Need advice: PPE header Replacement

2009 ISF, cracked stock header on passenger side. I live in CA and am subject to the unfortunate smog crap here. I have 2 options, the PPE headers with EPA G2 cats which would still fail visual smog inspection but won't cause CEL. Or I can put the same crap stock OEM headers back on from factory. I also worry about how loud the car will be as I have Joe Z cat back exhaust.

I plan to replace both headers since it's a crap ton of work to get to. The OEM headers are $2900 and the PPE headers are $3500 with ceramic coating, new gaskets and cats. I really don't want to pay $3k to put those terrible OEM headers back on, but also don't want to deal with having to hope and pray I pass smog at random shops that might not check visual. Not to mention I'm getting a shop to do it and the install is another $1,700. What do you guys think?