i am going to install a amp/sub system in my truck, and i've alredy figured out how to run the wires under the carpet (big step for me, i usually do it under the floormats or the door sills) and the only problem now is how to run the power wire from the battery to the amp. i know the newer trucks have alot of sound-deading stuff, thus making it harder to get anything thru the firewall, but i need some info on some holes already in the firewall, i dont want to do any drilling at all. i will be using rather small wire, its only going to power a 200w amp, and any help would be GREATLY appreciated. thanks!

 

Drilling won't do any harm, but usually if you look around you'll be able to find a rubber plug at the bottom of the cab (near the accelerator) that you can run a wire though, but I'm really not sure how that is on the newer trucks.

You're probably going to want to run 8 to 10 gauge for a 200w amp, so that won't be too hard to go through.

 

thanks man for the help, i'll be sure to use u're advice. thanks!


oh, one more question, where would a good ground be? would the metal on the bottom of the seats suffice?

 

if you can go to the seat attachment bolts, they are usually connected to the frame pretty well.

I've said this before, but using heavier cable is usually a good idea, if possible.theres less resistance, so less voltage drop. and if you want to upgrade in the future, the new amp just drops right in without needing to run new wire.just food for thought.

 

Brently your Mazda should be the same as my old 2002 ranger. I just ran mine through the same gromet the steering went through. It worked great and wasnt hard to do.

 

I just drilled a hole through the floor of my 2000 XLT, made sure I used a good grommet and sealed it afterward... I was running 4 gauge cable (which is a pain) and there way no way I was gonna try to thread that through the firewall. Anyway, it's been in there 2 1/2 years now, still works fine and has never, ever leaked (even when submerged, thank you silicone sealant!!!)