Thoughts on Bypass pipes (2nd cat)
 

Just wanting some input on these (or any other bypass pipes)

http://www.****************************************.com/ShowItem/274216%20Porsche%20Boxster%20Secondary%20Catalytic %20Bypass%20Pipes.aspx

-Weight reduction
- i might have clogged cats
- possible perf. gains (doubt it)

It will reduce some weight. Cats are pretty heavy.
There should be a small power increase.
If your box is a 97-99 MY you may get a CEL. Most Spec Boxster drivers tie the sensor out so that it hangs (without dangling) and get copious amounts of Oxygen.
A friend who fields a spec 996 advised that he just added a spacer to the sensor to get it out of the flow of exhaust fumes but allows it to warm up which according to him is important.
I have been looking at bypasses and will pull the trigger soon, I just don't see myself spend $400+ on a pair of tubes. There has to be a cheaper option at a local muffler shop.

yea, they're kinda pricey... cheaper then new cats though eh?

i have a daily-driven MY00 base, but would love to replace a set of the cats

With the bypass pipes you'll get a bit more power, and the loss of 15 or so pounds isn't bad, either.
Yes, indeed, most muffler shops can build a set of bypass pipes for a lot cheaper than $400+ bucks. However, some won't do it b/c of laws about altering the emissions equipment.
FWIW, the pipes that Vertex et.al. advertise for $400 are a high grade stainless steel. If you find a muffler shop using the same grade stainless with bends done on a mandrel, you're gonna still pay around $400.

My car's just a racer now (although I drive it to the track) so I don't need the parts to shine, just to work. :-)

Look around at the classifieds. I picked up an almost new pair of Fabspeed pipes for half the cost of new ones, shipped; although this was a couple years back.

They are worth every penny as the sound, coupled with my sport exhaust, is intoxicating.

Plus 1 on that!!! Love my PSE w/ FB by-pass pipes...

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on some Turbowerx headers. Cannot wait to hear an even meaner growl....