Could one take out the stock "kitty" and replace it with an aftermarket downpipe without any cutting/damage (on a vehicle like mine for example)? And could I replace/remount the stock kitty easily; or once it's off, it's off for good without welding? Same question for a MBRP exhaust: Do you have to cut the stock exhaust to get it out and could you put it back on easily if needed?

First off, it's the front pipe, it unbolts on the front & back of the pipe. Should be easy to change back if need be. Have to jack it up & maybe remove the RR shock, I don't see any problem with putting it back in.

Let me guess, you want an exhaust but are scared of the dealer voiding your warranty cause of it?
If that's the case, leave the catback exhaust on & just reinstall the stock front pipe with the kitty on it.

MBRP makes a great front pipe, makes for a half hour job. Loosen the V-clamp from the turbo and loosen 4 nuts from the stock 4 bolt flange. New pipe goes right in its place, even using the same stock hangar. Put in 4 bolts, tighten clamp, put old pipe in box for future trips to stealer, and youre golden.

Go here,http://www.dieselperformanceparts.com/gm.html, then hit "stainless", then scroll to bottom and hit "available products".

Ok, so basically everything is bolt on type. No problems taking off and on. Ya, partly because I want to put the kitty back on when and if it goes back to the dealer. But mostly because if I want to put it back to stock. Thanks for the replies.

Yes, the MBRP kit is a straight bolt-on for CC SB and CC LB. In order to get your stock exhaust out in one piece without cutting you will have to jack up the back end (frame) to give it clearance over the axle. The front pipe is also a direct bolt on and can easily be replaced for dealer visits, inspections, etc.

Thanks a lot for the info. Now I feel much more comfortable buying and experimenting with an exhaust upgrade. Now I just need to decide if I want the kitty out or just start with the cat back system first to see how it is. I'm the type that normally would just yank it all out and put turbo down system in from the get go. Even though it is minimal gain, I'm the type that still sees that as a gain. What do you think. Start off slow, or do it all at once?

Do the whole exhaust IMO, what the hell. Just switch the stock frontpipe with kitty back in for trips to the stealer.

& another thing, if the kitty is going to go you will need a figerstick, look for it in the do it yourself section, go to the first post that should give you the ordering info. That keeps the computer from throwing codes due to MIA kitty.