From Mach HIDs to ST170s... - Focaljet

**Phacade** · 07-21-2008, 11:24 AM

I thought I'd ask our resident ST170 guru CrUziN4L a few ST170 questions, but considering there are a lot of smart cookies here in the 'jet; I figured I'd paste my PM to him and ask the same query to y'all for additional input and direction (granted I'm still talking to a few guys about actually trading my HIDs for their ST170s).

I've seen a lot of ST170 questions, mostly folks adding them in when they've got regular stockers and upgrading, but after an extensive search; I didn't find much going the other way. I am totally thinking of doing the unthinkable - trading my Mach HIDs for some ST170s. Yeah, I'm nutty like that, but it comes with questions. Lots of questions...

1). I userstand most Foci need to use the VW harness to get ST170s wired up, but I've also been told that I'm already wired up since I've got the Mach HIDs factory in my '03 EAP SVT , ST170s are basically "plug and play" for me. Is this correct?

2). I also believe that when my brights come on, my regular headlights stay on. Would this also continue to happen with some ST170s (as I'd like them to). Edit: I already know you can wire them to both come on at the same time, my question is since I have the EAP HIDs already, would it be already wired up to come on at the same time since they come on at the same time now...

3). What about the signal/parking light/city light? Would I have to mod anything else in there?

I totally appreciate your time.

**DeadlyDean** · 07-21-2008, 12:10 PM

1. i didnt know they were VW plugs lol but you need to get the harness if the svt doent have them already. you can get the harness at batinc.net item# H318W
im not sure on this one, i dont own a SVT

2. to my experence, my ST170s dont not do this. if you hold now the high beams without the instrument clicking then yes both low and high are on, once released and clicked only highs are on.

3. this all depends on your current wiring harness.
if you turn your light switch once(driving lights) and there is light in the headlights then there is no need of wiring. if you turn the light switch once and only the turn indicators in the grille come on, then there is need of wiring.

hope this helps a little lol

**aldur999** · 07-21-2008, 01:21 PM

1. I bought my vw harness from the local dealership.
2. Depends on how you wire up the harness , but my highs are on with my lows.

**hEaT** · 07-21-2008, 01:45 PM

If the lows don't stay on, just do the jumper in the signal/high beam switch and they will.

I BELIEVE the wiring is exactly the same, just the Machs require one extra ground. It won't hurt the function of the ST170's.

**SVTEuro** · 07-21-2008, 01:50 PM

why would you want to get rid of your HID???

**Phacade** · 07-21-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTEuro

why would you want to get rid of your HID???

I knew that question would crop up sooner or later. The simple answer is, of course, I like how the ST170s look better. My car is the European Appearance Package, and I feel it just flows better with the look of the car. I've been on the fence for a year between cracking open my HIDs and painting them or going ST170s, and based on a few recommendations, the ST170s appear to be almost as bright (plus the cash in exchange for my lights for someone elses certainly couldn't hurt).

In short, they look better.

**DeadlyDean** · 07-21-2008, 02:18 PM

well, you can still get hids in the ST170s lol
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/DSC00836.jpg
these are my 8000k and 3000k

and YES light output is better even without hids.

**dj_kurruption** · 07-21-2008, 02:29 PM

I did this switch a few years ago for the exact same reason.

You do not need to change anything when Mach---->ST170. When you do ST170--->Mach, as stated above you need to add a ground.

The wiring is all the same, so the functionality will remain the same.

**Phacade** · 07-21-2008, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_kurruption

I did this switch a few years ago for the exact same reason.

You do not need to change anything when Mach---->ST170. When you do ST170--->Mach, as stated above you need to add a ground.

The wiring is all the same, so the functionality will remain the same.

Bravo!

**Stolle** · 07-21-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phacade

Bravo!

ur crazy. getting rid of ur machs? st170's are halogen. halogen ftl.

**Phacade** · 07-21-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stolle

ur crazy. getting rid of ur machs? st170's are halogen. halogen ftl.

This reminds me of my favorite John Travolta quote from Broken Arrow: "...yeah, ain't it cool?!" ST170s just seem like they'd look wonderful on my whip.

**hEaT** · 07-21-2008, 09:42 PM

The light output on the ST170's are great. They are NOT as good as the Machs, but for a halogen light, it's one of the best IMO.

**secondechomatt** · 07-21-2008, 11:44 PM

I'll take those crappy mach's off your hands for you!

seriously...I have a set of inpros (ST170 look w/black housings) to trade of you'd be interested.

**Phacade** · 07-21-2008, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondechomatt

I'll take those crappy mach's off your hands for you!

seriously...I have a set of inpros (ST170 look w/black housings) to trade of you'd be interested.

