the guys u asked to come over and help u put on a new system said no because its illegal?? hmmm. for one, they obviously dont have a sweet sounding and high flowing exhaust and 2.. they are worried for the wrong reason, u can take it off, yes it may be illegal, but only the owner would get in trouble and that is only if he gets caught. the only people i have ever heard of not wanting to take the cat off because for them it is illegal is a muffler or exhaust shop...
Mine is an 01 and come to think of it, i dont know for sure if mine has a cat either... i will have to check in a few weeks.