At the 2017 SEMA show, we get to get on the floor and see the latest and greatest of what the aftermarket industry has to offer. If you’re looking for a better way to install your exhaust cutout, this new offering from Granatelli will interest you. The new Granatelli exhaust cutout is a smarter and more effective system, and it will make other cutouts look ancient in comparison.
In areas where streetcars are highly regulated, having an exhaust cutout is essential to controlling your exhaust note, without getting into trouble with local law enforcement. When you want to listen to your car scream at the track, or on backroad drives, your only real option in this case is an exhaust cutout; but the problem with exhaust cutouts is that most are a little rudimentary.
Since the driver can’t see when the valve is opened or closed, they sometimes hold the button longer than they need to open the valve. Doing this will seriously shorten the life of the motor that controls the valve due to over-torquing. Grantelli’s new “Smart Chip” technology takes away the risk of ruining your cutout system since the cutout motor takes away the option of over-torquing. There is no longer a need to hold the switch and guess when it is all the way open.
In addition to the valve’s motor doing the work for you, these new cutout systems come with turndowns that can be rotated a full 360 degrees. This is important when you need the ultimate in adjustability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granatelli’s Intelligent Exhaust Cutouts
Q. What makes Granatelli’s Intelligent Exhaust Cutouts different from traditional cutouts?
A. Granatelli’s system uses a built‑in Smart Chip that prevents over‑torquing the valve motor which is a common failure point in older, manual cutout designs. Traditional cutouts rely on the driver to guess when the valve is fully open or closed, which often leads to motor damage. Granatelli’s system automates this process for longer life and more reliable operation.
Q. How does the Smart Chip technology improve durability?
A. The Smart Chip stops the motor automatically once the valve reaches its open or closed position. This eliminates the risk of holding the switch too long, which can burn out or strip the motor in conventional systems. By removing human error, the system dramatically extends component lifespan.
Q. Why would someone need an exhaust cutout on a street-driven car?
A. In areas with strict noise regulations, an exhaust cutout allows drivers to keep their car quiet during normal street use while still enjoying a louder, more aggressive exhaust note at the track or on spirited drives. It gives enthusiasts the best of both worlds without risking trouble with local law enforcement.
Q. Can the new Granatelli cutouts be adjusted for different vehicle setups?
A. Yes. The included turndowns can rotate a full 360 degrees, giving installers maximum flexibility to direct exhaust flow exactly where they want it. This is especially useful for custom builds or tight underbody layouts.
Q. Are these cutouts easy to operate for first-time users?
A. Absolutely. Because the motor automatically stops at the correct position, drivers no longer need to guess or time the switch. This makes the system extremely user-friendly, just press the button and let the Smart Chip handle the rest.
