Would there be any performance gains if I removed my 83's catalytic converter? It already has a racing beat exhaust, headers to muffler, and one catalytic conveter has already been bypassed, so the exhaust system only has one cat. I'm thinking about removing the remaining cat and ordering the racing beat straight pipe that could go in its place, but would there really be any gains by doing this (besides a louder exhaust)?

 

Gains, yes, noise yes. Use some sort of a straight through pre-silencer, RB or one that will hold up to the heat.

 

you'll gain a good amount of top-end power

 

basically you will get a faster acceleration. but with the result of more noise. best mod you can do to your 7 with little money is the exhaust, then carb.

 

it'll be DAMN loud, search around for exhaust threads. i've tried so many different setups on this car im sick.

sure loud is fun at first, but try driving it everyday with a header and open exhaust. not so much fun. these engines are just too darn loud!

 

And you might get a loss at the inspection station. I have the bonez presilencer in place of the cats on my 84 GSL with the stock exhaust manifold and cat back arrangement. It has a nice sound that is noticeable but not loud at all, comfortable for daily driving and neighbor friendly. And you get a noticeable power boost and increase in gas mileage, along with more exhaust fumes at stop lights.

Ray

 

If you dont have the smogpump,rats nest and ACV installed and working,then theres no reason at all to retain any catylists.
They dont/cant do their jobs without the rest of the smog control gear present.You didnt mention if you had deleted any of the other items,but usually when headers and such get installed,the smog gear goes bye-bye.

For the record,the original pellet type cats are quite restrictive and decent power gains are obtainable by removing them.Modern brick style cats are actually quite free flowing provided you select a unit with the proper dimensions and inlet/outlet sizes.There are plenty of very high HP engines(including rotaries) that still breathe through cats.