I have a C8 in order code 2000, I have until Tuesday to make any changes.

I see a lot of engine bay appearance upgrades on the many accessory websites.
So, someone must be buying them.
With the coupe you do see a lot of the engine area. I have ordered the engine bay lights and the $95 engine specifications plaque.

I don't have ready access to a C8, so can't get up close to make my own opinion.
Looking for thoughts on whether or not they're necessary.

I'm not talking about the flashy carbon fiber pieces that cost more than the last collector car I bought.
Rather, engine covers and the shock tower and accessory covers everyone seems to sell.

Any thoughts?

 

You just asked for an impossible answer. Not knowing what your tastes are it's very subjective on what one person likes and not another. How much you are willing to spend is another matter, but here's mine.

 

Pretty basic and not expensive. The engine cover is a DIY paint, as are the side panels. I've since put on shock tower covers (not in this photo).

 

Oem option Edge Red engine cover with aftermarket Edge Red side covers. I also have the engine lights.

 

Its a very personal decision. Some make it look like a crayon box exploded in the engine bay while others slap 'Corvette' every where.
That being said I like Zpirate's version. So its your personal choice. Go to cars shows and check out some customized Vettes.

 

There are so many vendors in the aftermarket for bolt on/stick on C8 pieces that it makes you dizzy, you will need to decide what looks good to you

 

Its best to get the lighting package as you already have and address it after you received the car. Its the best way to go to get your vision and also its more economical.

 

So I would hold off and wait until you get your C8, then you can take your time to make any appearance improvements, and make them the way you want them to look and not what some package has.

I have done a lot of custom work on HDs and i always take my time when deciding on modifications. More times then not a modification I was thinking about doing I would change my mind after some additional thought…don’t rush into it….

 

 

Do you see a lot of the engine area? With the hatch closed, not really. The engine cover is the most visible portion. I suggest you don't order any additional engine bay options with your car. Wait until you take possession of it and then make your decisions. A lot more options available from the aftermarket and frequently better pricing.

 

…I think since the valve covers are already painted edge red, then the engine cover in edge red is the only way to go…but that may be my OCD talking. I’m also a less is more type of guy, but I did have the cross bars painted edge red and added the OEM stats plaque…I’m not sure I’m 100% in love with the edge red cross bars as they’re not a perfect match and they’re always in danger of coming off next time I’m in there doing some work…

 

Here I am the one stating not to slap 'Corvette' all over and I'm suggesting this.

C8 'wings' on waterfall and on engine cover.



Yes its a dirty engine. Its driven.

 

Do a Google search using:

C8 engine bay accessories

..and then click on the 'Images' tab.

That should scare you enough to not make a hasty decision.

 

Everybody does their engine cover and maybe a few other engine comparment mods. Not many do their valve covers. It's a great mod. I did matching valve covers and engine cover. I had a local Chevy dealer do the install. No regrets. Search for some of the others that have done custom valve cover colors.

 

^^^ Totally agree, I think the removal of the valve covers scare alot of owners including me, I've looked at them before and talked myself out of it. Your's look great.

 

Looks to be the Amazon version with the hole on the bottom. I don’t get why they try to sell that for the waterfall and put a mounting hole in the emblem. I sent mine back. They did the same thing for the one that goes on the underside of the frunk. Two holes on that one.

 

I spent hours yesterday looking at options for the area by looking a Chevy, and various online stores.

I'll get the Red engine cover because it dresses up the bay and matches valve covets. Plus,as a nod to history, I recall when C2s had "Chevy Orange" paint, so this is close enough.
I can beat the factory price from several outfits online. Installation is easy enough.

I'm not sure about the stock engine bay cross members. They look rather plain.
But, I'm not a huge fan of the carbon fiber/metal/ plastic louvered triangle side covers that cover them up.
IMHO, they clutter up the compartment. Besides, they don't look like something you'd see on a race car where engine access is important. Besides, is it just me but they look like harps.
To avoid the triangles, you can get just "C" section cross member overlays, but being simple overlays, they don't look right...they'd look more realistic if they wrapped around the pieces more. With sharp 90° bends, they looks bit homemade. The ones in post #11 lol better than most, though.

So, I'll ,just have to live with the cross members (I'll keep them cleaned and waxed).

I was going to get the side and back engine bay top panels,...but paying what Chevy want for carbon fiber, which is just an overlay - not structural, so you are not getting a weight savings...is a bit much
Aftermarket shops offer painted plastic piece which might be acceptable either in body color or a gray/black finish that matches the rest of the compartment.
I'll assess it once I have the car.

Another option for that area are the GM "Engine Bay Closeout Graphics" decals for the top of the side panels...but the GM price of $570 for four decals is silly...even if they are heat resistant.
You can get them online for half that at Paragon, so that might be an option later.

In short, nothing I need to order on the car this week. I'd rather spend money on parts that need to be added when built.
Thanks for your replies.

 

OP, FWIW
Art is art.
The edge red GM cover matching the valve covers is art $500
The covers for the rear shock covers also add beauty (and function)...whether red, black or Carbon Flash paint or Carbon Fiber your choice. $50
Noting choosing if Carbon Fiber, so begins the Carbon Fiber addiction LOL
I really like the Speedway Composites X Brace over the GM X Brace. $600.
The Carbon Fiber triangle covers, your choice
So much to choose from.... really up to your "eye" of art.
Including red aluminum hatch brackets.
You ordered the engine bay lighting kit + 1.

PS a comment about the OEM brace bars from the firewall to the shock tower.
The OEM steel, square, and black paint is, well, boring, yet functional, and does not look unappealing.
I've seen an aluminum version, with design holes and etching, and as I recall, also near $500.
I have never seen any reports if upgrading these bars add chassis stiffness (function).
I would try a colored wrap over a trim overlay as an experiment.

Have fun

 

Thanks.
I found a new GM red engine cover for $400 with free shipping from one of the big parts houses.
So, I'm happy.
Probably not going to do much more.

 

How about doing nothing and leaving it stock. I spent a good bit of money dressing up my C7 engine compartment. The only time people see it is in shows or cars and coffee. Never felt it was a good investment. Leaving my C8 the way it came from the dealer.