Will this hood work with my OEM latch and hinge setup?

Yes. The hood uses factory mounting points and is engineered to work with your vehicle's existing latch and hinge assembly. Verify your hinge hardware is in good condition before installation — worn hinges may need replacement to support the new hood properly.

Do I need to do anything to the carbon fiber before painting or sealing it?

Sand the surface to remove any minor imperfections and create proper adhesion for your chosen finish. Once prepped, you can apply clear coat, primer, paint, or leave the weave exposed depending on your build direction. A UV-protective clear coat is recommended to preserve the carbon's appearance long-term.

How much lighter is this compared to the factory hood?

Carbon fiber hoods are significantly lighter than OEM steel, which improves front-end weight distribution and overall vehicle performance. The exact weight savings depends on your factory hood spec — consult your vehicle's service manual for OEM hood weight if you need precise numbers.