88 caprice catalytic converter?

The mechanics are saying I need a new cat..

My state has no emissions regulations or testing, ive removed the cats of some of my old cars while doing exhaust upgrades.

My question is
Does the b-body Caprice require the cat?

I was told there is a hose and pipe running to the engine, prolly for emissions 'cycling'. If removing the cat will my o2 sensor not work correctly? Is there any downside to this [besides emissions legalitys, gas consumtion and noise], if its going to make the car 'not work' or drive worse Ill opt to spend the few hundred on a cat + install instead of $20 to get it chopped off.

Thanks.

Virtually all cars since 1976 use a cat (unless you're driving an export car). Running w/o one on the highway (and getting caught) can be real expensive, which is why muffler shops won't chop it off for you (unless you are taking the car overseas).

But will running w/o one cause the car to not proplery function?

It'll run ok.

I got rid of my catalyic convertor and the rest of the crappy exhaust on my '88 9C1 Caprice. It runs better than ever!