Toyota started using platinum plugs back in the 1980s - we had an old MX63 Cressida that called for double-platinum plugs, Denso P16R. The reasoning was longer life - the aftermarket said regular plugs were fine. If anything, an iridium plug will have longer life - if it’s the OEM-type iridium center electrode with a platinum pad on the ground strap(NGK Laser/Denso OEM series and the Platinum/Iridium TT series. NGK and Denso sell a “performance” iridium plug(Iridum IX/Iridium Power) without precious metal on the ground. The benefit is better ignitablity - less voltage needed to fire the plug and marginally longer life than copper/nickel plugs.
Spark Plugs type for 1980s cars with distributor
- Thread starter alcyon
- Start date
Guide to Spark Plug Materials
What are the materials that we use in manufacturing Champion Spark Plugs? Learn how platinum, iridium and copper spark plugs can affect your engine's performance.
Frankly I have copper plugs in eight of my 11 cars. The three not are the 2018 Mazda 3 still with original, the 2004 LeSabre still with the original, and the 1998 Sable which is temperamental for whatever reason. Seven cars use Autolite BF42 plugs of which I have a ton of (my lifetime) and I put copper in the 04 Focus simply because I have enough to last 240,000 miles in that car at 20,000 a set.
