Raxstone,
Your right an annual e test for licensing is not a requirement in Southern Ontario, but the "Hot Rod" statute is not really an option either for our vintage of vehicles.
"A hot rod that receives a motor replacement on or after January 1, 1999, shall receive a motor designed to meet emission standards at least as stringent as those achieved by the original motor with all its original emission control equipment attached and functioning, and the replacement motor shall have the original catalytic converter and all the original emission control equipment, or equivalent replacements, included or usually included with the replacement motor by the manufacturer of the motor. O. Reg. 361/98, s. 4 (2); O. Reg. 86/99, s. 3."
Down our way lately the MOE inspectors have been stopping cars for a visual inspection, if any equipment is removed or modified they slap you with a $360 fine, doesn't matter if you just passed an e-test or not?
Now you are right, a high mileage car can pass an e-test with flying colors, no problem, but other members report having their cars tested 5 and 6 times before they will pass. I've always taken the car for a good highway run before going to the test center, never had a problem myself.