Originally Posted by maxcichon

Mesh grills like the one pictured are made of: mesh. It has a given "transparency". That particular material looks like #3 (3 openings per inch) with .047" wire diameter.

This makes it 60%-69% open. 31%-40% blocked. I'm unsure how this compares with a stock xFire grill.

I am told by an aerospace engineer that the "blocking power" or turbulence of a mesh INCREASES with velocity. Screening the inlets of a jet engine would seem to be a wonderful way to decrease FOD (foreign object damage), however the loss in power makes it unworkable. He didn't have the time, or interest to work out the numbers for 100 to 160 miles per hour, but said it would be "significant".

Nothin' in life is free.

Or:
TANSTAAFL There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.