The Best OEM Spark Plug Replacement? Denso PK20TT
Hey there! I’m Vince and when I’m not tinkering with cars at the shop, I’m helping friends and family fix their cars and save money! Today I’m talking about spark plugs, and more specifically, the Denso PK20TT platinum tip.
These are an awesome, low-cost, and near OEM spec spark plugs.
These are the #1 best selling sparks and I recommend them to anyone who’s needing an OEM replacement. You can buy them direct from Amazon here: Denso PK20TT Platinum
What’s the big deal about platinum tipped spark plugs?
Now I know what you may be asking. “Vince, a spark plug is a spark plug…” “There isn’t a lot to know about spark plugs, eh?”
Wrong. As it turns out, spark plugs are not just small pieces of copper and metal infused in a thermally efficient package. Spark plugs have evolved to cope with modern engines equipped with the latest advancements such as turbocharging and direct injection technology. Gone are the days of carburetors and fuel guzzling engines (well, for the most part) and copper spark plugs.
Most newer vehicles now days are going to utilize “Platinum” spark plugs. Check out this writeup that Matt did: Choosing the right spark plugs for your vehicle
In this review of the Denso Platinum Spark Plug, I wanted to find out if upgrading to a set of platinum spark plugs is worth the extra cost. I was also curious to find out if the Denso PK200TT will have any positive effects on the performance and fuel economy of my daily driver. So let’s get into it!
Features of the Denso PK200TT Platinum Spark Plug
I purposely allotted the first part of this Denso PK200TT Platinum review to discuss the stand-out features of this spark plug.
The ‘TT’ stands for Twin-Tip. This spark plug is equipped with a platinum center electrode and a titanium-enhanced alloy ground electrode tip. The design stems from Denso’s Super Ignition Pug Technology which was meant to engineer a new breed of spark plugs for the most advanced vehicles in the market. Think Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Cadillac…
But now, this twin-tip technology can be yours in the Denso TT Series, and you don’t need to shell out big money to buy a set for your humble compact or midsized sedan. Come to think about it, the Denso PK200TT Platinum spark Plug costs around [see lowest price], and can last you up to 100,000 miles.
Using platinum alloy on the center electrode allows the tip size to maintain a diameter of 1.1 mm to enhance the service life of the spark plug. The titanium alloy on the ground electrode is engineered to further enhance the durability of the spark plug. The titanium-infused electrode will also help to minimize erosion on the tip to maintain a larger spark even after tens of thousands of miles. This technology will also reduce emissions so you can minimize the carbon footprint of your vehicle.
Test Drive and Review – Toyota Camry
My 2004 Toyota Camry LE with the 2.4-liter four-banger was due for servicing. This is the perfect opportunity for me to test the Denso platinums. After changing the oil and the oil filter, I took the liberty to replace the air filter for good measure. The old spark plugs were replaced and my test was on the way.
When everything was set, I started the car and drove it around town to see if I can discern any difference.
It would be foolish to expect mind-blowing results from changing to new of spark plugs, but I did notice a slight improvement in acceleration. I also noticed that the engine was idling a bit more silently than usual. It must also have something to do with the fresh batch of fully-synthetic oil circulating inside the engine. Upgrading to the Denso spark plugs managed to improve the throttle response. I also noticed better fuel mileage on the highway, which is always a nice thing.
A 2 MPG fuel increase….
Before the spark plug change I was getting about 20 MPG in town and 30 on the highway.
After swapping out the tired old factory spark plugs for the platinum plugs, my MPG went up to 21/32. Not the biggest improvement, but I’ll take any fuel savings I can with the price of gasoline these days!
Denso Spark Plug Size Lookup Tool
Not sure what type of Denso’s are good for your car? Don’t fret. You can use the Denso online configurator to easily determine the right type of Platinum TT plugs for any vehicle make and model.
How to properly install Denso spark plugs
Yeah I know you’ll never admit to it, but in case you need a refresher on installing spark plugs, give this video a quick watch… 😉
Conclusion
Denso spark plugs took a position in our best spark plug roundup, and for good reason! They are affordable, reliable, and the perfect OEM replacement spark plug.
The Denso PK200TT Platinum Spark Plugs will not turn your average compact into a rice rocket, but it’s good to know that it will improve engine performance while lowering emissions and improving fuel economy.