Does this hood work with my factory latch and hinges?

Yes. This panel is engineered to bolt directly to your existing hinge and latch points. Verify that your OEM hardware is in good condition before installation — worn hinges or a damaged latch will affect fit regardless of the hood material.

How much lighter is this than the factory hood?

Real carbon fiber is significantly lighter than OEM steel. The exact weight difference depends on your specific vehicle, but you'll notice the reduction in hood effort and feel the handling benefit immediately.

Do I need to seal the edges or do anything special during install?

Sand the surface lightly and wipe clean before bolting down. Once mounted, inspect the hood-to-fender gaps and hinge alignment. If you plan to apply additional clear coat or ceramic coating, sand and prep the carbon weave first according to your chosen product's instructions.