Before you drive on a public road without a cat you might consider that it is a state and federal offense. The fine can be as much as $2,500.00 for doing so (driving on a public highway with a modified emission system) Instead of risking that, look into high flow cats. They can flow just as much exhaust and keep you within the rules.
In 1990 I had an EU and a NS license in California. I was licensed me to inspect, test and repair emission equipment under the BAR 90 standard. I can assure you that high flow cats are the way to go, they are legal and within 1 or 2 HP of a full off road pipe.
See
http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/...l.pdf(penalties of $25,000 for dealer or $2,500 for individual who tampers with vehicle emission system). That is just the Fed, the state can, and probably will have other penalties, plus the officer can have your car tow to the nearest licensed inspection facility for inspection if you are caught. You will not be allowed to drive your car until it is fixed, not even to a repair station. It must be towed. Not to mention you’ll have to buy new cats (can’t use your old ones as they are used and that is illegal) and pay to have them installed, and there will be no sympathy for you here either. Can’t do it yourself unless you are licensed and own/work at a licensed repair shop.
Can they catch you? Yes, easily. Will they, not as likely. Although, In California they have mobile stations (they look like little white trailers and a few mirrors.) that they setup beside the freeway on ramps that measure exhaust emissions as you accelerate up the ramp. If you are dirty, they photo photo your license plate which leads to a letter from the CARB and an inspection. They look for signs of tampering, which are really easy to spot. That device is going to become more popular in other states.
Seriously, if it is for and at the track, you're legal. If you drive on a public street, you're taking a chance.