Advice on catalytic converter

[Martyn]

I've had an annoying "clunk" from rear and the third garage has identified the problem.

The catalytic converter has been removed from the exhaust and the "infill pipe" is a little short and results in the exhaust fouling the suspension in certain circumstances.

The car is in Spain and because of the age it will pass regulations here without the converter.

There are two options:

1) Re-install catalytic converter

2) Change "infill" pipe so exhaust doesn't foul suspension

2 is cheaper than 1 but:

I will take the car back to UK in X years. Does it need the converter?

There is very little modification to the car. Is it better to restore to the original spec?

Will performance be affected?

Look forward to comments.

[klweimer]

I replaced my old cat with a Magnaflow. I can look right through it and it runs just fine. Passes emissions with ease.
Kirk