Destroying OEM cats IS stupid considering how cheap test pipes are. Public forums are not for those with intolerance for others' opinions. But it sounds like you already have all the answers, so good luck to you.

 

Again, $200-300 vs. $0. Why is that so stupid? All I was doing was asking if anyone else had done this. I had the foresight that people would just tell me to get test pipes, which doesn't help me. It's not that I'm intolerant, it's that I didn't ask if I should get test pipes. If you look, I've gotten about three useful replies. Everything else is people telling me how stupid it is. I feel that spending thousands of dollars on N/A mods is stupid. Thanks for trying to explain everyones actions though.

 

Nobody is trying to explain everyone's actions. Just to show you that what I was saying is not that far-fetched, good test pipes are not cost prohibitive, and hollowing out cats is not the way to go: $149. SHIPPED

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I had an extra set of OEM cats that I gutted out. The ceramic side breaks right up but the metal substrate part is tough. I don't think there is a easy way to do this, just keep at it if you really want it done. It sounded really good with the stock exhaust but really loud and raspy with a full 3" single.

 

I don't think hollowed out cats will flow optimally for exhaust scavaging / performance...

 

I would just forget the idea of gutting stock cats. Just get highflow cats.

 

Hollowed out cats should flow roughly the same as test pipes with resonators. What's the difference? A pipe is a pipe is a pipe. If you remove all the material, it's all the same. Due to laws of physics, any increase in the diameter of the pipe will slow down the exhaust gas velocity. So, that chamber will hurt performance, technically. How much? I can't say. Non-resonated pipes should flow the best but from what I hear, they sound bad. I can see several advantages to gutted stockers over aftermarket pipes:

1. fitment
2. stealth
3. price

I'm cheap. If I can not spend $150 and still get the same thing, I will. Gutting cats is a PITA though so you end up earning that money the hard way. To the OP, just be very careful not to inhale any dust from those cats. It's really bad for you. Let us know if you manage to get this done.

 

For those that have never looked inside a resonator, a pipe is not a pipe. There is more to a resonator than just increased diameter, and what you see on the outside is NOT what's inside, unlike a hollowed out cat. I can understand the budgetary consideration though, because I used to be there a long time ago. If that's all you can afford, it's good enough.