What exactly is the different between a "Bolt On" and a "Pin On" hood? I'm looking at VFN Fiberglass, and the hood I'm interested in is the '93-97 2-inch Cowl Induction Bolt On (or Pin On) Hood. Bolt on is $400 compared to $275 for Pin On. Which one would be easier to install, and/or deal with? Can you even install them yourself, or would I need to find someone to put it on?

Is bolt on basically the same as stock where it'll attach just like the stock hood, and pin on where you have to add some kind of "pins" to hold the hood down?

 

A bolt on hood uses the factory hardware to latch down. A pin on hood needs hood pins to stay closed. I think they look fairly tacky on anything but a race car. Let me clarify a little further. A pin-on hood should already be drilled and have the provisions for the pins to go through. You've just got to install the pins yourself on the car. Both can be installed by yourself and each require about the same amount of work in one way or another.

 

I thought he was asking about the stick - on hood pins for looks. I was about to lose it
Alan pretty well summed it up for you. Most aftermarket hood manufacturers make factory replacement "bolt - on" hood. You can purchase this type and then chose to make it a hood pin type by not installing your factory latching mechanism and buying a set of moroso hood pins. Carefull hole drilling is then in your future so be careful. This makes everyones butt pucker with their new hoods

 

With VFN, the pin on hood is specifically designed for racing and is very light and flexes a lot. These hood usually require more than just a couple of pins. Most of us line the perimeter with Dzus fasteners and pin them near the center. The bolt on is closer to OEM quality and much heavier, that's why there is a difference in price.

 

Bolt-on: Street car
Pin-on: Track car

 

Thanks for the help, guys. You're an invaluable asset to the camaro community.

 

Pin-on looks stupid. If you don't have a pit crew of 4 guys who need to get under the hood all at once just go with the bolt-on.

I'd recommend getting someone to install the hood. Hood alignment isn't fun, even though it isn't that difficult. Can take an hour or longer though to get just right.