just ditch the tommy gun headers. many problems solved right there. cat gone, more options for slip-ons, or just a new full set of pipes.

you can sell off what you already have to reduce the cost. you'll end up there in a while anyway.

 

Yes, I'd vote to save the cat, just in case, whenever the methods permit. One never knows what the Man will dictate. Given that, it's usually easier, when ya git caught, to say yer sorry an diddnknow. Easier than getting permission...