Well it looks like inserts are the way to go in my case.

The exhaust system is new from a new manifold all the way to the chrome tip.
I'd have to cut the "cat" out and weld up some flanges to but it back for the smog test.
Don't really want to get into all that.
When the smog test comes around I just want to take the van down and smog it, no extra work.