Need CA cat & cat back exhaust for 2000S
 

Cats are shot on 2000 S, failed smog test. Most cats I see on internet are '49 state legal' (i.e.: not CA). I'm looking for a bolt on solution as I have no experience welding. I'm a DIY guy, and will consider header, cat, cat-back replacement to gain HP, but don't want to spend $$$$ for 10 - 20 HP gain. Suggestions?

As a FYI datapoint, my 2002 S just passed smog in San Diego, with secondary cat eliminator pipes ;o) Measured was a fraction of allowable. The tech (thorough, but his first Boxster) gave up looking for vacuum hose check etc. when I explained you have to disassy the car to get to the engine compartment. He just plugged in, ran the dyno, and passed me.

What makes you think the catalytic converters are shot?

How do I know cats are shot.
 

Professional mechanic assessment (German car specialist) after check engine light came on.

I just put bypass pipes on my 2000 base model. Still good. Not sure if these would work on an S of the same year, but I'd let them go at a reasonable price as they're not needed now.

Were you running your Boxster with a CEL any length of time before the smog check? Did the mechanic give you what P-Code(s) were being reported by the ECM?