Thanks, but I want the real McCoys.

**Ataru** · 07-22-2008, 02:54 AM

*I*, however, would take the InPros.

**secondechomatt** · 07-22-2008, 08:30 AM

get a set of machs to trade with me and they're all yours!!!

**Ataru** · 07-22-2008, 09:19 AM

**Phacade** · 07-22-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondechomatt

get a set of machs to trade with me and they're all yours!!!

Ah great. He knows where I live....you know he's gonna come steal mine now don't you?

**screwdiver** · 07-22-2008, 05:18 PM

The wiring should be the same.

**SVTEuro** · 07-22-2008, 05:47 PM

Really HID for halogen?? I guess it's all about looks! Wow, the MACHS are OEM HID spec. The ST170s are OEM Halogen spec. There is no comparison between them, other then they output light. Projectors beat reflectors hands down in output and pattern. Bright is good when you want to see and be seen.
Then again, I prefer a bright blond, to a dull brunet

I have the MACHS

**secondechomatt** · 07-24-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phacade

Ah great. He knows where I live....you know he's gonna come steal mine now don't you?

i'm like a ninja. just a chubby ninja. it just makes it harder to hide...

**Ataru** · 07-24-2008, 05:37 PM

I do think he was talking about me.....since we both live in Oklahoma.

**secondechomatt** · 07-24-2008, 09:44 PM

well, now I definately know

07-21-2008, 11:24 AM	#1
Phacade Double Entendre Master! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,605	From Mach HIDs to ST170s... I thought I'd ask our resident ST170 guru CrUziN4L a few ST170 questions, but considering there are a lot of smart cookies here in the 'jet; I figured I'd paste my PM to him and ask the same query to y'all for additional input and direction (granted I'm still talking to a few guys about actually trading my HIDs for their ST170s). I've seen a lot of ST170 questions, mostly folks adding them in when they've got regular stockers and upgrading, but after an extensive search; I didn't find much going the other way. I am totally thinking of doing the unthinkable - trading my Mach HIDs for some ST170s. Yeah, I'm nutty like that, but it comes with questions. Lots of questions... 1). I userstand most Foci need to use the VW harness to get ST170s wired up, but I've also been told that I'm already wired up since I've got the Mach HIDs factory in my '03 EAP SVT , ST170s are basically "plug and play" for me. Is this correct? 2). I also believe that when my brights come on, my regular headlights stay on. Would this also continue to happen with some ST170s (as I'd like them to). Edit: I already know you can wire them to both come on at the same time, my question is since I have the EAP HIDs already, would it be already wired up to come on at the same time since they come on at the same time now... 3). What about the signal/parking light/city light? Would I have to mod anything else in there? I totally appreciate your time. __________________ 2003 EAP SVT "Attila" - ST170 Headlights, Hofele grill, SAP defuser, Clear corners, Taylor 8mm wires, Saleen/Eibach suspension kit, (really) short shift, Ford Racing 5-spokes, Massive front strut bar, Euro-ish rear wiper, shorty antenna, powdercoated valve cover, billet aluminum fuel door, K&N drop-in filter, debadged, Euro HVAC; and then of course me (being a narcissist, I consider this to be the most important mod). ------------------------------------------------------------ I mock your cheese danish and all it stands for! ------------------------------------------------------------ Last edited by Phacade : 07-21-2008 at 01:33 PM.

07-21-2008, 12:10 PM	#2
DeadlyDean TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: League City, TX Posts: 152	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... 1. i didnt know they were VW plugs lol but you need to get the harness if the svt doent have them already. you can get the harness at batinc.net item# H318W im not sure on this one, i dont own a SVT 2. to my experence, my ST170s dont not do this. if you hold now the high beams without the instrument clicking then yes both low and high are on, once released and clicked only highs are on. 3. this all depends on your current wiring harness. if you turn your light switch once(driving lights) and there is light in the headlights then there is no need of wiring. if you turn the light switch once and only the turn indicators in the grille come on, then there is need of wiring. hope this helps a little lol

07-21-2008, 01:21 PM	#3
aldur999 Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vancouver, Can Posts: 20	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... 1. I bought my vw harness from the local dealership. 2. Depends on how you wire up the harness , but my highs are on with my lows.

