Hey Scott, thanks! Any day now ...
Evil,
I think you're referring to "expanded metal" rather than mesh. If so, we agree: those openings absolutely restrict airflow. Mesh, especially in the 3/16" - 1/4" range, probably has little effect. At least that's how I see it.
On the chassis dyno, the car stays right on 180 (the programmed temp of my DC Controls fan controller). No overheating worries there. I'd bet my fans hardly run during normal driving, as I've got one of Ron Davis' huge-gantic radiators.
jp