I did it...

[DRoyarcher]

I got the P5, I will post some pictures hopefully tomorrow. It is Sunlight Silver and this thing is awesome! My first mod will be to install a new sound system, I'm a sound guy what can I say.

I do have a quick question, has anyone used RVinyl.com? I was thinking about redoing the interior with the aluminum dash mod. The interior of my P5 needs some trim work, idiots who don't know how to install a radio shouldn't... They scratched the facing around the radio pretty good.

I look forward to a bright and happy future with my P5!

 

[ScratchNSniff]

DON'T GO WITH RVINYL...PLEASE DON'T...

 

[thanE]

dont use RVinyl... I'll wait for the pics...

 

[naji]

i have some rvinyl pieces on ma protege and id say its not worth it for like 40 bux. only a few of the pieces actually fit and were put on the others were a lil too big. another thing is dey arent actual pieces dey are more of pre-cut stickers that u stick on.

 

[DRoyarcher]

Thanks for the welcome and warning about Rvinyl, so I have to ask, what should I do instead? My first thought when I was looking at this mod was I know that Home Depot or Lowes has a stainless steal vinyl type material that you can put on fridges and ovens to give the appearance of stainless steal. I was wondering if that would work or if it would be too think and impossible to use. Anyway, if you have any suggestions I would love to know!

Thanks


Oh and I attached some pictures that I took today.

 

[protege5newb]

I pulled mine and scuffed and painted them better than the vinylt and last longer

 

[SocialStealth]

I pulled mine and scuffed and painted them better than the vinylt and last longer

Awesome car!

I'm going to try to remold my entire interior out of fiberglass. Then paint it along with the exterior of the car. I'm also going to sound deaden my car and replace the rugs with something custom. Just so the black matches the new interior paint.

As for the op, I've read a lot of confusing material on the Mazda Protege electrical system...

From what I hear, the ECU regulates the alternator's output and prevents anything over 80 amps. And there are many disaster stories of people replacing their stock alternators with high output alts, ending with their ECU and electrical system being fried. However, I've heard other stories of people getting high output alternators and being fine with it. One possibility is to replace your ECU with a stand alone engine management system. Another is to bite the bullet and get a h/o alternator and be the ginnypig (please let me know if it works ASAP!!!).

I believe out of our stop 80a alternator there is about 10-20 unused amps for your stereo system.

I have a 300x4 rms EA4100 eclipse amp and notice a slight dimming when the bass hits (i have a stock electrical system). I'm planning on adding x2 12'' kick cvr subs with a 1200.1d sundown amp. (totaling a 1100 rms system).
So I am very concerned with the electrical capabilities of my protege.

However, I've heard upgrading the wiring and doing the Big 3 as well as replacing your stock battery with an odyssey battery or other high quality battery may increase your system's capabilities.

 

[MyProto5]

I pulled mine and scuffed and painted them better than the vinylt and last longer

I like this a lot cuz its not TOO crazy with the interior like a lot of people do. Very nice.