Do I need hood pins for this panel?

Hood pins are required. Carbon fiber panels are lighter than OEM steel, and pins secure the hood against high-speed airflow and vibration. Plan to source a quality pin kit that matches your vehicle's latch configuration.

Can I paint this directly, or does the clear coat need to come off first?

The factory clear coat provides UV protection and a stable base for your paint application. Sand and prep the surface with your chosen grit before primer and topcoat. No need to strip the clear — it works as a primer barrier.

How much weight does this save compared to the factory hood?

Carbon fiber delivers significant weight reduction over OEM steel. The exact savings depends on OEM panel thickness for your application, but expect meaningful improvement in front-end response and brake balance.