plugs vs one of my new plugs: -

 

Being presently surprised i found the plugs I removed were NGK Iridium BKR6EIX-11P Stamped Japan, so my car has been run on decent plugs by the previous Japanese owner. Only difference visually between the two plugs were the NGK had a copper tip, and the new Denso VK's was silver coloured. Plus the Iridium tip in the new plug was much smaller 0.4mm centre electrode.

 

All finished and back together fiddly little job, but no tears or breakages so jobs a good one: -

 

As the sun was out for little while got to get a few snaps in haven't you: -

 

Drives great seems to pick up and pull harder and faster too which is a bonus!

 

Not a comprehensive guide by any means, but some helpful snaps I thought.

Edited January 17, 2010 by Pudsey
Word missing.... (see edit history)

[oilman]

Thanks for trying them and I'm glad they are okay. I'm at home so I don't have all the data that I have in the office to give a full reply.

 

Cheers

 

Tim

[Pudsey]

Thanks for trying them and I'm glad they are okay. I'm at home so I don't have all the data that I have in the office to give a full reply.

 

Cheers

 

Tim

 

It would be great to get a fully reply when you can.

[tomgeer]

I like your wheels, what make are they?

[oilman]

Hi

 

Now I am at work, I have been able to check the Denso guides and the VK20s are the ones Denso recommend. Also, the plugs you took out were single electrode ones by the looks of it. The two electrode plugs are a way of making cheaper plugs more efficient (only marginally), but with better iridium plugs only one electrode is needed.

 

Cheers

 

Tim

[Pudsey]

I like your wheels, what make are they?

 

Thanks.....They are 'Team Dynamics Jade R's' 18 inch version.

 

Hi

 

Now I am at work, I have been able to check the Denso guides and the VK20s are the ones Denso recommend. Also, the plugs you took out were single electrode ones by the looks of it. The two electrode plugs are a way of making cheaper plugs more efficient (only marginally), but with better iridium plugs only one electrode is needed.

 

Cheers

 

Tim

 

Thanks Tim,

 

At least I am now rest assured that these are correct, hopefully this will help anyone else who may wonder in the future too.