[ponyakr]

"...Would the formula hood take weight off the front end?..."

Think I've read that the twin-scoop Formy hood was actually heavier. IIRC, I had 3 of those hoods on my shop in the '70's-'80's time period. I do remember that they were NOT light.
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" Would fender vents be classified as ' minor customization '?..."

I have no idea what NHRA would call it. I only know what I see in pics of Stockers that have run in modern times. Several cars have gone to & some have won multiple div & nat events, in Pontiacs with body parts that were not as factory produced.

I think I've already mentioned the '72 T/A with no front spoiler or wheel flares, the Formy running as a '73, but with the '71 fender vents, & the car with no front turn signal lamps.

I honestly don't care if NHRA lets this stuff go. How much ET difference would these small details make ? But, I can assure you that some of the NHRA techs, in the old days, would not have let cars run with these minor infractions.