Over the winter I installed a Mac catback, but now I'm looking to get my car a little bit louder without spending much. Rather than purchasing an H or X pipe, can I just cut out the stock cats and replace them with straight piping? If so, is it recommend? What would the difference be between doing that and purchasing a catless h/x pipe?? Seems like it'd be the same thing...

 

You should be able to do that, although for no more than an off-road x or h pipe cost I am not sure it is worth the effort. Also you will have to purchase or make some mil eliminators or it will trigger trouble codes. Another consideration is do you have to pass emissions test where you live.