I contacted Dakota Digital and they told me how to get into the BIM-01-2 and toggle off the ability for it to read the check engine light. I connected the open check engine light wire to my DD main module. I haven't started the engine yet, but the check engine light appears on the DD gauges now. Hopefully it shuts off when the engine is running.
I hate to keep starting the engine because as it runs for a bit, it starts to run rough. I looked into getting a couple of 2-1/2" 45-degree elbows and some straight pipe or adapter fittings to make up a temporary exhaust, but the elbows alone will cost $50 for the pair. I don't want to spend extra money just for an experiment and to cut it off and throw it away later. I'm just going to wait until I get the exhaust system installed to see what happens. Fortunately I have a tilt trailer and a winch, so I should be able to get it to my exhaust fabricator. I'm planning to get this to him in the next week. I'll update this thread once I know more. Thanks for all your input.