Is it worth removing, or is there a performance cat? I hear it improves hp, is it even worth messing with?

 

You might gain a few HP/TQ but all in all, it is probably not worth a lot of HP. I would say that a lot of guys do it more for sound than anything. These days, you can get replacement, high flow cats that run within 2 hp or so of no cats, if there is any loss at all.

 

if it's on your old 88....i'd say it is well worth it. the cat is probably bad anyway.

on the old single cat systems you can probably free up at least 5hp...possibly more like 10.

 

New High-po cats are pretty good.. but yah, like was stated, on your 88 you'd notice a bit of difference.
If you have to go with emission compliance, just upgrade to a newer cat.

 

I would have to say that we are ALWAYS emissions compliant on this board and none of us would ever think of removing a catalytic convertor...

 

Keep the cat and add a cut-out before the muffler. Cheaper solution (than a high flow cat) and keeps you emissions compliant.

 

Well...that is a good alternative, however I'm not sure that's what hes asking. He was wondering what benefits (if any) there were from removing the cat. What if he had that cutout in before the muffler, gained power (likely) -- but then removed the cat...would he gain more power? Probably not. Also, adding a cutout wouldn't cover for the fact the cat is older and not the best...

Either way, if it is the original cat, swap it out for a newer one.

 

Yeah but have fun trying to find an exhaust shop that will install a cut-out before the convertor. It's just as illegal as taking the convertor out. So, most shops will NOT do it and you'll need to find a buddy with a welder. Ideally, in front of the convertor isn't the best place for one anyway.