I also went the catted h-pipe route. I did it by getting a summit h-pipe and some high flow cats and going to a muffler shop for the install/weld-in of the cats. I can't recommend this method - in the end it cost me more money and grief (had to lengthen 2 sections of the pipe to make it stop hitting the floor).
And the crossover section is rusting out much faster than the rest of the system. I think it is because it sees much less flow and doesnt clear out the condensed water as much as the rest of the system. (the crossover is barely going to make it 2 years it looks like). An x-pipe shuoldnt have this issue because the crossover sees continuous flow... THat's what I'll be doing next - getting a decent catted x-pipe and bolting it in.
And the crossover section is rusting out much faster than the rest of the system. I think it is because it sees much less flow and doesnt clear out the condensed water as much as the rest of the system. (the crossover is barely going to make it 2 years it looks like). An x-pipe shuoldnt have this issue because the crossover sees continuous flow... THat's what I'll be doing next - getting a decent catted x-pipe and bolting it in.
Depends on where you live (like you previously mentioned). I bought the 304 SS because I was stationed up in DC but I do have to say it is a significant difference in price. Overall more likely than not the alumnized pieces will work fine for states that don't require salt on the roads in the winters.