1st Gens: Where did you run power cable?
 

Where did you guys run power cable through your firewall? Mazda firewalls seem quite solid

In a 1st gen ,I ran 4 guage into the left fender via a factory hole in the fender under the daytime running lghts resistor . You have to remove the inner fender liner .you then have access to the maim factory wire grommet .there is enough room to put a 4 guage wire threw it to the inside of the car. Malcolm

i drilled mine just below the clutch plate attached to the firewall, and just to the left of the pedal stopper. even with the bolt on the steering rack plate attached to the firewall. I used 4awg.

Is it possible to run a cable without drilling or disemboweling my car?

not a 4awg cable, no.

I run 8 AWG wire for now (my system isn't huge...)
That spot you mentioned on the passenger side sounds like where I run the wire thru on Honda's...but Mazda's battery is on the other side...Hmm I thought I saw a grommet of some sort beside the clutch...
Thanks for the suggestions anyhow guys :)

batteries /location
 

hiredgoon, It is my understanding that cars are referenced from the drivers side .No matter how you look at the car the drivers side is always left and the passenger side is right . this doesn't apply to cars that are righthand driver,then it is reversed.
Therefore Honda's batteries are on the right and Mazda batteries are on the left. Macklum

I am aware your suggestion was referenced from the driver's side. It's a good suggestion but I've never had to run a wire through a fender (and I've installed lots of systems)
I refer positioning as drivers/passenger side to make it easier for everyone (including myself) :)

When ever I install a system I try to follow the factory wiring and use a factory grommet,however this isn't always the easier way . This a personal preference . My logic is ,Why drill a hole if you don't have to? . Sure it takes longer but I think the results are better in the long run.

I'll check out your way, but first tell me where the DRL resistor is and what it looks like, and by the inner fender liner do you mean the vinyl covering under the carpet or the metal piece inside the engine compartment?
Thnx

The DRL resistor pack is on the drivers side mounted next to the battery between the struttower and the firewall. It is a box with a sheild over it . The inner fender is the plastic liner above the front wheel inside the fender.remove the wheel and the liner and you will see a grommet.

this is a bad idea, especially in your area, where rain and snow is present. By cutting that X in the grommet, you open it up to let that water in and damage things. If you do this, make sure to seal the grommet with a silicone sealant. For smaller wires, it works fine, i have used it, but for a big ole cable, seal it up real good.

I ran my wires the same way wil did. and so far no water. and i drive in rain almost everyday now. :bt:

If you follow the driver's side, right behind the strut you'll find the entry location for the factory wiring. Drop the inner fender lining and cut a slice in the boot. You can run your wire thru there. I'm running 0awg power wire through that boot to the rear of my 94 for the stereo and 8awg for my video system. It won't get wet cuz the inner fender protects it and it's inside the body, protected from the engine compartment. I can e-mail pictures if you need help finding the location. Don't Drill any holes if you can help it. :bt:

Already ran it through the passenger side but thanks anyways :)