You probably cant just use an "el cheapo" chromie from the auto supply. The plastic cover mates with the one-piece pan gasket so the lower lip is wider. Also, the plastic cover has a hole for the crank trigger sensor (although it isnt used on a ZZ4) and the plastic cover has the formed-in-place gasket that seals really well. The ZZ4 is sealed really well....much better than the older engines.