The fine in NJ can be up to 2000 bucks and the shop can be fined up to 15,000. Per a few local places I checked into. The best thing to do is do it yourself or bribe a mechanic to do it after hours. Oh the visual thing, if they can weld really good, I've seen them put cat shells back on the solid pipe so it looks like the cat is still there but exhaust flows right through.... lol, characters. What will they think of next.

 

1/2" breaker bar with LONG extension (from topside with flash light) for the top bolts. You will need a tool to remove the O2 sensors, I believe its 23MM. I hear pep boys has a tool. I borrowed one from work. A hoist would be nice. Other than that no problem.