I am pretty sure that the catalytic converter is a federal mandate. It is just that if there are no inspections, your chances of being caught decrease.

95 and below is a visual check if the cat is there, simply cut the cat open and gut it, then weld it back up, anything 96(0BD2) and above is emissions testing so they actually see if the cat is in good working order

Okay so how do I get power gains, and a really good sound? I'm going to keep the muffler no matter what.. But I might get a magnaflow. But what'* the best things to do... Gut the cat? Straight pipe over the res? Cut out? I got like 200 bucks and my friend is doing the welding for me for free, so what should I do? Help me out guys

Stick with 2.5" pipe, unless your going with a really high boost, like lower then a 3.0" pulley. A free flow cat, 3" in and out will deepen the note. A good resonator will help keep the rasp to a minimum. A magnaflow series 80 will give you a deep note as well.

i have a sse... no supercharger
So stock res? gut the cat, and flowmaster 80'* series?