Anyone paying attention to the new-car scene knows full well that '11-'12 Boss 302 Mustangs are badass. Seriously, we've spent enough time in and around them to know that even in stock trim, Bosses definitely sit at the top of the naturally aspirated Mustang ladder.
Until the new Shelbys are ready for us to flog, we're perfectly content with finding new ways to upgrade Boss 302 Mustangs to make them even badder. Credit Editor Turner for getting the intelligence on the Boss upgrade we're featuring in this month's Tech Inspection; a slick set of bolt-in, electric exhaust cutouts from Quick Time Performance, which were unveiled at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
QTP's Boss Electric Cutout System (PN QTEC302; $350) was created for maximizing Boss 'Stangs' unique quad-exhaust system. When closed, the electrically operated cutouts allow a subtle exhaust rumble to exit through the rear mufflers. However, with a push of a buttom, the cutouts' butterfly plates can be partially or fully opened (think open headers), sending the sound of Boss horsepower roaring out of sidepipes and rear mufflers.
If you're at a crossroads in modifying your Boss 302, QTP's electric cutout set is a great, low-buck package that gives the top-line 'Stangs an aural distinction. Of course, major power gain is not part of the equation with these pieces. But if you're in the market for more authoritative rumble from the pipes, the cutouts are a trick option.
Paul Danett is a Boss owner who was sitting on that modify-or-keep-it-stock fence when we met him at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California. While we were pleased to see Paul making hit after hit on the quarter-mile, there's no doubt we were somewhat dismayed by his intial refusal to make changes.
Not every Boss 302 owner is willing to mod this rare stallion. However, Paul did his homework on the QTP Boss Electric Cutout system, and upon learning that the setup is a completely bolt-on deal that doesn't require any permanent modifications, he gave us a green light for installing the kit on his Pony.
Grant Peterson, super technician at 5.0&SF's El Segundo, California Vehicle Studio, deftly handled the install using handtools and a little creative thought (for routing wires and "hiding" the control module for the cutouts' optional wireless activator). To hear how they sound, check out the video clip on our website.
This is the stock exhaust...
This is the stock exhaust system on Paul Danett's '12 Boss 302. The OEM
The butterflies are operated...
The butterflies are operated via a momentary toggle switch or optional Wireless Remote Controller (PN 10900; $79).
Quick Time Performance's Boss...
Quick Time Performance's Boss Electric Cutout System (PN QTEC302; $350) features a pair of 6061 aircraft-aluminum exhaust plates that house motor-driven, stainless-steel butterflies.
Installing QTP's electric...
Installing QTP's electric cutouts is an easy operation that can be done in the driveway, as long as the Boss can be safely raised high enough to facilitate removing the factory quad pipes. For this project, Source Interlink Media's tech master, Grant Peterson, uses a drive-on hoist to gain necessary access to remove the pipes and OEM attenuation discs, as well as access the 'Stang's underbelly to route the system's control wiring into the cabin from below the car.
Here's a comparative look...
Here's a comparative look at the attenuation disc/restrictor plate (left) that Ford installs in side-exit exhaust pipes on Boss 302 Mustangs and the new electric cutout we're installing on Paul Danett's '12 Boss. It's clear how restrictive the factory piece is, as there's barely a pinhole for exhaust gas and sound to escape through. The QTP cutouts (right) are variable, and can be partially or completely opened or closed to produce a myriad of exhaust notes. A Boss sounds a lot meaner with the cutouts open!
The QTP plates are direct...
The QTP plates are direct replacements for the factory attenuation discs; the OEM flange gaskets are reused. The cutouts' aluminum plate features machined surfaces, which eliminate any need for sealant on the flanges.
We elected to mount the wireless...
We elected to mount the wireless module beneath the rear seat in Paul's Boss 302. After removing the seat, Grant finds a key-activated, 12-Volt source in a wiring harness that runs from the trunk to the front of the car, and then uses a supplied tap to join the module's red wire with a power source. After securing the black wire to a good ground, the wireless module is wedged just below the rear-quarter interior panel, and the seat is replaced. The white wire on the module is its antenna. Once activated, the wireless system has a range of 100 feet.
All of the control wires for...
All of the control wires for the electric cutouts are bundled in weatherproof harnesses for an easy plug-and-play setup. From the cutouts, Grant routes each harness to the back of Paul's Boss, where they are passed into the 'Stang's rear-seat area from below and connected to the module for the optional wireless remote (PN 10900; $79).
We elected to mount the wireless...
We elected to mount the wireless module beneath the rear seat in Paul's Boss 302. After removing the seat, Grant finds a key-activated, 12-Volt source in a wiring harness that runs from the trunk to the front of the car, and then uses a supplied tap to join the module's red wire with a power source. After securing the black wire to a good ground, the wireless module is wedged just below the rear-quarter interior panel, and the seat is replaced. The white wire on the module is its antenna. Once activated, the wireless system has a range of 100 feet.