GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2003 -2009 GX470 models

Spark Plugs??

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Old 07-14-14, 11:50 AM
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kilo400
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Default Spark Plugs??

Thanks to this forum and the awesome GX Spark Plug DIY tutorial, I was able to successfully change out spark plugs on the wives GX. It idles noticeable smoother now!!

I ordered Champion Iridium plugs from RockAuto, gapped them, and installed them. Like I said, it idles so much smoother now, but I am wondering if I went with the wrong plug. After reading more, it looks like I should have purchased Denso or NGK; NGK were what I pulled out BTW.

So I have a question, if you were me, would you remove the Champion's and replace with Deno or NGK? Or change them at some interval in the future? Or go the full 120K service interval?

It does not get heavy use, around town driving for about 10-12K per year. No towing or laborious work.

Also, if it makes a difference, I neglected to apply anti-seize to the plug when installing. Am I looking at problems down the road when I (or the new owner) try to remove them?

Thanks in advance for your comments. What a great resource this is, especially if I were to read more ahead of doing the job
Old 07-14-14, 12:57 PM
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burny
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I would run them at this point until an issue is noticed.
Old 07-15-14, 03:58 PM
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kilo400
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Thank you. Not like it was too hard, but wasn't looking forward to doing so soon. Thanks again for the input.
Old 07-16-14, 08:51 AM
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RCsGX
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I would personally swap them out with OEM (Denso or NGK) plugs. It doesn't take long and the Denso plugs are under $60 for a set of 8.

Amazon.com: Denso (3297) SK20R11 Iridium Spark Plug, Pack of 1: Automotive Amazon.com: Denso (3297) SK20R11 Iridium Spark Plug, Pack of 1: Automotive
Old 07-16-14, 12:29 PM
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ALAN553
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Iridium is iridium, if the truck runs fine, gas milage is acceptable, then champions plugs are fine.....they are only spark plugs.
Old 07-16-14, 12:52 PM
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RCsGX
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Originally Posted by ALAN553
Iridium is iridium, if the truck runs fine, gas milage is acceptable, then champions plugs are fine.....they are only spark plugs.
That's why I said "I personally", meaning if it were my GX.

The OP can do as they wish but I would never put anything Champion on or in my Toyota / Lexus especially an engine.
Old 07-16-14, 01:42 PM
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kilo400
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Thanks for the input. It is running great after replacing the plugs so will give it some time. If I notice a decline in performance, smoothness, or gas mileage, I will replace them with OEM.

Thanks again for the input!
Old 07-16-14, 03:25 PM
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ALAN553
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Originally Posted by RCsGX
That's why I said "I personally", meaning if it were my GX.

The OP can do as they wish but I would never put anything Champion on or in my Toyota / Lexus especially an engine.
i agree with you...but seeings how they are in already...probably doesnt make a difference...we wouldnt do it for the same reason we spend time reading and posting on this forum....becasue we are OC and everything has to be perfect...gets a little stressful sometimes..ya think?LOL
Old 07-17-14, 06:06 AM
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chiph9
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Do the Champions have a conventional spark tip on them? (other than being coated in Iridium)

Because the "Split Fire" and "Quad Fire" style spark plugs have been shown to be not all that great.

Chip H.
Old 07-17-14, 07:42 AM
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burny
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once you notice the deline in performance, replace those bad boys. I'll give it 15-20k miles
Old 07-19-14, 07:43 AM
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Gene01
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This is second-hand information, but I believe it to be reliable.
Both Lexus and the spark plug manufacturers recommend against using anti-seize on your spark plugs.
You might want to do a bit of research to confirm.
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