Panel Exits / Body Piercings

Redefining Your Vehicle's Aesthetics

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Why Go Wicked for Panel Exits & Body Piercings?

We’re not here to slap on generic mods. We’re about building rides that scream personality. Here’s why Wicked Wrench AZ is your crew:

  • Next-Level Looks: Forget cookie-cutter. Our panel exits and body piercings give your ride a custom edge that’ll have everyone at the AZ car scene staring.

  • Welding Wizards: Our team’s got mad skills with TIG and MIG welding. Every piercing or exit is crafted with precision to flow with your vehicle’s lines like it was born there.

  • Your Dream, Our Build: Got a vision? We’ll make it real. No idea yet? We’ll brainstorm with you to create something that’s pure fire.

How We Bring the Heat

Ready to make your ride the talk of the East Valley? Here’s the game plan:

  1. Kick It Off with a Consult: Slide into our DMs @wickedwrenchaz or call Rosco at 480-559-5771 for a quick 30-minute chat. Tell us what’s up—sleek and subtle or wild and in-your-face—and we’ll sketch out your custom look.

  2. Crafting the Vibe: Our Queen Creek shop gets to work, welding and shaping with pro-grade materials like stainless steel. Every detail’s dialed to make your ride pop.

  3. Steal the Show: When we’re done, you’ll roll out with a vehicle that owns the road, from car meets to late-night cruises.

Don’t Wait—Get Wicked

Your ride deserves to stand out. Book your consult now at www.wickedwrenchaz.com, DM us @wickedwrenchaz, or hit up Rosco at 480-559-5771. Let’s turn your vehicle into a rolling masterpiece that lights up Queen Creek.

#WickedWrenchAZ #CustomExhaust #PanelExits #BodyPiercings #QueenCreekAZ #Gearhead #AZCarScene

Panel Exit
Mustang Panel Exit

Understanding Panel Exits for Racing Cars and Sound Checks

Panel exits (also called side exits, cutouts, or bypass pipes) are specialized exhaust modifications used primarily in racing cars to redirect exhaust flow and sound away from the standard rear exhaust outlet, typically exiting through the side of the vehicle’s body or a custom panel. This modification serves both performance and sound management purposes, especially in racing contexts where sound levels are regulated or specific acoustic profiles are desired. Below, I’ll explain how panel exits work, their benefits for diverting sound in racing cars, and their role in sound checks, tailored for your Wicked Wrench AZ audience in Queen Creek, Arizona.

What Are Panel Exits?

Panel exits are custom exhaust configurations where the exhaust pipe is rerouted to exit through a side panel or underbody of the vehicle, often before the muffler or resonator. They can be fixed (permanent) or equipped with a valve (cutout) to switch between side exit and standard exhaust flow. In racing, they’re popular for:

  • Performance: Reducing backpressure to improve engine efficiency.
  • Sound Control: Altering or amplifying exhaust note for specific needs.
  • Aesthetics: Creating a sleek, aggressive look for race cars.

Benefits of Panel Exits for Diverting Sound in Racing Cars

  1. Sound Redirection for Compliance:
    • Many racetracks enforce strict decibel limits (e.g., 90-100 dB) during sound checks to comply with local noise regulations. Panel exits can redirect exhaust sound away from microphones placed at track boundaries, potentially lowering measured decibel levels compared to rear exits, which project sound outward.
    • By angling the exhaust flow sideways or downward, panel exits can diffuse sound, helping cars pass sound checks without sacrificing performance.
  2. Customizable Sound Profile:
    • Panel exits often bypass mufflers or resonators, producing a louder, rawer exhaust note that’s desirable in racing for intimidation and driver feedback. For example, a V8 race car with a side exit can deliver a deep, aggressive roar that enhances the racing experience.
    • Valved panel exits allow drivers to toggle between loud (open) for track performance and quieter (closed) for street use or stricter sound checks.
  3. Reduced Backpressure for Performance:
    • By shortening the exhaust path and bypassing restrictive components like mufflers, panel exits reduce backpressure, allowing the engine to expel gases more efficiently. This can increase horsepower (e.g., 5-15 hp gains, depending on the engine and setup) and improve throttle response, critical for racing.
    • Example: A Porsche 911 GT3 with a panel exit can see improved exhaust flow, enhancing track performance.
  4. Weight Reduction:
    • Panel exits eliminate the need for long exhaust piping to the rear, reducing overall weight—a key factor in racing where every pound matters.
  5. Aesthetic and Functional Appeal:
    • Side exits give race cars a distinctive, aggressive look, often seen in models like the Porsche 911 RSR or classic muscle cars. The visual impact can attract attention at car shows or races, aligning with Wicked Wrench AZ’s focus on custom aesthetics.

Role in Sound Checks

Sound checks at racetracks measure exhaust noise to ensure compliance with regulations. Panel exits play a strategic role:

  • Redirecting Sound: During a sound check, a side exit can direct exhaust noise away from the track’s measurement point (often 50 feet from the track). For instance, if the microphone is positioned rearward, a side exit may reduce the recorded dB level compared to a rear exit.
  • Valved Systems for Flexibility: Many racers use electronically or manually controlled cutouts. During sound checks, they can close the valve to route exhaust through mufflers for a quieter output, then open it for full performance on the track.
  • Tuning for Compliance: Wicked Wrench AZ can fine-tune panel exits with baffles or inserts to adjust sound output, ensuring the car meets specific dB limits (e.g., Laguna Seca’s 90 dB limit) while maintaining performance.

Technical Considerations

  • Installation: Panel exits require precise fabrication to ensure proper fitment through the car’s body or side panel, avoiding heat damage to nearby components. Wicked Wrench AZ’s expertise in custom stainless steel exhausts ensures durability and performance.
  • Materials: Stainless steel or titanium is often used for heat resistance and longevity, critical for racing’s high temperatures.
  • Regulations: Some tracks or racing classes (e.g., SCCA or IMSA) have specific rules about exhaust placement, so panel exits must comply with class specs.
  • Maintenance: Regular inspection is needed to prevent leaks or heat-related issues, especially in high-performance setups.

Why Choose Wicked Wrench AZ for Panel Exits?

For Queen Creek racers and enthusiasts, Wicked Wrench AZ, with Rosco’s 30+ years of experience, can craft custom panel exits tailored to your car’s needs. Whether you’re aiming to pass a sound check at Arizona Motorsports Park or want a standout exhaust note for car shows, a custom side exit can deliver:

  • Precision-engineered sound redirection to meet track regulations.
  • Enhanced performance with reduced backpressure and weight.
  • A unique, aggressive aesthetic that reflects your style.
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