Do I need hood pins for this panel?

Yes, hood pins are required for secure installation. They prevent hood lift at speed and are essential for any carbon fiber hood. Verify your existing latch and hinge condition before install — factory hinges should handle the lightweight panel, but pins add critical safety redundancy.

How much lighter is this compared to the factory hood?

Carbon fiber delivers significant weight savings versus OEM steel. The reduced mass improves handling and reduces unsprung weight at the front end. For exact weight comparison, reference your vehicle's service manual for OEM hood specifications.

What prep is needed before installation?

Sand and prep the mating surface on your vehicle's frame before fitting. The hood arrives ready to mount — verify all latch and hinge holes align with your existing hardware. If your factory hood was previously damaged, have hinges inspected to ensure they operate smoothly before transferring to the carbon panel.