The real question is why does one stay. Hear is some info. that
no one has discussed.
     I have a 1986 syncro. The CAT clogged and has been punched out.
I have removed the water separater. One long up hills, I have noticed that
I was maintaining about 3-5 MPH faster than normal, (43 MPH). I reinstall
the water seperator, and I was back down to my old max speed, (38 MPH).
Now......this isn't obvious is it....Very few places I run at full
throttle but this ends up being important H.P. around the hills of PA.
Finnally I would think that the CAT would be your biggest restriction,
so without it the improvement would be much felt.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler