Hello, Java Joe,
I had the same question. When I read the rule book, I under stood it to say that this was considered streamlining.
Now, with that being said, I am not a tech inspector or someone with authority, just a racer. The final say would be with the tech inspector.
One item you could do, (and I did this) make the cover on the cowl to be easily removed. That way if this particular item fails tech, or you want to go into another class that allows this, then its easily installed or can be removed.
Just my 2 cents worth
Good luck to you!
See you on the salt
Clay