Will this hinge work with my factory hood latch and release mechanism?

Yes. This hinge mounts at the factory pivot points and works seamlessly with your existing latch assembly. No compatibility modifications needed.

Do I need hood pins or reinforcement brackets with this hinge?

Hood pins are not required for standard driving. If you run a carbon or lightweight hood, or plan track use, pins are recommended for safety — but this hinge alone handles OEM hoods without additional bracing.

How much does this weigh compared to the factory hinge?

Weight is comparable to OEM. This is a direct replacement built to match original specifications, not a weight-reduction component.