Cat Delete

My 89 2.0 2wd is a bit of a dog going up long grades. Does removing the cat give any noticeable power if running a stock carb? Also going to replace stock muffler with a higher flowing turbo or Summit flowmaster knock off. Thing seems to run pretty lean as it is and losing the cat I imagine might make it worse.

No smog inspection in my state for vehicles this age.

Thanks

Losing the cat can lean it out more, but a plugged cat can rob power. There are actually 2 cats on that truck - one in and one after the exhaust manifold. If you plan on putting on a weber, that will be the time to pull the cats.