Not good news Craig, and I wish you well ....
Les and Phil are on the right track - make mods reversible. Even if we get to build/rego like hot rods, any mods could still be picked up.
When I transferred the rego on the DAX, there were a number of the usual issues to resolve (noise, height, wear & tear - cost me a few grand to get it all right), but the interesting bit....
I DO NOT HAVE ENGINEERS REPORTS (none required back then) - they wanted them to compare the car to.
The inspector said "you should have your original reports, and engineers reports for any mods, even a change of wheels, and keep the lot in your glove box in case you are pulled over" (but sir, I do not have a glove box ..... )
So since I had no reports, they started trying to find info in their records - turns out they shredded the file a few years ago. So the chief Inspector signed the paperwork anyway (then had a look at the car).
The inspector who gave me a tough time over not having reports then gave me the thumbs up
The inspectors (at the pits) are doing a job, but they also like cars, and are happy to try to help. As Les said, the problem people are those that visit shows and take numbers.......