Since I dont have the money for an h-pipe right now, Id like to put in testpipes, or gut the cats If I have to. How hard is this? Also, whats the best way to do it? Whats some of your experiances?
Since the cats are welded in I dont think a test pipe will be a good option. Gutting cats works but I have heard pros and cons with this method.
Besides the cats in front are at right angles to the H-pipe so getting all the cake out is going to be hard.
Most off road h-pipes are very inexpensive. Somewhere between 100 to 180 for pipes. Jeggs has one for around 100 bones. I am sure you can search the site here and find one cheap too.
I know you prolly wont find someone who will let you do this, but I took it to a muffler shop. I had them cut the pipes behind the front cats, then I knocked all the filling loose with a tire spoon and a BFH. I started the car on his lift and blew it all out, then looked for chunks I may have missed. Then I had him bend and weld in new pipes, leaving the stock H-pipe intact. Its welded right in front of the H. I got a good bit louder and got me 4mpg better than before.
I was able to gut the fronts w/a long screw driver and a hammer, a little at a time, until the only pieces that are left are small enough to come out when you turn the pipe upside down.