Help factory catalytic con? Options

[bdog_v]

Well I am trying to install a new exhaust on my 94 celica Gt model and when I pulled the downpipe off the exhaust manifold I was surprised to see honey comb material in the exhaust manifold, like you would see in a catalytic converter????? Is the cat. located right next to the exhaust manifold on this car? If not what is this???? I don't have a cat anywhere else in my exhaust system.

-If this is the cat. I want it gone. Can you just punch out the honeycomb material and run it hollow or do you need to replace the cat. *if it is the cat.* with a straight pipe?????

-I don't have the heat shield off yet so I am not aware of how this is bolted together any ideas???? Thanks....

[Tech9ine]

yeah thats just flex pipe covering the cat. I guess if you take the cat out you dont really need the flex pipe, it is welded on though, so make sure you want it gone for sure or you'll have to pay someone to weld on a new one..... sadly i've actually done that... it cost me $125 CAD... that sucks.