would i get the same amount of power if i just got an exhaust shop to take out the cat and run piping rather than getting a downpipe?

 

No, a large part of the increase comes from the smoother bends in the pipe, not just the removal of the cat....

 

one other thing to keep in mind is that local shops or any shops for that matter will not remove the cat unless you know them personally

 

When I had an exhaust shop weld on a resonator for me, I had to sign some paper saying it was for off-road use only and that my car would be towed home! LOL

 

really they made you sign something to put ON your resonator? ha, strange maybe it would make sense if they were taking it off.

 

^Oh, forgot to mention because I had the RRM downpipe on without the CAT. They are not allowed to touch the exhaust without a CAT unless they are replacing it or putting one back on.

 

If you bring the car in with no cat then it doesn't matter. If they remove it then they can get fined, etc.

 

It depends on where you have your car registered. There are many states that don't control emissions.

Carlos

 

That is very subjective. If you reside in a state where is governed under emissions I highly doubt the shop owner would do it. The fines are hefty however You are right, if you know the owner and he is willing to make it then is all his responsability.

Carlos