I've heard that if you upgrade the stereo on the 2000 1.6L you need a stronger alternator? I'm not trying to put in subs or amps or even bigger speakers, I just want toswap the CD player with one that has an aux. input.

 

I just put in two 10" MTX Thunders (1600W total, I think)w/ a Rockford Punch amp (975W). I noticed the other night when driving around the headlights would dim every time the subs pounded. It was more noticable when volume was increased. I was thinking it might be the alternator, but I'm not really sure.

As for your 2000 1.6L, frankp43, a friend of mine has a '99 1.6L w/ an aftermarket deck. I don't think he upgraded the alternator, though, and no complaints from him. Don't take my word for gospel now, that's just my thoughts on the issue. Anybody else know?

 

i have an aftermarket deck on my 1.6l 2000 dx....i also got the pgraded speakers....nope...no problems just as long as you're not going too crazy

 

Thanks for the info. I'll probably get a new deck this week. I'm too poor to go too wild with it. I only want the "Ipod Hole", I'm tired of watching my CDs cook in the AZ summers.

 

It doesn't sound like this should require a new alternator. I think that alternators/generators are engineered pretty carefully for each vehicle. Installing another one might be asking for trouble. However, a higher capacity battery might be a good idea. I installed a larger, deep cycle/starting (marine) battery in my 03. If you go with a physically larger battery, you will need to do some modifications, which can be a real pain. It has been about a month and a half and I'm glad I did it, although I did have second thoughts part way through the process. Just be sure the hood does not contact the top of the battery and that you get the polarity right, as the positive and negative posts of some sizes might be oposite of your current battery, requiring you to face the battery the oposite direction.

Check out my posts below, which include pictures:

https://www.mazdaforum.com/m_70946/tm.htm

https://www.mazdaforum.com/m_70914/tm.htm

https://www.mazdaforum.com/m_70593/tm.htm

https://www.mazdaforum.com/m_72411/tm.htm
[align=left] [/align]