If Corolla & Prizm are the same (basically), why do they use different SPARK PLUGS????????????

redgtxdi

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2004
5,464
8
81
NSF4....................this is right up your alley if you're ready........;)

So I go to put in new plugs today & grab some Denso Q16PR U-11's 'cuz that's what Denso says.

Then when I pulled my old plugs I noticed the old ones were......K16R U-11 WTF????

Soooooo..........I look on Denso's site & look up the Corolla (knowing they're the same & figuring that must be the only reason why somebody stuck these in there since they both use the same 4A-FE 1.6L engine) and ***BAM*** there they are. K series instead of Q series.

Now, I understand there are some subtle differences even within the engine compartment....(air cleaner box size for example).....but why in the world would Toyota create the need for 2 different plugs on the EXACT same engine??

Here's a pic for reference..........(I measured 'em both & they'll both reach the exact same depth in the combustion chamber once installed, but the K series core portrudes a little further or you could say the Q series is a little more recessed)..........

Picha, picha
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
Either one should work.

Edit: Might want to check the gap on the new plugs..maybe the old one was off, but the two look different in the picture.
 

redgtxdi

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2004
5,464
8
81
Originally posted by: sniperruff
because one is made in canada and the other one in the US? you think it's a small difference?

Huh??

They were both coming off the same assembly line as I recall. And even if they weren't.............they were STILL both a Toyota 4A-FE motor! Same EXACT motor!
 

deadlyapp

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2004
6,656
737
126
The gap is different from what I can tell, You sure ones not platinum and one is copper?
 

redgtxdi

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2004
5,464
8
81
No, both were just regular plain-jane coppers.

The gaps are also the same. The reason they look a little different is 'cuz the old ones electrodes were worn pretty darn well. I don't think they were the originals, but I don't think they were any further than the 2nd set. Pretty old nevertheless.

New electrodes were nice & squared off and just "appear" closer to the ground electrodes.
 

CocoGdog

Senior member
May 31, 2000
848
0
0
Actually, even though they are the same motor - Toyota modifies the USA version to run a lot crappier and break down faster.
 

compuwiz1

Admin Emeritus Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
27,112
930
126
Actually, even though they are the same motor - Toyota modifies the USA version to run a lot crappier and break down faster.

If you're gonna make such a claim, at least provide proof! Sheesh. :p
 

sniperruff

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
11,644
2
0
Originally posted by: redgtxdi
Originally posted by: sniperruff
because one is made in canada and the other one in the US? you think it's a small difference?

Huh??

They were both coming off the same assembly line as I recall. And even if they weren't.............they were STILL both a Toyota 4A-FE motor! Same EXACT motor!


98 corolla

98 prizm

some corolla's are built in canada and some in US but ALL prizm's are built in the US. i thought ALL corolla's are built in canada...
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
??? different plugs??? I had a 1995 Geo Prism LSI befor i bought my 04 Camry and when i changed the plugs I just used champion plugs and gapped them to what my Hays (sp) book told me to gap them at.
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
Originally posted by: CocoGdog
Actually, even though they are the same motor - Toyota modifies the USA version to run a lot crappier and break down faster.

yea ok dude.