It is common practice to install grill mesh to try and help protect the radiators and condensers from impacts with rocks and getting clogged up with debris. A common concern with this mod is reducing airflow through the radiators, causing increased coolant/oil temperatures on track. Notably, some well known engine builders actually site this as the cause for engine failures.
I ran mesh at the bumper inlets for years on track with no issues, but while I was going through the effort to improve front-end aerodynamics, I decided took the opportunity and maximize airflow through my radiators, while still maintaining some protection from debris.
I did this by installing mesh directly over the radiators and condensers themselves. In theory, this should be a large improvement in airflow through the mesh, due to both the larger surface area of the mesh, and higher static pressure and lower air speed at the wider part of the ducting. I won’t go too far into the theory as it’s beyond my area of expertise, but my reading indicated that this setup is much better for flow than mesh at the duct inlets.
I also trimmed the OEM plastic grilles while I was in there. Shout out to Cliff’s Garage for this idea! Check out his video, here: https://youtu.be/Md8UZGeXDPs?si=YhyrkNVrsFh_JD9Y
The mesh I used is Perforated Hex Aluminum Grill Mesh from Custom Car Grills (no affiliation).
End result
Progress photos – The mesh is trimmed and bent to be an exact fit inside the duct, no other attachment was needed
