Thread: Cable-operated exhaust cutouts?

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I've been looking around for exhaust cutouts. So far, the only one that actually directs the exhaust away from the muffler pipes, and into the dump pipes are the cable-operated ones from JCWhitney.

I've heard a few horror stories about these though, such as people not being able to close their cutouts because the cables were too long and springy.

I was wondering if cutting the cutout-end of the cable shorter would make these systems work better. With all of that excess slack taken out, I might be able to clip that cable to my frame at 3-4 inch intervals. The cable wouldn't be able to flex, so it shouldn't be so springy.

Does this make sense, or am I just thinking wishfully?

Do a web search for "electric cutouts".

IMO. the cable operated versions are not very satisfactory...

I had similar setup from J.C. Whitney back in the 60's. The cable operated a flapper in the muffler that would open the muffler straight through instead of through the baffles. The mufflers basically sounded the same on or off, very loud. I thought this was cool, being a young teenager. Being a novice driver I didn't know a lot about driving. I was running down the highway and saw a State cop. Instead of pushing in the clutch and coasting past him I let off the gas. Well the popping and noise the mufflers made got the attention of the cop. He pulled me over and gave me a ticket. Since I just got the car inspected the day before the station that inspected my car and passed it got fined. Had to remove the entire exhaust system and go back to the state police barracks and have the car inspected by them. Ah! the good old days.

Originally posted by 69Grande
I've been looking around for exhaust cutouts. So far, the only one that actually directs the exhaust away from the muffler pipes, and into the dump pipes are the cable-operated ones from JCWhitney.

I've heard a few horror stories about these though, such as people not being able to close their cutouts because the cables were too long and springy.

I was wondering if cutting the cutout-end of the cable shorter would make these systems work better. With all of that excess slack taken out, I might be able to clip that cable to my frame at 3-4 inch intervals. The cable wouldn't be able to flex, so it shouldn't be so springy.

Does this make sense, or am I just thinking wishfully?

Problem is, the electric cutouts just open the dump, but still allow the exhaust to travel along the normal pipes.
I want a way to channel the exhaust directly into the dump. Isn't there any way to do this?

Originally posted by 69Grande
Problem is, the electric cutouts just open the dump, but still allow the exhaust to travel along the normal pipes.
I want a way to channel the exhaust directly into the dump. Isn't there any way to do this?

Shure, the solid mounted cutouts with the removable plates, as long as you don't mind taking a few bolts out when you need them.

"......Had to remove the entire exhaust system and go back to the state police barracks and have the car inspected by them. Ah! the good old days......"



I was working in a Chrysler/Plymouth dealership in 68, we had a couple of cars come in for brand new Chrysler mufflers at the "suggestion" of the state police. Burned out glasspacks were the popular thing back then.

As far as directing the exhaust out the cutout, exhaust is like water/electricity, it's going to flow through the path of least resistance. I wouldn't worry about exhaust still going through the rest of the exhaust system.

Those JC Whitney cut outs have been around since the 60's if not the 50's. Don't have a catalog handy, but if I recall correctly they are advertised as something like fitting 2 to 2 1/2" pipe. Your main concern should be the inside diameter of the cutout, which I believe is something like 2". There is a good chance the cut outs (even open) will be more restrictive than your current exhaust.

If your bound and determined to try them, go to a truck supply place and and get a couple of heavy duty cables like they use to engage/disengage PTOs.

If what you say about the path of least resistance is true, then I guess those electric cutouts will do.

As far as the diameter, I'm not concerned. I have a 69 mustang, and the pipes are pretty diminuitive as it is! XD