Help! Welded on CAT

[green 84]

Just replaced the mufflers on my 84 which were clamped on and got to thinking that the CAT was most likely the original. Figured I wold unbolt and change it out for a hi-flo which sounded easy enough. Took a quick look and it appears it is welded on.....The best I can tell is that the 2 bolts on the top/verical ends are holding the heat shields on. Is welded the norm from the factory? :W
Thanks for your time.

 

[green 84]

Now that emission testing is out of the way, 25 years in WA.

Suggestions on a different setup than oem CAT relacement as it appears I will be cutting out the old one? Have already eplaced the mufflers with flow masters.

Headers?

 

[nelson84]

Buy a test pipe off ebay ($50). It is a straight pipe to replace the cat.

 

[Schrade]

Maybe headers, WITH GLASS WRAP.

As much as cats slow flow, I read one tech article that said once removed, the gases cooled much more quickly. Cool gas is MUCH heavier than hot, and takes more energy to keep pushing out the back. How accurate is was I'm not sure, but it makes sense.

Glass wrap would probably keep the gases hot, and moving, by keeping the heat in the pipes, and not let the heat out under the hood...