Best way to "kill the cat"?
 

For those of you who have gutted your factory exhaust manifold/header (removed the catalyst), what did you find the best/ultimate way to tackle the job?

I'm going to 'dig in' tonight... planning on drilling as many holes as I can and then use a hammer and chisel. Its around an elbow and a good few inches back from the flange... any tricks to make this job easier?

Are an N95 mask and (open) safety goggles enough? Just how messy is this job? Will I regret doing it in my garage (should I do it outside)?

Thanks in advance for any help and advice!

Let me play devil's advocate for a minute here:

The best way to kill your cat would just be buying an aftermarket catless header. It's going to cost more but you will still have your OEM header if you ever need to swap back. You don't have to deal with modifying the stock one and possibly breaking/messing it up and most of the aftermarket headers have smoother bends for marginally better flow anyway.

I've got a 'free' spare factory 'header' so will be keeping my own intact to re-install if/when required. From what I've read in many places, a catless OE header is 90(+)% as good as a decent EL header and better than some of the cheaper designs.

Buy a used OEM header for under $100 as your backup. They are always on Craigslist for sale and in the classifieds here.

The second cat was easy to gut and took maybe 15 minutes. I just used a long screwdriver and a hammer. I'm not sure if the header is as easy but I have read that it is.

But when I do it, I need a lift to use. I don't want to lay on the ground and mess with that skid plate and everything on my back. I'm not going to buy one of the expensive headers just to show off- I am not above gutting a cat.