Do I need to use hood pins with this panel?

Yes. Hood pins are required for installation and are not included. They secure the carbon fiber panel and prevent hood flutter at speed. Verify mounting hole locations on your vehicle before purchasing pins to ensure compatibility with this hood design.

Will the carbon fiber weave pattern show through if I paint it?

The clear coat finish preserves the visible 2x2 twill weave as-is. If you choose to paint over it, surface prep is critical — sand and prep the finish before applying your chosen primer and topcoat to ensure paint adhesion.

How much lighter is this than the stock hood?

Carbon fiber hoods are significantly lighter than OEM steel equivalents. The exact weight difference depends on the factory panel, but real carbon construction delivers measurable front-end weight reduction that improves acceleration and braking balance.