C8 Engine Bay Panels

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Aug 17, 2025 | 01:59 PM

Bfon1987

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From: North Carolina

C8 Engine Bay Panels

Anyone have a suggestion on what engine bay panels are best. Aluminum or ABS seems to be the only material choice. Not sure about the ABS for heat concerns. This is for a 2023 Coupe Z51. Picture of example.

Aug 17, 2025 | 02:23 PM

23cpe3lt

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From: Iowa

I just ordered these ABS panels in Seawolf from Southern Car Parts.

Aug 17, 2025 | 02:47 PM

mtraylor2001

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From: TX

Carbon fiber is very inexpensive as well. you can get the 2 side vents for around 200 bucks. Just depends on what look you are going for.

Aug 17, 2025 | 03:58 PM

Bfon1987

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From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtraylor2001

Carbon fiber is very inexpensive as well. you can get the 2 side vents for around 200 bucks. Just depends on what look you are going for.

Thanks... looking for a red color to match piece on engine cover. Since no one has complained about ABS and heat issues I guess ABS it is.

Aug 17, 2025 | 04:00 PM

Bfon1987

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From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by 23cpe3lt

I just ordered these ABS panels in Seawolf from Southern Car Parts.

Looks good. They appear to be ABS type. Follow up with the fitment and quality.

Aug 17, 2025 | 04:20 PM

mtraylor2001

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From: TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bfon1987

Thanks... looking for a red color to match piece on engine cover. Since no one has complained about ABS and heat issues I guess ABS it is.

Ah I see. That is what I would go with then.

Aug 17, 2025 | 09:14 PM

C5racecar

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From: Oregon

One of a kind machined aluminum.

Aug 18, 2025 | 10:49 AM

gliot1

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From: Buckeye, AZ

St. Jude Donor '12-'13

I would love to see more suppliers make panels for the HTC. There is 1 out there, but he charges $450. I am waiting for some competitors to make some cost competitive items.

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Aug 21, 2025 | 01:23 AM

C5racecar

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From: Oregon

I have used ABS for panels in various places on race cars. Never over the exhaust.
Always end up replacing it with aluminum because it just can't take the heat.

Aug 21, 2025 | 01:29 AM

#10

23cpe3lt

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From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5racecar

I have used ABS for panels in various places on race cars. Never over the exhaust.
Always end up replacing it with aluminum because it just can't take the heat.

What have you put over exhaust? Engine bay panels?

Aug 21, 2025 | 06:47 AM

#11

Bfon1987

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From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5racecar

I have used ABS for panels in various places on race cars. Never over the exhaust.
Always end up replacing it with aluminum because it just can't take the heat.

Thanks for your insight. I suspect it would only hold up in the short term. Metal around heat makes more sense.

Aug 21, 2025 | 07:21 AM

#12

oldercorvette

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From: grand rapids mi.

very nice!!

Aug 21, 2025 | 07:32 AM

#13

Citadel 84

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From: Green Oak Twp. Mi.

Makes a good place to keep a pizza warm on the way home

Aug 21, 2025 | 08:26 AM

#14

23cpe3lt

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From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bfon1987

Thanks for your insight. I suspect it would only hold up in the short term. Metal around heat makes more sense.

what about the engine covers on every car? I've never had an issue with any of those. Would the engine bay panels actually get hot enough? 6 model years and Ive yet to read about any engine bay panel failures so I'm assuming they will be fine.

Aug 21, 2025 | 08:57 AM

#15

Joe's Eray

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Naples Florida

I sure wish engine bay covers were not so hard to find for the Eray.

Aug 21, 2025 | 03:01 PM

#16

C5racecar

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From: Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by 23cpe3lt

What have you put over exhaust? Engine bay panels?

Since the C8 engine covers are right over the top of the exhaust, I suspect that ABS is very close to deforming temperature.
I have used ABS panels in places that I thought would not get that hot, (transmission cover, differential cover) and it sagged after a few races.
Aluminum is a safe bet.

The GM top of engine cover is a special plastic blend. Able to stand very high temperature.
I don't have any facts about ABS engine covers deforming on a C8, but ABS is a generic material and has a low melt deform temperature.