Product Overview
Upgrade the rear engine bay presentation of your Chevrolet Corvette C8 with these GM Factory Style Rear Engine Compartment Side Panel Covers, engineered specifically for 2020–Present Corvette C8 Coupe models. Designed as a premium replacement for the factory plastic side panels, this kit delivers OEM-correct fitment while elevating materials, finish, and thermal durability for a true performance-focused engine bay upgrade.
Modeled after the factory Z51 engine bay side covers, these panels preserve GM’s original design language while enhancing it with motorsport-grade construction options. Choose from dry pre-preg carbon fiber, matte black, carbon flash, or red carbon fiber finishes to match your build theme. Carbon fiber variants are produced using dry pre-impregnated 3K twill weave, vacuum-cured under heat for precise resin control, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and consistent weave alignment—ideal for the C8’s high-heat mid-engine environment.
Finished with a matte, UV-resistant clear coat (carbon variants), the panels resist yellowing and fading while providing a refined, non-reflective appearance that complements other carbon or matte accessories. Integrated louvered vents are both functional and aesthetic, supporting passive airflow escape to help reduce engine bay heat during extended drives or spirited use.
Each panel is CAD-matched to OEM geometry and installs using factory mounting points for a clean, factory-like fit along the inner fender edges, rear strut tower line, and engine bay perimeter. No drilling, cutting, or trimming is required—making this an ideal upgrade for owners seeking OEM fitment with premium, race-inspired materials.
Quick Compatibility:
Fits ALL 2020–Present Chevrolet Corvette C8 Coupe models (Stingray, Z51, Z06, E-Ray Coupe).
Not compatible with Convertible models.
Key Features
GM Factory Style Design with Integrated Louvers
Styled after OEM Z51 panels with vented louver openings for passive heat extraction and a factory-correct, performance aesthetic.
Multiple Finish & Material Options
Available in Carbon Fiber, Matte Black, Carbon Flash, or Red Carbon Fiber to match factory trims or custom builds.
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Carbon Fiber: Dry pre-preg 3K twill weave
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Non-carbon finishes: durable composite options designed for engine bay use
Motorsport-Grade Carbon Fiber Construction (CF Variants)
Vacuum-cured, autoclave-processed panels provide excellent rigidity, heat resistance, and lightweight performance.
Matte UV-Resistant Clear Coat (CF Variants)
Protects the weave from heat exposure and UV damage while delivering a stealthy, non-gloss appearance.
Thermally Stable & Lightweight
Ideal for mid-engine applications where heat and vibration demand reinforced materials without added mass.
Show-Quality Engine Bay Upgrade
Replaces factory plastic panels to clean up the under-hatch area by hiding wiring, mounts, and reservoirs for a refined, cohesive look.
OEM-Precision Fitment
CAD-matched to factory geometry for seamless alignment and consistent gaps.
Direct Bolt-On Installation
Installs using existing OEM mounting points—no trimming, cutting, or modification required.
OEM Hardware Re-Use
Hardware is not included; panels reuse factory fasteners already present on the vehicle.
Complements Full Carbon Packages
Pairs perfectly with carbon engine covers, rear hatch LED kits, and track-focused show builds.
Installation
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Installation Type: Direct bolt-on
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Installation Manual: NOT included
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Drilling / Modification Required: No
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Hardware Included: No (reuses OEM hardware)
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Recommendation: Professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure proper alignment and to protect finishes during install.
Vehicle Compatibility
FITMENT Fits ALL 2020-Present Chevrolet Corvette C8 Coupe Models
| Year | Make | Model | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Stingray Coupe |
| 2020 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Coupe |
| 2020 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Performance Coupe |
| 2021 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Stingray Coupe |
| 2021 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Coupe |
| 2021 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Performance Coupe |
| 2022 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Stingray Coupe |
| 2022 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Coupe |
| 2022 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Performance Coupe |
| 2022 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Special Edition Coupe |
| 2023 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Stingray Coupe |
| 2023 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Coupe |
| 2023 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Performance Coupe |
| 2023 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z06 Coupe |
| 2024 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Stingray Coupe |
| 2024 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Coupe |
| 2024 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Performance Coupe |
| 2024 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z06 Coupe |
| 2024 | Chevrolet | Corvette | E-Ray Coupe |
| 2025 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Stingray Coupe |
| 2025 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z51 Coupe |
| 2025 | Chevrolet | Corvette | Z06 Coupe |
| 2025 | Chevrolet | Corvette | E-Ray Coupe |
About Dry Carbon Fiber
Dry Carbon Fiber vs Wet Carbon Fiber — What’s the Difference?
Not all carbon fiber parts are made the same. The biggest distinction comes down to how the carbon is processed — commonly known as dry carbon and wet carbon. Both use genuine carbon fiber weave, but the production method, finish, and performance are completely different.
Manufacturing Process
Dry carbon fiber parts are produced using a pre-preg (pre-impregnated) carbon cloth, where the exact amount of resin is pre-applied by the manufacturer. These sheets are then vacuum-sealed and cured under high pressure and temperature in an autoclave, removing excess air and resin.
The result is a light, extremely strong, and precisely formed component — the same process used in motorsport and aerospace applications.
Wet carbon fiber, on the other hand, uses a hand-lay or wet-lay method. The carbon cloth is laid into a mold and liquid resin is manually brushed or poured over it before curing. Because it’s not vacuum-bagged or autoclave-cured, there’s usually more trapped resin and air pockets, leading to a heavier part and a less uniform finish.
Weight & Strength
Dry carbon fiber is roughly 30–50% lighter than wet carbon. This is due to the controlled resin ratio — just enough to bind the fibers without unnecessary weight.
By comparison, wet carbon or carbon-over-fiberglass parts can be up to 70% heavier, since excess resin and fiberglass layers add mass without increasing stiffness.
For reference:
- Carbon Fiber Density: ~1.55 g/cm³
- Fiberglass Density: ~2.6 g/cm³
Dry carbon also offers a much higher modulus of elasticity (~125 GPa), giving it outstanding rigidity under stress — ideal for aerodynamic and high-load components.
Visual & Structural Differences
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Backside: A true dry carbon piece will look identical front and back — you can see the same woven pattern throughout.
Wet carbon or fiberglass-backed parts often have a dull, uneven underside with visible fiberglass texture or color variation. -
Edges: Solid dry carbon has clean, uniform black edges.
Wet carbon or overlay parts may show a white or grey line along the edge, revealing the fiberglass underneath — sometimes hidden with black paint trim. -
Finish: Dry carbon typically has a consistent matte or satin finish, while wet carbon can appear glossy but uneven due to hand-applied resin.
