electrical system upgrade

[RedDE5Spd]

Has anyone else considered replacing the low output alternator?
I want to replace mine or have it rebuilt to put out 120+ amps, doing this I would upgrade the battery as well along with the battery cables to flow the extra juice.

I want to do a stereo upgrade with amplifiers, but I'm afraid the factory alternator would not support it.

Thoughts?...........

I also want to do the remote start (I know I have a manual transmission.....so what)

[Ares]

I'm no electrician/mechanic/engineer, but I suppose they put that tiny alternator in there for a reason. It may sound stupid, but a bigger alternator might pull more power from the 70hp engine?

If you were going to put a subwoofer (I implied as you said amplifiers, meaning one for highs and one for lows) the extra weight of the sub and the amps will hurt your performance too.

I'm not trying to be a downer as I'm in the same predicament. I currently have a 1kwatt system. No idea how I'll make it work for the mirage.

[grsupercity]

Im Curious to the remote start with manual. You would have to over ride the clutch sensor, or use something to prop the clutch down to engage the ignition...

My brain is now spinning lol. If you can find a way, I would really like to know so I can do it my self!

[Daox]

A bigger alternator is doable I'm sure. I don't know anything that might drop right in though. Do you know the rating of the OEM alternator?

Alternators only generate the power as it is needed. When you aren't running a ton of stuff, they don't pull as much power from the engine.

I installed a remote start on my 1996 Tercel with a 4 speed manual trans. I just bypassed the clutch switch and made sure I used the emergency brake every single time I parked, and kept it in neutral. FYI, the starter WILL still move your car even with the e-brake on. Don't ask me how I know. Adding a 'neutral switch' should really be a requirement IMO.

[pureflipking]

Has anyone else considered replacing the low output alternator?
I want to replace mine or have it rebuilt to put out 120+ amps, doing this I would upgrade the battery as well along with the battery cables to flow the extra juice.

I want to do a stereo upgrade with amplifiers, but I'm afraid the factory alternator would not support it.

Thoughts?...........

I also want to do the remote start (I know I have a manual transmission.....so what)

i have upgraded sounds on my mirage and its just fine, but im using a 16 gauge wire for power and ground.

[RedDE5Spd]

Im Curious to the remote start with manual. You would have to over ride the clutch sensor, or use something to prop the clutch down to engage the ignition...

My brain is now spinning lol. If you can find a way, I would really like to know so I can do it my self!

I'm pretty sure the clutch safety switch can be easily bypassed at the clutch pedal with some rewiring. It would be smart to put a neutral safety switch on the shifter and an emergency brake switch so it won't start in gear and requires the brake be set. I'm almost positive this would allow the factory/accessory remote starter to work on the car.

[RedDE5Spd]

i have upgraded sounds on my mirage and its just fine, but im using a 16 gauge wire for power and ground.

Interesting, what kind of power gain in your stereo did you go with?

[RedDE5Spd]

A bigger alternator is doable I'm sure. I don't know anything that might drop right in though. Do you know the rating of the OEM alternator?

Alternators only generate the power as it is needed. When you aren't running a ton of stuff, they don't pull as much power from the engine.

I installed a remote start on my 1996 Tercel with a 4 speed manual trans. I just bypassed the clutch switch and made sure I used the emergency brake every single time I parked, and kept it in neutral. FYI, the starter WILL still move your car even with the e-brake on. Don't ask me how I know. Adding a 'neutral switch' should really be a requirement IMO.

I can't remember the rating on the OEM unit I saw, but it was either 65 or 85A. I'm not concerned about the potential efficiency drop noted above, but it did cross my mind.

Yeah I had an S-10 that had the clutch switch bypassed....I always park my manuals in neutral with the e-brake set, keeps the brake working and I don't worry about it rolling. A neutral safety switch is definitely required if I do it on my car, no room for that kind of liability.

[RedDE5Spd]

I'm no electrician/mechanic/engineer, but I suppose they put that tiny alternator in there for a reason. It may sound stupid, but a bigger alternator might pull more power from the 70hp engine?

If you were going to put a subwoofer (I implied as you said amplifiers, meaning one for highs and one for lows) the extra weight of the sub and the amps will hurt your performance too.

I'm not trying to be a downer as I'm in the same predicament. I currently have a 1kwatt system. No idea how I'll make it work for the mirage.

It may draw more power from the engine, probably a very small amount. I have yet to talk to my local alternator shop, but I am hopeful they can come up with something to put out more power without a terrible gain in drag...maybe alter the size of the pulley I don't have that part quite ironed out yet lol...........The subs only weigh 38 lbs. each, so probably 150 lbs. with box, amps, wire, dynamat, etc....j/k..I plan to run a small high power 8 inch woofer to save on weight and high power 6 inch component sets to add for some sound quality along with a little more bass.

I'm hopeful but patient, it's too cold right now to get into anything on the car right now............

[pureflipking]

Interesting, what kind of power gain in your stereo did you go with?

practically better speakers , 4 channel amp, and mono block for sub. I kept the factory stereo. in terms of wattage, just for the amps : 4 channel = 2500watts (160w x 4 rms) , Mono = 1200 watts ( ??? rms )