Its a car, not an airplane, I seriously doubt mesh grill cars around the world are overheating.

 

In the real world, all X300 and X308 supercharged models were fitted with those
exact mesh grills.

They have the additional heat burden of the intercooler radiators.

Overheating is not a common characteristic that the R owners complain about.

As for aesthetics, the mesh grille is one of the key visual markers that makes the
R versions stand out as being more purposeful than the lesser models.

 

As compared to what, and to what extent?

As long as the airflow is sufficient, any more is irrelevant.

 

the mesh looks like the radiator protective mesh from a 1920s le Mans Bentley, or 50s XK...
and I like it

 

Everyone has their own opinion on how the mesh grille looks, personally I think they look great and I really don't care what anyone else thinks!

What I am intrigued about is the lack of scientific evidence to the assertion that the mesh grille pattern somehow constricts air flow, if this was really the case I'm glad I don't own an XJR!

 

Maybe you ought to study a little aerodynamics.

 

Well, the assertion is true ... as compared to a completely open aperture
and ignoring the effects of turbulence.

Don't know if it is true when comparing flutes to screens.

But real world experience suggests that XJR's don't suffer with the factory
mesh grill in place. Otherwise the forum would be full of tales of woe.

I picked up on the mesh grill when I started looking at purchasing a X300/X308
series vehicle. It didn't take long before any potential candidate without the
mesh grill was automatically crossed off the list. Of course that meant every
remaining candidate was a XJR


++

 

Wish someone made an affordable matching bottom mesh insert for the X300.

I have found some pretty signficant rock dings in the A/C condenser and some mesh may have helped there. Plus I think it might look cool

.

 

Would be helpful if you shared the relevant aerodynamic data with us.

I am genuinely intrigued because many cars are fitted with mesh grilles, many from factory such as the XJR. In the absence of any conflicting data I'm happy to assume that Jaguar had it worked out.

 

Mina Gallery has one to match their upper mesh grille inserts. However as with most things at Mina, not cheap.

 

Right not cheap, and didn't respond to my emails asking for better photos, and if it matched the gauge and spacing of the OEM mesh.

.

 

I've had several club members buy from Mina and I've yet to be impressed with any of their products. If I opt for the mesh I'll wait to find one at the wreckers that's original Jaguar.

 

I have one available complete with gasket.

It should be factory because it is part of a complete set from
a 1996 including the chrome grille surround. It also has the
factory plastic quarter turn studs. It is also more of a raw
stainless finish than the "bright stainless" quoted by Mina.
It also does not have those "nicks" seen in the wire of the
Mina detail picture of the mesh.

But, there are no identifying marks or part numbers to be
able to guarantee that it is indeed Jaguar.

The chrome grill surround is definitely a Jaguar X300 part.

While the lower mesh is definitely available, I would have
to mull over whether the upper chrome+mesh is available
depending on whether it fits a X308.

PM if interested.

 

Trying to PM you but it keeps saying my PM is turned off...funnyI cant seem to find where to turn them on so it befuddles me how I got it turned off in the first place!

 

I'll send you a PM to see if that gets the ball rolling.

I know mine is available to registered members.

You can control PM's from the control panel unless it has
been overridden by an administrator/moderator.

edit:

sorry not working:


++

 

I'll look again, I can find my PMs and I can find the PM settings section but there's nothing saying I've blocked them nor is there a prompt to Un block them.

Found it....PM sent (I think)

 

I honestly wouldn't bother with Mina, I too was looking into their mesh grills and a few other asthetic add ons for my cars from them.
But after my experience with their overpriced and cheaply made ($125) cold air intake that fell apart within a year of owning it. Plus all it is a cone filter and slightly bent elbow which could've been put together for less than $40 at an auto parts store.

So I'm sure their lower mesh grill wouldn't match the quality of the factory Jaguar mesh grill.

On another related note, I've thought about searching online for a universal mesh grill and cutting it to size...

 

You and I are on the same page there, had the same thoughts.

It wouldn't be very hard to mock up with cardboard then cut. And I've bought plenty of pre-cut specialty sheet metal and metal fabric online before. It's generally very affordable.

Not a priority project for me, and not sure I'll even bother. But that is probably a better option.

.

 

Take your pick... McMaster-Carr

For example - 3/8" opening, crimped, 12'x48" (make a couple), $55 + shipping - McMaster-Carr

 

The welded cloth on the same page might be a better idea.

The factory item has a sheet metal rim about 3/16" all around to
keep the edge clean and to retain the rubber gasket that goes all
the way around. It also has three welded washers where the quarter
turn fasteners fit to hold the mesh.