One-Piece Exhaust Cutout

An electric exhaust cutout installs in your exhaust system between the headers and the muffler, creating a bypass valve that you can open or close with a wireless remote. When closed, exhaust flows normally through the entire exhaust system. When open, exhaust gases bypass the muffler and exit directly through the cutout pipe — dramatically increasing flow and changing the exhaust note.

The key benefits:

• Instant exhaust sound control — quiet on street, loud on demand with the flip of a switch
• Reduced backpressure — open cutouts eliminate restriction, allowing exhaust gases to exit faster
• Minor horsepower gains — especially noticeable on tuned trucks and engines running increased boost (typically 5–15 hp on modified diesel platforms)
• Dual vs single cutout: Dual cutouts (two valves) balance flow more evenly across both exhaust pipes, reducing turbulence and giving a cleaner tone than a single cutout

For diesel truck owners who want a daily-drivable setup that transforms into an aggressive sound on command, an electric exhaust cutout is one of the best value modifications you can make — typically under $200 for the kit.

Choosing the correct cutout size is critical — too small and you create a new restriction; too large and you lose backpressure and sound quality. Here is the practical sizing guide:

• 2.0-inch: Best for smaller displacement gas engines, ATK/BMW/Mercedes platforms, and trucks with stock or mildly upgraded exhaust — sufficient for naturally aspirated builds up to 400 hp
• 2.5-inch: The most versatile size — fits most modified gas trucks (F150 5.0L, 3.5L EcoBoost) and lightly modified diesel platforms. Handles flow for builds up to 600 hp comfortably
• 3.0-inch: Designed for heavy-flow diesel setups — 6.7L Cummins, 6.7L Powerstroke, and Duramax with upgraded turbos and injectors. Also ideal for turbo-back exhaust systems on high-horsepower builds

Match the cutout size to your existing exhaust diameter. If your truck has a 3-inch downpipe or turbo-back system, go with the 3.0-inch cutout. For a stock or cat-back system, the 2.5-inch is usually the right fit.

Generally no — this is one of the most important things to understand before purchasing an exhaust cutout:

• Opening an exhaust cutout bypasses the muffler, which violates federal noise standards in the US (DOT requires vehicles to be equipped with a working muffler)
• Most states have noise ordinances limiting exhaust sound on public roads, typically 80–95 dB depending on the state and time of day
• States with the strictest enforcement include California, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts
• Even in states with no annual emissions inspection, police can issue citations for excessive noise regardless of whether the vehicle passes inspection

The practical rule: Keep the cutout closed on public roads. The SPELAB electric cutout gives you the convenience of switching modes from the cab — but opening it should be reserved for track days, off-road use, and private property. Always check your local noise ordinances before driving with the cutout open.

Yes — installation is straightforward for anyone with basic mechanical skills. Here is what to expect:

• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate — welding is not required with the SPELAB one-piece design; it bolts in as a direct replacement section of pipe
• Time required: 1–3 hours depending on truck model and whether the exhaust system needs to be dropped for access
• Tools needed: Basic socket/wrench set, jack and jack stands (if dropping the exhaust), and a drill for the remote control wiring
• Wiring: SPELAB kits are famously simple — user reviews note "only two wires" to connect. The controller can even be wired to existing Homelink buttons in some vehicles (one reviewer successfully paired it with a BMW Homelink system)

For trucks with under-floor exhaust (most diesel pickups), you will need to support the exhaust system while removing the stock pipe section. Use a jack stand or mechanics wire to hold the exhaust in place during the swap. The one-piece design eliminates the need for custom fabrication — it is a bolt-in fit for the SPELAB-spec piping on supported platforms.

The choice comes down to your exhaust setup and performance goals:

• Single Electric Exhaust Cutout ($127.77+):
  Installs on one side of the exhaust system (typically the passenger side on most diesel trucks). Works well for trucks with a true dual exhaust where each bank has a separate pipe. More affordable and sufficient for most daily-driver and mild performance builds. On single-exhaust trucks, the flow from one side can still provide meaningful gains.
  
• Dual Electric Exhaust Cutout ($197.00):
  Installs on both exhaust pipes simultaneously, controlled by a single remote. Provides balanced, symmetrical exhaust flow when open — better for high-horsepower builds and owners who want the cleanest, most aggressive exhaust note. The dual setup also reduces exhaust gas turbulence that can cause drone on single-cutout configurations.
  

Recommendation: If your truck runs a stock or mildly modified exhaust and you want better sound with a budget-friendly price, start with the single cutout. If you have a heavily modified truck (tuned, bigger turbo, upgraded injectors) and want maximum flow and a balanced sound, the dual cutout is the better investment.