2004 Saturn L300

My car began to run sluggish so I took it to the dealership to get a diagnostic check and get to the bottom of exactly what was wrong. It turned out that the catalytic converter was plugged. They quoted me $1100 to repair it,and I said NO THANKS! After asking around,quite a few people said that since we no longer have emissions standard testing in my state,you can just cut off the converter and run straight pipes. I've done this before to older model cars but never on a 2004 Saturn L300. Has anyone reading this ever done that? Does it work on newer models like it does on those of the mid - late model cars.