Back to where I used to be, with the Denso Iridium's at .044. 318 miles before the light came on. Don't feel more power really, just more of return to new OEM spark plug MPG. And they should last much longer before replacing/regapping.

 

BigBird - what's the washers under the seat trick all about?

 

That's a 3 year old trick of raising the front seat brackets up about 1/2 inch to give more leg support and put the seat bottom in a more comfortable spot. It helps out during long drives. You basically remove the front bolts and add washers till you find your sweet spot. Then tape them into a roll and get new bolts that are whatever the spacers are longer.
Told ya they would work big bird.

 

maybe but I never noticed any benefit other than longer lasting product

 

yep that was my take on it 60,XXX or so ago

 

05 Auto Xb: I just put NGK BKR5EIX-11 in. Had stock plugs for 40K. No significant power increase, does seem to run smoother. Looking forward to better gas mileage...
Side note: NGK BKR5EIX-11 plugs are same plugs used for 2005 Toyota Corolla (except XRS).

 

I don't know if it was the Iridium plugs, and the engine finally adjusted to the Denso's at .044, or the fact that I filled up with 76 for the first time, but: There is a hill going up to my work, and the xB went up it at 55 (in cruise) without shifting into second. I felt it take itself out of OD, but never did the big shift. I have traveled this road with the xB about 80 times since getting the xB and that has never happened. Was it the gas, or the plugs. Hope to find out next time I drive it alone (normally in a carpool, and use our other car to keep the mileage low on the xB). Will keep posted.

 

76 gas is the best, IMHO. We used to fill our 1100cc rice rockets with that + octane booster or AV gas if we had money for Friday nights.

Probably a combination of new plugs and good gas. I noticed mine felt "looser" and more responsive after the change. Of course, anything is better than original copper plugs w/30K on them!

OT, I didn't think this thread would have such "long legs" when I originally posted it! Just wanted to share my thoughts.

 

I guess having a parent working in the offices is good since I can get some cheap/free platinum plugs

 

i installed these this past weekend along with cleaning my injen air filter.. i got gas today and am using one gallon for every 33.5 miles which isn't bad considering the terrain. I climb a 900 (elevation wise) foot hill everyday on my way to work and its stop and go, so i cant complain. another happy customer.. not alot of noticeable power but its much smoother less noise.

 

Hello errbody,

I was just wondering if I would have to get new wire sets or power cables if I was going to change out my stock plugs for iridiums.

Thanks in advance!

 

No wires needed. We have coil on plug so you just throw in the plugs and you are good. Pull off the plastic engine cover and you'll see what I mean.

 

Just got mine today and put them in, big difference in idle, it had been getting rough, these smoothed it right out. I'm a little pizzed at the dealer i bought it from though. I paid top dollar last year for a "Certified" vehicle with 32,000 miles on it. I was told the 30K was done, well, you could tell the plugs had never been changed! They also said they did the front brakes, but no i'm doubting that as well. Anyway, I'm happy with the improvement.

 

One word...Stealership.

 

qft

 

I'd be getting ahold of that dealer after you check the brakes and find out what they will do to correct this oversight.

 

I took in my Girlfriend's 05 Corolla last week for the 60k service. The service Rep was just as surprised as me that the 60k service does not include the changing of the plugs. He asked the manager why, and the reason was that the stock platinum plugs are supposed to last for 100k. Needless to say I just changed the plugs myself.

So yea, Toyota doesn't change the plugs at 30k or 60k. There was no oversight.

 

The xB doesn't come with 100K mile plugs like the Corollas do. xB's are scheduled for plugs at the 30K service.

 

I took in my Girlfriend's 05 Corolla last week for the 60k service. The service Rep was just as surprised as me that the 60k service does not include the changing of the plugs. He asked the manager why, and the reason was that the stock platinum plugs are supposed to last for 100k. Needless to say I just changed the plugs myself.

So yea, Toyota doesn't change the plugs at 30k or 60k. There was no oversight.[/quote]


Check the XB maintainance schedule, it says to change the plugs at 30K.

 

Yeah, the maint. schedule does have it for 30K. Yet, when I took my car into the Dealership, he told me they don't really NEED to be changed and that they would last till 60K. I thought that was odd. Changed over to NGK's at 42K. No noticeable power gain. MPG is a little better, but so has my overall driving. It's comforting to know that these plugs will last up to the 100K mark.