I did run a high output alternator, a 180 amp AC Delco unit to be percise. HOwever, the ECU had to be completely bypassed. This isn't all that hard really. The installer simply did not reconnect the factory harness to the ECU and instead tapped some damn wire up by the fire wall, behind the battery. I think this was just an ignition lead or something to that effect. I was stupid enough to never ask. I also had rewired all of the power wiring from the battery to fuse box and to the alternator.
Until I put on my turbo I had no problems other then the common battery indicator light as the ECU had no clue or control over what was going on. After the turbo though, wierd s*** started to happen with the idle and the car would stall if in nuetral for more then a second or 2. I was also getting CELs every day from various sensors not know what the hell to do with this beast's 15.5 volts of output.
During my return to stock, I removed the alternator and the idle stopped as did the CELs so what was actualy causing everything to go nutty I still don't know.
In trying to figure out what was wrong with the idle I took it to a dealer that said the ECU had lost the ground reference to the IAC valve. Turned out they were totaly full of s*** since after my battle with the mazda dealer to get the ECU under warrenty and after it was replaced, there was no change at all.
Until I put on my turbo I had no problems other then the common battery indicator light as the ECU had no clue or control over what was going on. After the turbo though, wierd s*** started to happen with the idle and the car would stall if in nuetral for more then a second or 2. I was also getting CELs every day from various sensors not know what the hell to do with this beast's 15.5 volts of output.
During my return to stock, I removed the alternator and the idle stopped as did the CELs so what was actualy causing everything to go nutty I still don't know.
In trying to figure out what was wrong with the idle I took it to a dealer that said the ECU had lost the ground reference to the IAC valve. Turned out they were totaly full of s*** since after my battle with the mazda dealer to get the ECU under warrenty and after it was replaced, there was no change at all.
