Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap?

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Matts_SW20)

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:24:06 GMT

Hi Steve,

If you do a quick google search on plug materials you'll get your answer. Copper spark plugs will always produce a much stronger spark which is why they're advised for high performance applications. Platinum and Iridium plugs provide a spark thats not as strong but they're far more accurate when they spark and will easily outlast any copper plug due to the metal content. For these reasons manufacturers will use a platinum or iridium plug as they don't need the strong spark with factory tuning and have that longevity as you mentioned. Anyone with a FWD V6 will usually find that the front bank will have different plugs to the rear bank because its a more difficult job and rear bank can last longer with the platinums i.e. Magna's.

I can't speak for Toyota when they were picking the plug but I dare say at least 70% of their attention (being Toyota) was on longevity and the platinum is a result.

Feel free to shoot me a message if you want to talk about it further,

Cheers :)

Have some pages that expand on this that I quickly googled:
- http://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/2013/what-is-the-difference-between-normal-platinum-iridium-plugs
- http://www.carsdirect.com/car-repair/copper-spark-plugs-vs-iridium-and-platinum-understand-for-top-performance
- http://www.bobistheoilguy...lat&Number=2583605

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Groper)

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:24:51 GMT

Matts_Sw20,
With respect, I don't know where you heard copper plugs are better for 3SGE than platinums. Toyota delivered them with platinum plugs (as it did in other models with 3SGE eg ST162 Celica) and as they were waaay more expensive than "copper" plugs when cars were built I would expect Toyota didn't do it on a whim. Generally, platinum or irridium plugs will last at least 100,000km, too.
cheers
Steve

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Zeus)

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 14:03:16 GMT

Laser platinum BKR6EP-8. Stock no# 2215 (edit)-"note the part no# could be different if you all think the turbo and the NA use different plug heats" can be ordered via Supercheap. I have a set sitting right in front of me. Took 2days order time.

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Matts_SW20)

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 18:59:05 GMT

They look the same as mine although mine had only been in for 20k and mine is the turbo motor. I thought they may have changed plugs for the turbo motor guess the plugs are good enough for both :p

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Reddtarga)

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:37:38 GMT

These platinum NGK BKR6EP-8 came from my Gen2 3SGE motor that had very good fuel economy and performance.
They had been in for about 50k kms when the pic was taken.

I have also tried Denso PK20R8 platinum's and they are just as good.

(The 8 on the end indicates preset gap)

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Hoonsy)

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 20:50:28 GMT

I'm still running the spark plugs I mentioned earlier, the Bosch quad tip P8-4s. I'll definitely be swapping them over to the NGK Laser Plats once I have the money to waste (can't justify replacing perfectly functional plugs right now)

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Matts_SW20)

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:06:39 GMT

I ended up just getting the NGK Laser Platinums because easy, cheap and Toyodiy recommended them haha so far so good.

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Hoonsy)

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 22:18:42 GMT

Matts_SW20
This is a great thread, while on the topic does anyone know what the best gap is for the 3SGTE?

Also I'm unsure what I'm running as its a recent purchase but looking into changing the plugs. While platinum plugs are more accurate in their sparking I know that copper plugs will produce a much stronger spark which is better for these engines apparently. Can anyone give me an FYI on the best type of plug and the appropriate gap for my engine?

Ideal plug gap would be 0.8mm, same as the later gen 3S-GEs. As for the plug, the NGK Laser Platinums I linked seem to be of very good quality - I haven't ordered them yet, as I've putting my funds towards a new thermo/water temp sensor but I'll be picking some up in the near future I think

As for the strength of the spark, I never knew it mattered - if something combusts, it combusts. I didn't think it could "combust harder" due to a stronger spark. I'm interested to hear someone else's thoughts on that

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Matts_SW20)

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 18:46:01 GMT

This is a great thread, while on the topic does anyone know what the best gap is for the 3SGTE?

Also I'm unsure what I'm running as its a recent purchase but looking into changing the plugs. While platinum plugs are more accurate in their sparking I know that copper plugs will produce a much stronger spark which is better for these engines apparently. Can anyone give me an FYI on the best type of plug and the appropriate gap for my engine?

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Hoonsy)

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 19:39:39 GMT

Reddtarga
If you look, there are heaps of NGK Platinum BKR6EP-8 on ebay available locally.

For MR2's, SCA is good for stuff like car polish but not much else lol.

Fair enough. I've got this mindset that eBay is exclusively China-quality products. I've got to realize that reputable shops use it now also haha

I'll have a gander and see if I can find a good deal, thanks m7+1

Edit: Currently looking at this deal - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-x-NGK-spark-plug-PART-NUMBER-BKR6EP-8-TOYOTA-CARINA-E-2-0-MR2-/360752254224?hash=item53fe828d10:g:CqsAAOSwBahVF1ci
I'm not entirely sure how postage works, I'll ask if it's a one-fee of $5.xx then $16 per plug. If so, I'll probably go for this one

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Reddtarga)

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 19:15:22 GMT

If you look, there are heaps of NGK Platinum BKR6EP-8 on ebay available locally.

For MR2's, SCA is good for stuff like car polish but not much else lol.

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Hoonsy)

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 18:51:59 GMT

Reddtarga
"Also can anyone confirm/deny that the Platinum+4s are any worse in engine performance?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIc8k4Z_PcU

If you can afford them get NGK Platinum BKR6EP-8
The '8' on the end, is the gap they come with (0.8mm gap) - no need to adjust.
Recommended for stock 3sge motors - all gens.
I have used them for many years and they work great and last a long time - well worth the expense.

Also check out this great article from the forum archives:
http://www.mr2australia.com/mr2play/tm.aspx?m=85781&high=spark+plugs

Thanks Red, I checked online and they don't seem to stock them at SCA. May have to order from NGK directly.. or does anyone know if they have an Australian distributor?

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Reddtarga)

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 10:24:56 GMT

"Also can anyone confirm/deny that the Platinum+4s are any worse in engine performance?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIc8k4Z_PcU

If you can afford them get NGK Platinum BKR6EP-8
The '8' on the end, is the gap they come with (0.8mm gap) - no need to adjust.
Recommended for stock 3sge motors - all gens.
I have used them for many years and they work great and last a long time - well worth the expense.

Also check out this great article from the forum archives:
http://www.mr2australia.com/mr2play/tm.aspx?m=85781&high=spark+plugs

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Hoonsy)

Sun, 13 Dec 2015 20:17:58 GMT

Also can anyone confirm/deny that the Platinum+4s are any worse in engine performance?
Despite now knowing that I've used the correct gap, I want to be sure that they're the appropriate plug also

Re: Gen 3 3SGE Spark Plug Gap? (Hoonsy)

Sun, 13 Dec 2015 19:28:41 GMT

Lumix
In the service specifications section of the owners manual for my 1997 Bathurst it lists Spark plug gap, mm (in.): 0.8 (0.031). That is what I have been running.

Alright sweet. Mine is a 94 Bathy so I can only assume it's the same then. I guess that answers my original question - I wonder where people get the 1.1mm gap from then? Maybe that's only for the Gen1 and Gen2s?