07-21-2008, 01:45 PM	#4
hEaT [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: CT Posts: 5,578	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... If the lows don't stay on, just do the jumper in the signal/high beam switch and they will. I BELIEVE the wiring is exactly the same, just the Machs require one extra ground. It won't hurt the function of the ST170's. __________________ 2001 Twilight Blue ZX3 - Volant Intake, FC 65mm TB, SVT Header, RT High Flow Cat, SVTF Borla Exhaust, Koni's 1985 Nimbus Grey Merkur XR4Ti - Work In Progress Tuned By: Bristol Dyno

07-21-2008, 01:50 PM	#5
SVTEuro TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 159	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... why would you want to get rid of your HID??? __________________ KW springs and shocks, dual exhaust, cross drilled rotors, K&N, HID fogs, shorty antenna, tint.

07-21-2008, 02:18 PM	#7
DeadlyDean TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: League City, TX Posts: 152	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... well, you can still get hids in the ST170s lol http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/DSC00836.jpg these are my 8000k and 3000k and YES light output is better even without hids.

07-21-2008, 02:29 PM	#8
dj_kurruption Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: League City, TX Posts: 3,872	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... I did this switch a few years ago for the exact same reason. You do not need to change anything when Mach---->ST170. When you do ST170--->Mach, as stated above you need to add a ground. The wiring is all the same, so the functionality will remain the same.

07-21-2008, 09:42 PM	#12
hEaT [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: CT Posts: 5,578	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... The light output on the ST170's are great. They are NOT as good as the Machs, but for a halogen light, it's one of the best IMO. __________________ 2001 Twilight Blue ZX3 - Volant Intake, FC 65mm TB, SVT Header, RT High Flow Cat, SVTF Borla Exhaust, Koni's 1985 Nimbus Grey Merkur XR4Ti - Work In Progress Tuned By: Bristol Dyno

07-21-2008, 11:44 PM	#13
secondechomatt Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Boston, MI. Posts: 4,213	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... I'll take those crappy mach's off your hands for you! seriously...I have a set of inpros (ST170 look w/black housings) to trade of you'd be interested. __________________ a jetter with a case of the "usta's" "The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it." There's no right way to eat a Rhesus.

07-22-2008, 02:54 AM	#15
Ataru Team Sonic Racing Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Where the winds come sweeping down the plains Posts: 11,394	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... I, however, would take the InPros. __________________ Owner of SONIC - 2003 Sonic Blue SVT Focus ZX5 Yes, Sonic has a Car Domain Page [FJ] focaljet - GUIDELINES - GALLERY - [FJ]WALLPAPER - STORE - SPONSORS - SEARCH - Any Questions?

07-22-2008, 08:30 AM	#16
secondechomatt Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Boston, MI. Posts: 4,213	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... get a set of machs to trade with me and they're all yours!!! __________________ a jetter with a case of the "usta's" "The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it." There's no right way to eat a Rhesus.

07-22-2008, 09:19 AM	#17
Ataru Team Sonic Racing Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Where the winds come sweeping down the plains Posts: 11,394	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... __________________ Owner of SONIC - 2003 Sonic Blue SVT Focus ZX5 Yes, Sonic has a Car Domain Page [FJ] focaljet - GUIDELINES - GALLERY - [FJ]WALLPAPER - STORE - SPONSORS - SEARCH - Any Questions?

07-22-2008, 05:18 PM	#19
screwdiver Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kunia, HI Posts: 1,505	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... The wiring should be the same. __________________ Recon = bad. Ford Focus Hawaii 2003 Black ZX5 Mods: HID, LiveWires, Dirt

07-22-2008, 05:47 PM	#20
SVTEuro TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 159	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... Really HID for halogen?? I guess it's all about looks! Wow, the MACHS are OEM HID spec. The ST170s are OEM Halogen spec. There is no comparison between them, other then they output light. Projectors beat reflectors hands down in output and pattern. Bright is good when you want to see and be seen. Then again, I prefer a bright blond, to a dull brunet I have the MACHS __________________ KW springs and shocks, dual exhaust, cross drilled rotors, K&N, HID fogs, shorty antenna, tint.

07-24-2008, 05:37 PM	#22
Ataru Team Sonic Racing Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Where the winds come sweeping down the plains Posts: 11,394	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... I do think he was talking about me.....since we both live in Oklahoma. __________________ Owner of SONIC - 2003 Sonic Blue SVT Focus ZX5 Yes, Sonic has a Car Domain Page [FJ] focaljet - GUIDELINES - GALLERY - [FJ]WALLPAPER - STORE - SPONSORS - SEARCH - Any Questions?

07-24-2008, 09:44 PM	#23
secondechomatt Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Boston, MI. Posts: 4,213	Re: From Mach HIDs to ST170s... well, now I definately know __________________ a jetter with a case of the "usta's" "The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it." There's no right way to eat a Rhesus.

07-24-2008, 10:27 PM	#24
02AllBlackSVT TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 765