Radiator guards
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 238
Likes: 73
From: Ohio
Radiator guards
What radiator guards should I buy???? I know chevy pushes the scrape armor but what else is out there that you all like and does the front need to come off with all of them?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 169
Likes: 96
I had my dealer install the Scrape Armor version as I didn't want to remove the bumper as I'm sure I would have damaged something! I would guess there might be a brand that can be installed without removing the front bumper but I wouldn't want something that requires 30 or so zip ties holding it together! I did install the Scrape Armour side grilles myself and that was pretty straight forward following Paragon's installation video. Maybe others can suggest a brand that installs on the front without bumper removal.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 614
From: NorCal San Jose
I installed the Radiator Grill Screens race version in the front and sides, both with the metal type as opposed to (IIRC) ABS. The fronts can be installed without bumper removal and took me about 3 hrs. total including removing a bunch of undertray bolts. Not a hard job if you are patient and read the instructions well. I believe the fronts had a total of 4-6 mini-zipties which are extremely hard to detect after installation as they blend in with the Carbon Flash trim quite well.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Florida
I installed the Radiator Grill Screens that DeltaT installed in the front and sides with the metal type also.. The fronts took about 3.5 hours to install without bumper removal and without using a lift. Takes almost as much time removing and installing the the undertray bolts and panels than installing the screens. Fairly simple and easy job. Their Installation Video is excellent. Follow the instruction and watch the Video.The side grills had two tie wraps each and you can not see them after the install. The fronts have a total of 4-8 tie wraps each side which are installed as per the instructions are very difficult to hard to detect after installation as they blend in nicely with the Carbon Flash Grills. The RGS grill screens are of high quality and a lot less expensive than the competition and you do not have to remove any body parts.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 130
Likes: 69
From: Louisiana
I ordered mine as a GM accessory when I ordered my car. They are supplied by Scrape Armor, so you can order direct from them if you already own the car. They look great and I am very happy with them! My dealer tried to install them when the car was delivered but they had no clue how to install them, so be careful about that. So, I had to hire a trusted Exotics shop in my area to remove the bumper and reinstall them correctly. Since the parts are a GM accessory, I wish the factory would just install them when you order a car to be built. I am not sure why they don't offer that.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 130
Likes: 69
From: Louisiana
I ordered mine as a GM accessory when I ordered my car. They are supplied by Scrape Armor, so you can order direct from them if you already own the car. They look great and I am very happy with them! My dealer tried to install them when the car was delivered but they had no clue how to install them, so be careful about that. So, I had to hire a trusted Exotics shop in my area to remove the bumper and reinstall them correctly. Since the parts are a GM accessory, I wish the factory would just install them when you order a car to be built. I am not sure why they don't offer that.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,741
Likes: 5,604
From: AZ
^^^^ This. The Z06 has radiators in the middle of the front grill, the Stingray does not.
A friend bought a Z06 off the lot from a Valley dealer, who installed the Scrape Armor guards w/o removing the front bumper - 3 times. after that they took the front bumper off to install it properly. My friend only paid for the initial install.
A friend bought a Z06 off the lot from a Valley dealer, who installed the Scrape Armor guards w/o removing the front bumper - 3 times. after that they took the front bumper off to install it properly. My friend only paid for the initial install.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,507
Likes: 722
From: Sausalito CA
Ya, on a SR the bumper does not have to be removed, on a Z06 ya, bumper bmp needs to be removed.
Scrape Armour fit is fantastic, both form and function.
However, if you wish to do the side/ quarter panel vent guard, SA does not make a set for a SR.
In that regard, other co-members may offer some guidance.
FWIW these guards will be a long-term modification, whether saving some hundreds up front is prudent,
I don't know
Also as to any warranty claim using a non-GM approved grille, again IDK
Good luck with your decision.
Scrape Armour fit is fantastic, both form and function.
However, if you wish to do the side/ quarter panel vent guard, SA does not make a set for a SR.
In that regard, other co-members may offer some guidance.
FWIW these guards will be a long-term modification, whether saving some hundreds up front is prudent,
I don't know
Also as to any warranty claim using a non-GM approved grille, again IDK Good luck with your decision.
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CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 614
From: NorCal San Jose
A consideration if you don't put them in when new: the cars at Ron Fellows Corvette Driving School do not have radiator screens and had a lot of rock strike marks on their radiators, considering they sell them at ~10K miles.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 950
Likes: 356
From: Katy Texas
Mine came with Scrape from GM up front and I added Radiator Grill Shop for sides as they were a whole lot cheaper.. Worth the big savings for sure. If it didn't come from GM up front, I would've just done the cheaper option of RGS.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 447
From: FEMA Region 4
Just installed Scrape Armor front guards a couple weeks ago. I paid a C8 tech to install them at his home. Already installed the side guards installed after they were introduced over a year ago.
Definitely need them since the radiator fins had damage from bug and rock impacts. Expensive but well designed and worth it.
Definitely need them since the radiator fins had damage from bug and rock impacts. Expensive but well designed and worth it.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 62
From: WA
I installed the Radiator Grill Screens that DeltaT installed in the front and sides with the metal type also.. The fronts took about 3.5 hours to install without bumper removal and without using a lift. Takes almost as much time removing and installing the the undertray bolts and panels than installing the screens. Fairly simple and easy job. Their Installation Video is excellent. Follow the instruction and watch the Video.The side grills had two tie wraps each and you can not see them after the install. The fronts have a total of 4-8 tie wraps each side which are installed as per the instructions are very difficult to hard to detect after installation as they blend in nicely with the Carbon Flash Grills. The RGS grill screens are of high quality and a lot less expensive than the competition and you do not have to remove any body parts.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 447
From: FEMA Region 4
The dealer should be less than $800. I paid $300 to a C8 tech who works on the side. I was planning on doing it myself when I purchased them.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 269
Likes: 225
From: Long Island New York
I installed Scrape Armors front and sides on my 25 Z06. No big deal to remove the bumper cover. I would suggest having 2 people to help line it up to put it back on. The side screens are very simple to install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 154
From: Green Bay WI
Last edited by CliffB-99; May 4, 2026 at 03:21 PM. Reason: Details
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 13
From: South Florida
It can be done without removing the front bumper. Ask your Dentist if you can have a dental pic/waxing instrument, its a bit tedious but can be done. I went with Radiator grill store, have to zip tie but they look great, can't see the zip ties unless you really look for them.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 3
I ordered the Scrape Armor guards yesterday, but I’ve been second‑guessing whether the front set is really necessary. My other car is a 2023 Acura TLX Advance, and it has a pretty large opening beneath the grille where the radiator and fins are fully exposed. I don’t run grille guards on the TLX, and you can clearly see the marks from impacts (bugs, debris, etc.), which made me wonder why the grille guards are considered so important on the Z06.
I’m not trying to start a debate - I’m just trying to understand whether the guards are truly essential or more of a preventative accessory.
I’m not trying to start a debate - I’m just trying to understand whether the guards are truly essential or more of a preventative accessory.