Do I need hood pins for this hood?

Yes. Hood pins are required for proper fitment and latch engagement. They are not included with this panel — source them as a separate purchase to complete your installation.

Can I apply paint or clear coat directly to the carbon fiber?

The raw carbon surface should be lightly sanded and prepped before finishing. UV-protective clear coat is recommended to maintain the weave finish and protect against fading. If you choose to paint, sand and prep the surface before applying your chosen finish.

How much lighter is this compared to the original hood?

Carbon fiber is significantly lighter than OEM steel. The exact weight savings depends on your comparison point, but you'll notice reduced unsprung weight and improved front-end responsiveness versus factory panels.