hi, i am no expert but some tips that may help.
grant - or whatever u call it, it is up to u whether u wan to continue paying the road tax. things u need to consider - IF u stop paying road tax, ur car is not road legal anymore, ofcoz with expired roadtax (which also means no insurance coverage), you can use the temporary plate (those blue big plate) that is costly. but take note u cannot use for daily drive, just to go on Elite hway and go to SIC and hopefully no traffic cops waiting for u along the way, they will still kacau u if they see u. best way is still to tow the car on tow truck.
But even if u continue to pay roadtax, u cannot go on the road because of the extensive mods that u have done, it is still illegal.
next thing to do i think is to strip the whole car, remove all unneccesary parts/sound insulation etc. for a start you dont need to cut bodyparts yet. just strip till only the frame is left, then send for spot welding & get the rollcage in.
wiring, you dont have to worry much cos the mechanic u go to will rmove 80-90% of the wiring, what is left is only for the engine to run and also brake light, headlamp, hazard light and maybe the speedo/tacho meter, water & oil temp.... some ppl even remove the dashoard and just leave the meter there... later on maybe u can get a fibre/PU custom made dash.
handling -- u r right about seeking reliable suspension specialist to get the best setup, but if u r tight on budget, then have to trial and error using aftermarket brands..... but this is not a good advise...hehehheee
it is fun to DIY but unless u have basic knowledge about car mods, otherwise, u will end up wasting more time & money when u fail in DIY...heheheee.... almost 80% of workshop in Sunway and PJS area workshop (links, GT, hyper racing, amoil, Millenium, N1 etc etc) can help u with all these, these are simple mods they do most of the time -- no matter japs on conti, these basics are still the same....
only difference is probably engine mods, some of the japs aftermarket will not fit ur car....so good luck... thats the little bit i know....hopefully it helps.