I'm not normally one to install purely aesthetic parts, but I couldn't resist installing these two bits right before taking the Z to the Z Nationals show. Z1 was running their fall sale so I grabbed a carbon fiber engine cover and a carbon fiber radiator air guide - both Z1 pieces designed for the 2023+ Z.
The install on both is about as straightforward as it gets. The engine cover swaps directly with the OEM plastic piece, and the radiator air guide replaces the stock unit up front. No trimming, no modifications - just bolt-on. I had both pieces on the car within an hour of opening the boxes.
One thing I noticed after pulling the factory engine cover - the tops of the air-to-water intercoolers were now fully exposed. The OEM cover had been hiding them, and they weren't exactly show-ready. So I took the time to polish them up before dropping the carbon cover in place.
The difference in the engine bay is immediately noticeable. The carbon weave gives the VR30 a much more finished look, and the polished intercooler tops peeking through don't hurt either. The air guide up front cleans up that area nicely - it's one of those pieces you don't think about until you see the upgrade.
At 1,700 miles the Z is still relatively fresh, but at least the engine bay will look presentable at the show!
