Designed to assist in keeping the paintwork on your 2023 or later Chevy C8 Corvette Z06 and Chevy C8 Corvette E-Ray fresh, immaculate, and free from chips or dings, ACS Composite’s new Carbon Flash Metallic rock guards are quick and easy to install with no modifications to your Vette.
ACS has also released a 21-minute, 24-second YouTube video describing the rock guards for the Corvette Z06 and E-Ray, along with full installation instructions and an alternate installation method.
Both front and rear rock guards are designed to not stick out from the wheel wells. This design feature serves a double function. In the first place, as ACS notes, it prevents the guards from being a “visible eyesore.” The guards are contained entirely inside the well, while the Carbon Flash Metallic Black color is closely matched to the color of the OEM trim pieces found throughout both Corvette variants.
The second reason for making rock guards that don’t stick out from the wheel wells is to avoid changes to the aerodynamics of the Corvette Z06 or Corvette E-Ray. Any component jutting out could cause drag and alter the performance of the vehicle.
The front rock guards are relatively simple in design, though they include features meant to increase their effectiveness at protecting the paintwork. These include a bladed shield that captures debris such as gravel or other stones, pieces of metal, and other objects kicked up from the road surface, while the open bottom allows these to fall out harmlessly.
The rear rock guard includes an even more sophisticated design to account for the special features of the Corvette Z06. As the narrator in the video says, “one of the biggest issues we had with the Z06 was its new design element – the rear bumper has an exhaust vent, basically relieving pressure in the wheel well, and what this caused was a lot of chipping in the tunnel itself. So as the wheels were turning, rocks were flying, and they would reside inside this tunnel.”
The rock guard includes an extension for the tunnel, with a double mesh screen to capture rocks rather than allowing them into the tunnel. One of the mesh screens is removable and replaceable so it can be swapped out when it becomes damaged by the rocks.
The Corvette Z06 and E-Ray rock guards are made from PC composite, which is stated to be 10 times more durable than the usual, cheaper ABS plastic. Under normal use, the guards should last “for the life of the car” according to the manufacturer. They are also designed and made completely in the USA with no imported components.
The guards snap in without modifications such as drilling, and are held in place by existing parts and clips. You can view the full installation video here:
The Corvette Z06 rock guards are priced at $649 for a full set of four, while a set of two front guards costs $179 and two rear guards are priced at $499. A set of pry tools can be included for an additional $30.
These components are one of the first Chevy Corvette Z06 and E-Ray parts made by ACS Composite, though the company has previously made similar rock guards for the Corvette Stingray.
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