There is a reason for a air filter, it's to filter air. A buddy of mine bought one of those air screens, as you said , pretty expensive , they look trick, will screen out the rocks and smaller debree. The piece sets about 4" high , he cut about a 1" off the bottom of his to gain some hood clearance, was a waste of money as he went back to the K&N filter. If you have carb/hood issues now I wouldn't recommend it.