You're wanting guidelines for how you can and cannot modify an exempt part?

I was going to use this:



But this one works, too:

 

 

The intercooler is explicitly exempt, but I still maintain that the inlet tube should not be cause for failing a visual test since replacement and consolidated parts do not require exemptions (not needing an exemption is an exemption) per 13 CCR 1900(d)(2):

Most aftermarket inlet tubes have spigots for all the PCV connections (read as emissions-related equipment).