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NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug vs DENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug

The NGK Iridium IX (LFR6AIX-11) and DENSO Iridium Power IK20 are both iridium-tipped plugs with 14 mm threads, 5/8 hex and a 5,000 ohm resistor, but they are not interchangeable: the NGK has a 26.5 mm reach and the DENSO a 19 mm reach, so the right one is set by your engine, not by preference. The DENSO uses a finer 0.4 mm iridium center electrode and a U-groove ground for a strong, consistent spark; the NGK uses a taper-cut ground and a solid non-removable terminal. Owners of both report long service life and steady idle, and neither brand has a clear durability edge when the correct plug is fitted. Buy the one your engine specifies.

  • Choose the NGK Iridium IX if your engine calls for a 26.5 mm reach plug and a solid, non-removable terminal nut.
  • Choose the DENSO Iridium Power if your engine calls for a 19 mm reach plug and you want the finer 0.4 mm iridium electrode with a pre-set 1.1 mm gap.

Prices

  • NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug: $8.19 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
  • DENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug: $9.96 at Nippon Power (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug is $1.77 cheaper than the DENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug at the latest prices (Nov 8)
NGK
NGK Iridium IX

NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug

NGK Iridium IX

5(1 rating)
$8.19at eBayChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

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Pros
  • Correct long-reach plug for engines that need 26.5 mm
  • Solid terminal nut will not work loose
  • Iridium tip resists wear over a long service interval
  • Widely stocked NGK part number 4469
Cons
  • Long reach will not fit 19 mm heads
  • Non-removable terminal limits some cable setups
  • No U-groove ground
DENSO
DENSO Iridium Power Spark Plug IK20

DENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug

DENSO Iridium Power Spark Plug IK20

$9.96at Nippon PowerChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Nippon Power
Pros
  • 0.4 mm iridium electrode gives a strong, consistent spark
  • U-groove ground helps flame kernel growth
  • Removable terminal nut fits more cable types
  • Pre-gapped at 1.1 mm out of the box
Cons
  • 19 mm reach will not fit 26.5 mm heads
  • Finer electrode is less tolerant of rough handling
  • Heat range 20 suits only matching applications

What separates them

NGK Iridium IX Spark PlugDENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug
Thread reach26.5 mm19 mm
Center electrodeIridium tip on copper core, standard diameter0.4 mm iridium alloy tip on copper core
Ground electrodeTaper cutTaper cut with U-groove
TerminalSolid, non-removable nutRemovable terminal nut included
Pre-gapSet at factory for the listed application1.1 mm
Resistor5,000 ohm5,000 ohm monolithic
Heat rangeNGK numbering for the listed partDENSO heat range 20
FitmentOnly for heads that take a 26.5 mm reach plugOnly for heads that take a 19 mm reach plug

Price history

$13.99$7.01
Nov 9Nov 10
  • NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug: lowest $7.01 on Nov 9 at Partzilla.com; $13.99 on Nov 10.
  • DENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug: lowest $9.95 on Nov 10 at SpeedFactory Racing.

Prices at every store

NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug

  • ZZPerformanceNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $34.99Checked 20 h ago
    Visit ZZPerformance
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by super_paintedparts_tl (99.2% positive, 130 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $8.19Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • The Twister GroupCheck price at The Twister Group
  • TWISTCheck price at TWIST
  • NAPACheck price at NAPA

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All 2 stores and price history →

DENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug

  • Nippon PowerNew

    In stock

    $9.96Checked Nov 8
    Visit Nippon Power
  • SpeedFactory RacingNew

    In stock

    $9.95+ $26.20 shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit SpeedFactory Racing
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by item-outlet (99.3% positive, 13,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $9.99Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $12.65Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNGK Iridium IX Spark PlugDENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug
Hex Size5/85/8
Thread Diameter14.0014
Center Electrode Tip MaterialIridium—
Center Electrode Core MaterialCopper—
Electrical Terminal TypeNon-Removable Nut—
Ground Electrode Tip DesignTaper Cut—
Reach26.5—
Resistance5000.0—
Thread Pitch1.25 mm—
Seat TypeGasket—
Terminal TypeSolid—
Type of Ignition PartSpark Plug—
Show all 22 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNGK Iridium IX Spark PlugDENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug
Type of VehicleCar—
colorOther—
sizeLaser Iridium IX (1 Pack)—
Thread reach—19
Gap—1.1
Insulator projection—1.5
Thread length—19 mm
Total length—69.5 mm (exc. electrode)
Thread type—M14x1.25
Socket size—

What reviewers say

NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug

Owners and mechanics rate the Iridium IX highly for smooth idle, easy starts and long service life, and many report it outlasting the plugs it replaced. Complaints center on price and on the fine tip being easy to damage during gapping.

What people mention
  • Service lifePraisedOwners say the iridium tip keeps its gap and lasts well beyond standard plugs.
  • Idle and startsPraisedMany report smoother idling and easier cold starts after fitting.
  • PriceCriticisedBuyers note it costs noticeably more than copper or platinum plugs.
  • Tip fragilityCriticisedThe fine iridium tip can be damaged if someone tries to regap it with force.

DENSO Iridium Power IK20 Spark Plug

Owners and reviewers generally rate the IK20 well for smooth idle, quick starts and long life, and many report small gains in response and economy. The main complaints are the price per plug and the modest difference versus cheaper plugs on unmodified engines.

What people mention
  • Ignition smoothnessPraisedOwners report a steadier idle and cleaner cold starts after fitting them.
  • Service lifePraisedThe iridium tip is said to hold its gap far longer than copper plugs.
  • ValueCriticisedBuyers say the per-plug cost is high next to standard plugs.
  • Performance gainMixedSome notice better response and torque, others see little change on a stock engine.

Questions and answers

Can I swap one for the other?
No. The reach differs by 7.5 mm, so one will be too short or too long for a given head. Use the reach your engine specifies.
Which gives better performance?
The DENSO's 0.4 mm iridium electrode and U-groove ground are aimed at a stronger spark, but on a stock engine the gain over the NGK is small. Fitment matters more than the brand.
Which lasts longer?
Both use iridium tips rated for long service intervals. Life depends more on your engine and heat range than on the brand.
Is the DENSO worth stepping up to?
Only if your engine takes a 19 mm reach plug. If it takes 26.5 mm, the NGK is the correct part and the DENSO is not an option.
Do both need a resistor?
Both have a 5,000 ohm resistor, so either suppresses ignition noise for the ECU and radio as long as it is the right plug for the car.

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More comparisons

  • NGK G-Power vs NGK Iridium IX
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  • NGK G-Power vs DENSO Iridium Power Spark Plug IK20
  • NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plug (IFR6T11) vs DENSO Iridium Power Spark Plug IK20

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