Z1 Carbon Engine Cover Issue

[TexasZee]

I want to preface this by saying that up until now, I’ve had no issues with any Z1 products I’ve purchased. I've always been happy with the quality and service.

Recently, I purchased the Z1 Carbon Engine Cover. When it arrived, I attempted to install it but ran into unexpected difficulty—specifically with the top section closest to the windshield. After inspecting the back of the cover, I quickly discovered the problem: the grommet holes were misaligned from the factory.

I immediately contacted Z1 customer service and explained the issue. The representative I spoke with asked me to take photos and submit them for review so a replacement could be issued. In the meantime, I realigned the grommet holes myself using high-strength adhesive so I could continue with my build.

To my surprise, I later received an email from Z1 stating that the issue couldn't be confirmed based on my photos. They informed me I would need to send the engine cover back for evaluation, and that once they verified the problem on one of their cars, a replacement would be sent. At no point during the phone call was I told that I’d need to return the part for inspection.

At this point, I realized that because I had modified the cover to correct what I believe was a manufacturing defect, I was now likely responsible for it. I responded to Z1 to explain the situation, and as expected, the only resolution offered was some complimentary merchandise with my next order.

I've included photos to highlight the issue, which in my opinion is clearly visible. As my build is nearly complete, I’ve decided to just move on and share my experience. Again, until this incident, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with Z1 products. However, based on how this situation was handled, I will be sourcing my aero kit elsewhere.

 

[FSUZ33]

That is WAY off. Is that the pic you sent for verification? Because it's pretty clear to me.
Unfortunately, not the first Z1 QC issue reported here.
I've got Z1 spacers, studs and undershroud headed my way ?

'We'll send you a free sticker. Not now. But if you order more stuff we will.'

 

[TexasZee]

That is WAY off. Is that the pic you sent for verification? Because it's pretty clear to me.
Unfortunately, not the first Z1 QC issue reported here.
I've got Z1 spacers, studs and undershroud headed my way ?

'We'll send you a free sticker. Not now. But if you order more stuff we will.'

Yes it was. Thanks. I thought I was going crazy when they responded that they couldn’t tell it was off. Ridiculous.

 

[Meg_Z]

Yes it was. Thanks. I thought I was going crazy when they responded that they couldn’t tell it was off. Ridiculous.

Anyone can see it’s not right. What are they comparing it to? That being said I wouldn’t have modified anything until l got confirmation what they wanted me to do. In my experience most of the time even if they (most businesses) agree to replace it they want the original one back.

 

[TexasZee]

Anyone can see it’s not right. What are they comparing it to? That being said I wouldn’t have modified anything until l got confirmation what they wanted me to do. In my experience most of the time even if they (most businesses) agree to replace it they want the original one back.

Understood. The process which was explained to me by the service rep on the phone did not mention sending it back. They said they'll provide feedback to their rep. I'm eating the loss. The icing on the cake for me with this company was them offering compensation only if I purchased another product from them. I am just glad I didn't spend nearly $3,000 on their aero kit.

 

[Meg_Z]

Understood. The process which was explained to me by the service rep on the phone did not mention sending it back. They said they'll provide feedback to their rep. I'm eating the loss. The icing on the cake for me with this company was them offering compensation only if I purchased another product from them. I am just glad I didn't spend nearly $3,000 on their aero kit.

Understood. The process which was explained to me by the service rep on the phone did not mention sending it back. They said they'll provide feedback to their rep. I'm eating the loss. The icing on the cake for me with this company was them offering compensation only if I purchased another product from them. I am just glad I didn't spend nearly $3,000 on their aero kit.

Yep that’s the best way to handle it spend your hard earned cash somewhere else!

 

[traska_rz34]

I want to preface this by saying that up until now, I’ve had no issues with any Z1 products I’ve purchased. I've always been happy with the quality and service.

Recently, I purchased the Z1 Carbon Engine Cover. When it arrived, I attempted to install it but ran into unexpected difficulty—specifically with the top section closest to the windshield. After inspecting the back of the cover, I quickly discovered the problem: the grommet holes were misaligned from the factory.

I immediately contacted Z1 customer service and explained the issue. The representative I spoke with asked me to take photos and submit them for review so a replacement could be issued. In the meantime, I realigned the grommet holes myself using high-strength adhesive so I could continue with my build.

To my surprise, I later received an email from Z1 stating that the issue couldn't be confirmed based on my photos. They informed me I would need to send the engine cover back for evaluation, and that once they verified the problem on one of their cars, a replacement would be sent. At no point during the phone call was I told that I’d need to return the part for inspection.

At this point, I realized that because I had modified the cover to correct what I believe was a manufacturing defect, I was now likely responsible for it. I responded to Z1 to explain the situation, and as expected, the only resolution offered was some complimentary merchandise with my next order.

I've included photos to highlight the issue, which in my opinion is clearly visible. As my build is nearly complete, I’ve decided to just move on and share my experience. Again, until this incident, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with Z1 products. However, based on how this situation was handled, I will be sourcing my aero kit elsewhere.

