[Bud357]

I’ve seen quite a few people cut out their secondary cats and weld in a straight pipe. Has anyone tried gutting/hollowing out the cats instead? Just curious.

[joekd]

No need, the primary cats are still there for emissions compliance

Plus I sold my 2nd cats and that covered like 90% of the cost for the shop to cut them off and make/weld in pipes

[Bud357]

Ok sounds good, thanks

[Venomcustom]

Be careful as messing with the emissions system voids warranties. For me it’s not worth the risk.

[ALMN]

If you are taking it to a shop, tell them that they are resonators for noise reduction, do not mention the name catalytic converter!

[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by Venomcustom

Be careful as messing with the emissions system voids warranties. For me it’s not worth the risk.

I live in NJ as does the OP. Lived here since 1995. The MVC has changed their inspection procedures a lot in that time. Just had my first inspection for the Camaro a few months ago.
The main parts of the current NJ inspection:
1) document check (license, reg, and insurance)
2) OBD2 based emissions check. You pretty much only fail this part if the CEL is on.
3) Visual inspection of undercar piping for exhaust leaks. Basically a walk-around with a pole-mounted mirror while the car is running.

#3 is the only aspect where they might notice new welds or leaks from a bad weld.
I always approach these inspections by putting everything into the lowest performance and noise modes before the inspector takes the car. I have no engine or exhaust mods. I passed without incident and the inspector recommended I get an aftermarket exhaust to "make the car come alive."

If they fail you for altering emissions eqpt., it is a real PITA. You have to get it repaired at a certified facility and bring the car and documentation back to the inspection station when the work is done. In other words, you can't just personally reinstall what you removed and go back.

[Bud357]

Yeah I think I’m just going to leave it alone for a while. I’m in south Jersey too. I was thinking about the undercarriage mirror pole at the inspection station, which is why I asked about just hollowing them out so it still looks original.

[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by Bud357

I’m in south Jersey too. I was thinking about the undercarriage mirror pole at the inspection station, which is why I asked about just hollowing them out so it still looks original.

I go to the Cape May facility. This is one of the few "by appointment only" stations. Based on my recent experience, you would not be failed for deleting the cats. Exhaust leak would be a problem.