I dont like the mesh anyway because of the restriction. when you run a filter there is always a lot more surface area than the opening of the turbo but with a mesh screen you only have the area of the turbo inlet then all those little wires going across, it usually blocks quite a bit of area.

 

You're saying a mesh screen blocks more air than a filter?

 

not sure where you're coming up with the science behind this...a filter is FAR more restrictive than a mesh screen

 

I recommend using a turbo guard.

 

thanks for the response team

ive been running a filter all the way from day 1 haha

 

I ran an open turbo on the street for years without issue, all I had was a screen over the inlet. Probably wasn't the smartest idea but I loved the way it looked...I also did not have a forward facing turbo.
If I were you, since you can fit a filter, I would use the filter...

 

I think an HKS filter would look BOMB in there.

 

You know when you shake out a filter and all the dust and **** falls out? do you really want that in your oil/combustion chamber and everywhere else? IMO I would only use mesh/no filter for a drag only car.

 

i guess it depends on the air filter size you can fit.
with a screen you are limited to the od of the turbo inlet and the open area is a lot less than you may realize.
http://www.customadvanced.com/wire-m...formation.html
mcmaster lists their bug screen mesh as .009-.011 diameter wire which according to that link your best flowing choice is 75% open area which leaves you with the equivalent of about 3.46" diameter opening. That is assuming the random bug screen you found at home depot is equal to the best flowing screen listed, which i dont think is very likely.
completely disregarding the affect of boundaries and all that air moving around those wires, an open 3.46" diameter orifice at 1.5" water flows 214 scfm
http://www.tlv.com/global/TI/calcula...h-orifice.html (1.5" water is 0.0037 bar)
a random KN 4" opening 6"od by 6" tall filter, which is about the size on my evo, has lab test results at 222.5 cfm at 1.5" water
http://www.knfilters.com/dynocharts/E-1996.pdf

 

I'm digging that turbo guard! I may now have to change my setup!!!!!

 

Running a diesel workshop...it blows my mind how anyone could even consider running an engine without an air filter!
WTF do you think really happens lol....would you drive down the freeway at 100 with your head out the window and mouth wide open everywhere. I cant' believe anyone would consider it ok

 

Get a turbo guard. I run them on all my cars and they are built VERY well.