1. Take the CAT off, cut it so you can jam a pipe through the cat, opening it up/unplugging it, then weld or clamp it back together.
2. If you replaced for a pipe, it would be a bit more raspy, but you could try offsetting the rear 02 so it is not in the direct exhaust stream to try preventing the code. Instead of welding a 02 bung on directly on the exhaust, weld or find a small pipe that will bring the bung 2-3" away from the exhaust stream.
3. If you remove completely and use the 02 sim, you may not even notice the CAT diagnostic test running that is a concern on the 01+ or it is possible it won't run at all. So there are plenty of ways.
