Getting Started with the Exhaust Cutout
So, I decided I wanted a bit more noise from my car sometimes, but not all the time. You know, loud when you want it, quiet when you need it. That’s where the idea for an exhaust cutout came in. Seemed like a cool little project.
First thing, I had to get the parts. I went online and ordered one of those electric cutout kits. It came with the Y-pipe piece, the electric motor valve thingy, a switch, and a bunch of wiring. Looked pretty straightforward out of the box.
Putting It All Together
Alright, installation time. Got the car up on jack stands. You really need some space underneath to work comfortably, or uncomfortably, depending on how rusty things are down there. Safety first, always chock the wheels and make sure those stands are solid.
Next up, figuring out where to put this thing. I looked at the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter but before the main muffler. Found a nice straight section. Marked it up with a sharpie where the cuts needed to be for the Y-pipe.
Then came the fun part – cutting the pipe. I used a reciprocating saw. Made a racket and threw sparks, but got the section out. Had to clean up the edges a bit with a file so the new piece would slide on nicely.
Okay, fitting the Y-pipe. The kit came with clamps, but I know clamps can leak sometimes. So, I decided to get it welded. Took it down to a local muffler shop. They zipped it up tight in like 15 minutes. Much better seal, way more permanent.
With the pipe section welded in, I bolted the electric valve onto the dump part of the Y-pipe. Just a few bolts, pretty simple. Made sure the gasket was seated right.
Wiring It Up
Now for the electrics. This part took the most time, honestly. Had to run the wire from the valve motor up into the car’s cabin. Found a rubber grommet in the firewall to pass the wire through. Always try to use existing holes if you can, saves drilling.
Inside the car, I needed power. Tapped into a switched power source in the fuse box – one that only comes on when the ignition is on. Didn’t want the valve draining the battery when the car’s off. Used an add-a-circuit fuse tap, makes it clean and easy.
Connected the power to the switch that came with the kit. Then ran the wire from the switch back to the motor wire I’d brought through the firewall. Grounded the switch properly too, usually to a bolt under the dash.
Found a spot for the switch near the shifter. Drilled a small hole, mounted it. Wanted it easy to reach while driving.
The Moment of Truth
Everything was hooked up. Time to test it. Started the car. Sounded normal, quiet. Hit the switch. Vroom! The valve opened right up, bypassing the muffler. Definitely loud. Sounded pretty raw.
Flicked the switch back. The motor whirred, valve closed, and it went back to stock quiet sound. Success!
It works just like I wanted. Loud mode for fun back roads, quiet mode for cruising through the neighborhood or driving early morning. Pretty neat little modification, took an afternoon but worth it for the flexibility.
