OK, first of all i can't seem to find where the hood latch is in the parts fische, anyone know?
Second, what is the actual difference between the latches? It makes sense that the latch would be designed for the different weights of each hood, but what is actually different? If i am putting an aluminum hood on a car that originally had a steel hood, do i need to get a whole new latch, just a specific part of the latch, or can i modify it somehow?

 

You can use a steel latch on a alum hood, but the hood is very hard to close. You generally have to drop the hood (as you don't want to press on it or it dents) from an almost full height to get it to latch.

The spring inside the latch assembly is the part that would need to be modified. I do not know of anyone that has been able to tweak or modify one.

There are 4 part numbers for the hood latch.

FB01-56-620E (steel hood W/O alarm)

FB01-56-620G (steel hood W/ alarm)

FB13-56-620E (alum hood W/O alarm)

FB13-56-620G (alum hood W/ alarm)

 

I replaced my steel hood with an aluminum hood and never changed the latch. Never had a problem. Never had to drop the hood to close and never damaged the AL by pressing on it.

 

Thanks for that info Mark. What section of the fische is the latch located in?
So the spring is different...i assume it is weaker in the aluminum latch? i'd imagine a new latch from the dealership is a bit pricey, so i am going to see if i can do anything about the spring. i haven't put the hood on yet, so i don't know if it is going to be a big deal.

and yes, some people say it is fine. others say it takes a lot of effort to close...

 

I had a problem at first but now it works fine.