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

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)

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)
 
 

 

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

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.

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
 

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