Headlight upgrades across the board - worth it!

After my last post, and a few weeks of driving, while I liked the LEDs they just didn't have a long-term benefit that I was hoping for.  I opted to return them and went for an insane update.  With all the rain in NorCal, the nights have felt darker than usual, maybe it's just my old eyes 😆

Here's the upgrade list that I used to update ALL bulbs in the headlight, believe it or not there are 4 modifiable light sources in there.  

Left to Right: Amber Turn Signal, Green Turning Light,
Red Headlight, Amber Marker Light

PSA: the links are through Amazon, helps me pay for blogging, hosting, etc.  Please turn off your adblock to see the parts that are used.

Auxito seems to have the best list of all lights that can be upgraded, I did a mix of lights, some due to cost, but it's a great list!  
I'll breakdown the replacements, and let's start with the easy ones - the side marker lights!
These are a pretty common 194 LED replacement.  The implementation in the headlight is interesting as the bulb holder aligns with contacts in the actual headlamp, so you can just swap bulbs and snap the holder back in place.

this squigly thing is the side marker bulb holder

you can see the 194 bulb and the contacts on the holder

quick comparison of 194 vs LED size

swapped in the LED

standard incandescent bulb

new LED bulb, much brighter!

Next up, let's go for broke with the Headlights.  Yes these are expensive, but the OSRAM XENARC Night Breaker Laser D3S LEDs are insanely bright! 

very pricey, but extremely bright HIDs from OSRAM

crazy bright, even at dusk!

up next - the PSX24W bulb is really deep in there!

The next light was the most challenging of the bunch, the turning/directional lights are a size I've never worked with previously.  This makes it part of the challenge.  The PSX24W LED socket has two tabs that you push in and the socket is removed.  The big problem with the headlights is that you cannot get your hands in there, at least I couldn't fit my hands.  I opted to use some curved pliers for a while, but ended up snaping off the tabs which let me remove the socket - at least I could swap the bulbs now!

check out that bulb compared to the LED - HUGE difference!

Lastly, let's swap out the turn signal bulbs.  These are sometimes touchy due to a fast flash issue where resistors may be needed.  In this case, I bought the AUXITO CANBUS anti-flash LEDs, and they work perfectly!  On initial startup they'll fast flash for about 3-5 blinks, but then settle in to a regular flash time sequence.

All in, it's not a cheap upgrade at around $225, but dang the light output is PHENOMENAL!!! and still cheaper than aftermarket headlights.  Two big thumbs up!

It's the little things that make a difference!

Little changes and mods are always fun, and hopefully can be done cost effectively.  I ordered a really nice dead-pedal for the ST to complement the existing metal pedals from factory.

Ford Focus ST Dead Pedal Foot Rest

Made from a brushed high grade 304 Stainless Steel. 

CNC waterjet cut and dimpled. 

Dead pedal attaches with heavy duty double sided carpet tape which is included. 

Well, I can't just leave things alone - the center logo "ST" is cut out- looks great, but all the "ST" logos on the car are red. I was walking by our wine rack and noticed something, do you see it too?

No no, you don't see a drinking problem - if I had a drinking problem, they'd all be empty! :)

Hint, it's the 2nd slot down on the left.. 

YEP!  I saw the RED foil top on a bottle and thought - that would be a nice complement to the ST logo!  Hmm, maybe I should drink more wine...

So I carefully removed the foil wrap... see how nice!  RED and shiny, and it's METAL so it won't break down if it gets wet!

Next, I carefully snipped it into a flat piece of red aluminum, flipped over the pedal to see how it would fit...

Then I thought, I could use some simple scotch tape to hold it on - but I had a better idea!  I have a roll of aluminum tape (used for heating duct and chimney repairs) and cut a piece of that...

So, the foil tape is holding the foil topper to the plate, everything is sealed up nicely now in the event of water - and here's the results!

The ST logo is now RED, and even shiny metal too!

What do you think?  Worthwhile 'free' mod?  

Now I'll go have some wine ;)

Mountune MP275 FMIC Installed

Had the Mountune MP275 FMIC installed yesterday - quite a process to remove the front bumper and lights - but now it's done!

Also installed the Diode Dynamics XML2 LED Foglights - MUCH MUCH brighter than stock!

bummer you can't see the logo very well with the OEM bumper...

Ford Focus ST vs Mazdaspeed3! - Head 2 Head Episode 28

Added some Ford Side Window Deflectors today...

We have these on our GMC Denali and they're amazing for rainy days or just cracking the windows slightly and letting the hot air out

Ford Focus Side Window Deflectors - 4 Pc Set Part No: CM5Z-18246-C

• Deflectors keep out snow or rain so you can crack open the window and let fresh air in. 
• Durable, smoke-colored acrylic. 
• Self-stick adhesive for easy installation.
• For Driver and Passenger Front and Rear Doors.

Really simple installation to be honest... on the way home from the Ford Parts Desk :)

After un-boxing, here's the simple wrapped parts

lay everything out on the workbench, 4 shades, 2 3M scratch pads, 4 alcohol wipes, and 2 3M primers come in the shrinkwrap - oh, and directions ;)

First you wash both sides, then use the 3M pads to scratch up the window trim where the sticky stuff will be attached... (hard to see in this pic!)

Next you alcohol wipe the parts, let it dry for 2-3 minutes, then use the primer - do one side at a time...  then you peel and stick the deflectors!

They add a nice flow to the vehicle, and we'll find out soon when it rains on how well they work!

Here are the parts available online, a little cheaper than the dealer!

Welcome to our newest addition - 2016 Ford Focus ST with ST3 Package

After our 2011 Mazda Miata PRHT was totaled in May, we have been looking around for a new daily driver for my wife...  Initially she thought she wanted a Kia Optima SXL - turbo automatic, sure it was loaded with every bell and whistle possible - but was lacking the 'fun' factor that she loves in driving...  to my surprise, when the salesman at the dealership mentioned the Focus ST she perked up... and I was excited because the ST has some great 'pocket rocket' street cred...

Edmunds Summary Review of the 2016 Ford Focus ST Hatchback

• Small cars don't have to be boring. You'll get a kick out of the 2016 Ford Focus ST. It's fast, polished and ready for both daily driving duty and weekend fun. Read more to learn what else we like about this year's Ford Focus ST.
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• Pros

  Powerful turbocharged engine paired with a precise six-speed manual gearbox makes for an engaging driving experience; sharp handling around turns; civilized ride quality for a performance car; interior looks stylish.  Can't complain about 252HP in a little car like this - really ZOOMS!
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Cons

• Automatic transmission isn't available (we got it because is IS a manual!)
• Some drivers may find the optional Recaro seats overly confining. (we love em!)

What's New for 2016

• The 2016 Focus ST gets Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system as an option, replacing the controversial MyFord Touch system. (another great reason to get this car, the touchscreen is great!)
• Carbon-fiber interior trim has also been added to the available ST3 package. (looks snazzy!)

Our car came with the 402A package (ST3) - which is fully loaded, we added the optional wheels and moonroof - and wow - what a drive!  This blog will be showing what we do next... :)