Hey there, I’m very happy I remembered your post because I’m having the EXACT same issue on my cover that I just ordered. Same top part, same misaligned grommet bracket. It’s easily off by an inch or so. I had to remove the male grommet attachment from the engine block to get it seated.

I’ve asked for a replacement part or a partial refund. I’ll keep you posted.

 

[Neutr0n]

darn... i just spent 800$ with them... hopefully their bushing won't arrive oval

 

[traska_rz34]

darn... i just spent 800$ with them... hopefully their bushing won't arrive oval

Yea, I dropped a solid amount on this last order and this is the first time I had issues. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only problem with this order either. I ordered the engine cover, catch can, and 3-point brace. When I placed the order, it sat for a few days and the catch can went from being ready in 3 days to being back ordered until March 2026. I contacted support and were able to get what was available sent out but when it came, it was like a mix of everything so I had to reconcile what was there and what wasn’t. They did get the missing catch can hardware kit sent out the next day.

The catch can install was rough anyway but the hose clamps they include are WAY too small. I had to go buy normal hose clamps from the hardware store instead. Most of the reviews said the clamps were junk so this wasn’t a total surprise but you’d think they’d correct the issue. The 3 Allen head screws that mount the can to the bracket all oddly had slightly varying sizes so I literally had to use 3 different sized Allen wrenches to get it mounted.

I will say that their support staff has been great (and always has been) and outside of the annoyances above, the parts are solid. I’m hoping they’ll just send me a replacement top cover that they can confirm fits properly. If not, I’d just want some sort of partial refund to have to fix it myself.

 

[Neutr0n]

Yea, I dropped a solid amount on this last order and this is the first time I had issues. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only problem with this order either. I ordered the engine cover, catch can, and 3-point brace. When I placed the order, it sat for a few days and the catch can went from being ready in 3 days to being back ordered until March 2026. I contacted support and were able to get what was available sent out but when it came, it was like a mix of everything so I had to reconcile what was there and what wasn’t. They did get the missing catch can hardware kit sent out the next day.

The catch can install was rough anyway but the hose clamps they include are WAY too small. I had to go buy normal hose clamps from the hardware store instead. Most of the reviews said the clamps were junk so this wasn’t a total surprise but you’d think they’d correct the issue. The 3 Allen head screws that mount the can to the bracket all oddly had slightly varying sizes so I literally had to use 3 different sized Allen wrenches to get it mounted.

I will say that their support staff has been great (and always has been) and outside of the annoyances above, the parts are solid. I’m hoping they’ll just send me a replacement top cover that they can confirm fits properly. If not, I’d just want some sort of partial refund to have to fix it myself.

Man oh man, i’m sorry to hear that. It was the same for me when i put the catch can in my shopping cart. I didn’t want a random part to arrive in March and make me pay for duty and brokerage fee again. I had a bigger order but i can’t do the American Affirm so i had to trim some things off the list lol.
however, i did buy the rear diff cover so i hope there will be no fitment issues with it.

 

[traska_rz34]

Quick update here - Z1 is taking the cover back to investigate the issue and are checking their other covers that they have in stock now. I’ll get a replacement with one that is confirmed to fit properly.

 

[TexasZee]

Quick update here - Z1 is taking the cover back to investigate the issue and are checking their other covers that they have in stock now. I’ll get a replacement with one that is confirmed to fit properly.

I doubt this'll be the last time we hear of one of these. The QC was evidently poor. I'm glad you're getting taken care of. I haven't bought from them since. They do not make anything I need badly enough to get past my poor experience.

 

[ZillaZ]

Yikes! I had an issue with Z1 once and they balked at first but made it right after I wouldn't let it go. They must get scammed a lot or something to be that unwilling to help people with real issues right off the cuff. Or maybe it just depends on who you get.

When I told them the oil filter they sent me was the wrong model they sent me a (correct) replacement no questions asked. I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one that complained about that issue though.

 

[kevinbonds]

I don’t really buy anything from Z1 anymore. Been years, I use CZP or others.

 

[traska_rz34]

I doubt this'll be the last time we hear of one of these. The QC was evidently poor. I'm glad you're getting taken care of. I haven't bought from them since. They do not make anything I need badly enough to get past my poor experience.

Agreed, I suspect they will see additional issues with the other covers they have. I can't imagine you and I are the only two to call it out. I'm happy they seem to be taking it seriously and will send me a replacement AFTER the cover is confirmed to fit. I'm sorry they dropped the ball with your experience. They've always been great with me.

Yikes! I had an issue with Z1 once and they balked at first but made it right after I wouldn't let it go. They must get scammed a lot or something to be that unwilling to help people with real issues right off the cuff. Or maybe it just depends on who you get.

I don't even want to know what they deal with. I'm sure there are plenty of armchair mechanics that order wrong parts, get buyers remorse, or botch their install and try to return parts. Not excusing poor experiences but I can understand not giving carte blanche returns initially.

I don’t really buy anything from Z1 anymore. Been years, I use CZP or others.

I really wish CZP would make more Z parts to compete with Z1 more. I love their shroud and I'll get the oil pan and heat exchanger at some point but there's a lot they could make to compete. Agreed that I've had really good experiences with them too.