When I first popped on NAM and Motoringfile I caught sight of a website that had some simple instructions for creating a screen/grate to put inside your hood scoop to help protect the intercooler from debris. Easy enough...

Looking online at various hood scoops (OEM, m7, etc) I noticed that it only looks like the the OEM chrome scoop has any type of screen on it. Any reason for that? Is a screen overly restrictive to the airflow?

I don't drive on the track, but I do drive on some gross debris filled streets so for me the air restriction isn't an issue, I'm just curious for curiosity sake

 

Most of the aftermarket scoops are specifically designed and installed to get more air to the intercooler. Any grille (like the one I have) will decrease the airflow by some amount. So the people who are going for the M7 ramscoops and the like are very unlikely to add a grille. Doesn't mean it won't happen, just that it's relatively unlikely.
Btw, I used aluminium gutter guard that I bought from Home Depot for about a dollar to make my grille.

 

I used a disposable barbecue grill tray to make mine and I paid $1.99; so as you can see prices fluctuate wildly...up to 99%

 

I also used aluminium gutter guard (Home Depot $1.87) and high temp matte black paint...for a few bucks and only a little install time I like the piece of mind for the cigarette butts and rocks, but I was just curious if the idea was also "crazy" in the performance land.

Thanks for the responses

 

Anyone know where I could find a DIY on affixing some grill to the scoop? I've got some laying around and wouldn't mind giving it a go

Thx

 

Try this:

http://www.tech-esq.com/MINI/how_to_...oop_grille.htm

 

MY first week on NAM a member did this, ever since I haven't beena ble to find it. Though it did very closely resemble ylwjkt's link.

 

That's great, thanks

I too have opened my bonnet to find cigarette butts sitting on the IC and this looks to be easily removed as well

 

That's the link/instructions I followed. So far, it's worked like a charm...I've had to pull off the butts and bugs from the grille, but that's better than the alternative for me.

Note: when using a piece of paper to trace out the size of the scoop...use something larger than letter size