I'm thinking about having this done as one of my two rear Cats has just started rattling and either needs replacing or deleting

I've been told that the replacement Chrysler OEM part (which runs from the header to near the rear muffler and replaces 3 cats) is over A$3000 (so thats US$3000 pretty much) - that ain't going to happen!!!! Chrysler can go jump!

So two options -

1. Get third party replacment cats from a reputable exhaust shop - price is around A$1300 for replacing the two rear cats with quality US sourced cats

or

2. Cut out the two rear cats and get them to weld in some stainless steel pipe to fill the gap

My big question is doesn't this mess with the engine tune / sensors or anything else? - if they were built with four cats then what are the implications of moving to only two?

The idea of a throatier sound is good - but not if it compromises performance or long term reliability

Any advice on the implications greatly appreciated

Edit: OK - checked with some specialist exhaust shops here and it turns out they won't do the "delete" as it's also illegal here to alter the Cat setup - $30,000 fine was mentioned...so its off to get a couple of new Cats fitted today.
The shop I spoke to today knew about Crossfires and said that there was a known issue with early failure on the cats - they've had to do a number of them. Can't say I'm impressed with failure of the cat at 45,000km / 27,000 miles. He has recomended I put metalic (as opposed to ceramic) cats on the rear (as a pair) and provides a 10 year warranty on them.