Carbon engine cover Lotus Elise 1ZR / 2zr
Lotus Elise S3 equipped with the 1.6L (1ZR) or 1.8L (2ZR) Toyota engines, a carbon fiber engine cover is a popular upgrade. These engines often left the factory with a simple plastic cover (or none at all on later “Sprint” or “Cup” models), making the engine bay look somewhat unfinished.
1. Top Recommended Carbon Fiber Covers
Because the 1ZR and 2ZR share the same mounting points, the covers are generally interchangeable between the 1.6 and 1.8 variants.
-
Elise Shop Carbon Fiber Cover: This is one of the most widely used options in Europe. It is a high-quality, autoclaved pre-preg carbon piece designed to replace the OEM plastic lid.
-
Features: High-gloss finish, lightweight, and specifically molded for the 2ZR/1ZR head.
-
Price: Approximately €299.99 (excl. VAT).
-
-
AERIE Performance V-Weave Cover: A premium option for those looking for a unique aesthetic. It uses a “V-weave” (chevron) pattern rather than a standard twill.
-
Features: Double-sided carbon fiber, hand-laid, and UV-protected gloss clear coat.
-
Price: Approximately $1,119.00 USD
-
-
Alias23 / GRP Options: While Greg’s Race Parts (GRP) is famous for the older 2ZZ engine covers, they occasionally stock 2ZR variants. Alias23 in the UK is another specialist that focuses on high-end carbon components for the S3 platform.
2. The Critical “Fitting Kit”
If your Elise did not come with a factory engine cover, you cannot simply bolt the carbon one on. You will need a specific Fitting Kit (Part #E0167FK or similar).
-
Contents: Usually includes 4 ball-head bolts that screw into the valve cover and 4 rubber isolators/grommets that press into the carbon cover.
-
Cost: Roughly €28.00 / $35.00.
-
Check First: Open your engine lid; if you see four empty threaded holes on the top of the engine, you need the kit.
3. Comparison of Common Sources
| Manufacturer | Material Type | Est. Price | Best For |
| Elise Shop | Pre-preg Carbon | $320 | OEM+ look and great value. |
| AERIE Performance | V-Weave Carbon | $1,100+ | Show cars and high-end builds. |
| Central Lotus | Twill Carbon | $380 | UK-based availability and custom logos. |
| Genuine Lotus | Plastic (OEM) | $150 | Pure restorations (Part #C120E0167F). |
4. Installation & Care
-
Heat Management: Ensure the cover has a heat-reflective backing or adequate clearance from the exhaust manifold. While carbon fiber is heat resistant, the resin can yellow over time if it sits too close to the manifold without protection.
-
Cleaning: Use a high-quality automotive wax or ceramic coating on the gloss finish. Avoid harsh degreasers that can dull the clear coat.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.