andybisnut

OK, n00b question here maybe.

I have a friend who claims that E3 spark plugs could improve my gas mileage.

So two questions:

# 1 - is this true? Can spark plugs improve MPGs?

#2 - What spark plugs are you using in your ES?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I always stick with factory spark plugs. The engineers design the ignition system around the spark plugs that they put in, so it's incredibly important to use the right type. My thoughts on the MPG improvement is that it's just a marketing scam. If they were really that great, why aren't car manufacturers using them to boost their MPG numbers?

LeX2K

I have never seen a spark plug improve mileage unless the old plug was worn/dirty. The exception might be on an engine with a poorly designed ignition system, but that is definitely not the case with these cars.

mdbrown

Stay away from gimmicks. Whether it's spark plugs that increase mileage or magnets that increase fuel flow efficiency or tiny fans that increase air flow or chips that somehow manufacture horsepower or oil additives that perform miracles. These are all products that prey on the uneducated and ignorant.

BDSL

#1. Unless your ignition components are old / damaged / out of specs, replacing spark plugs will not improve MPG. Aftermarket spark plugs will not improve MPG.

#2. I am currently using Lexus OEM spark plugs. But maybe next time I will get the cheaper NGK aftermarket ones.

#3. Your friend is an idiot.

MikeLex

DENSO PK20TR11 or NGK BKR6EKPB11 for the ES300. I replaced my plugs with the Denso's. No improvement in gas mileage, a slight gain in toque and a smoother running engine.

andybisnut

Thanks for the info. #3 was a little harsh - he's a good friend of mine, and I wouldn't put him in the "idiot" category. But you don't know him, so maybe you think his belief in E3 plugs is idiotic.

andybisnut

Maybe I'll try the Denso ones. I think the car's plugs were recently changed (Lexus OEM I believe), so I'll wait a while.

hypervish

Don't worry, Toyota/Lexus OEM = Denso.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Either NGk or denso. Many Lexus' come with a mix depending on the assembly line workers and stock.

I personally run a higher end (can barely call it that) NGK iridium. All parts stores will have them for under 50$ or 36$ before shipping on Rockauto.

The number I have is the BKR6EIX11

03 ES

Our OEM plugs are either DENSO or NGK (depending on the line or stock at the time...some have NGK on one bank and DENSO on the other...from the factory) Iridium single tipped plugs. Factory original plugs can be identified by a white mark on the top of the plug.
Toyota engines tend to not like any plugs other than OEM so I would stick with original Toyota.
I use OEM NGK plugs from the dealer in my 2003 ES300. Changed them and the PCV valve at 100k miles. The iridium plugs are good for 100k miles per Toyota specs.

andybisnut

Thanks for the info. Based on what you guys have all told me, I'll stick with the OEM ones when it's time to get plugs. Thanks!

mitmaks

It won't improve your gas mileage but you might lose some if your plugs are fouled, not gapped properly, etc.

imherenow

i changed mine like 7months back. Went with OEM for sure the older wasn't all that dirty ( i could have waited for another year or so) but i always follow maintenance schedules.
There are some things that should be strictly OEM and spark plugs is one of them.
And no i haven't seen a big improvement in gas mileage. But i do get good mpg so i am happy with that..

dewso1

Im thinking about doing my spark plugs next service, but im not sure when they were last changed, and if they're the OEM platinum tipped ones. Anyway to tell?