[Teutonics]

Bypass the dremel and go for a die grinder with cutoff wheel or oscilating tool with metal cutting blade. Dremel will take forever...

I'm not sure if this is still an option, but many years ago I purchased an OEM European pre-muffler. Maybe the inspection guys around here aren't as smart or diligent, but I've never had it questioned during emissions (since it looks factory). I didn't notice any significant noise or performance changes, but figured since it was delivered as new outside of US it had to be as good as or better than the test pipe that was on the car when purchased and gutted cat that came with the car to be switched out for every inspection. :-/