I've got an 83 Z28 with the CrossFire Injected 305. The car currently does not have a cat, just a test pipe welded in place. I need a new exhaust from the cat (well, the test pipe) back. Is there any reason I should install a cat as well? No emissions testing here, so that's not an issue.

Also, I looked thru the sticky about "Need a cat-back? Start here." I don't see much listed for the early 3rd gens. Here's the list of what Summit offers.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/year/1983/make/CHEVROLET/model/CAMARO/Department/Exhaust/Section/Exhaust-Systems-Kits/?Ns=Rank|Asc

Any feedback on any of these? I'm not a fan of the 3.5 inch tips, or the dual outlet tips, just my personal preference, no offense intended to anyone.

At this time, headers and a y-pipe aren't in the budget, though they will be at some point.

good upgrade but the LG4 based manifolds and front y-pipe will kill any power you would have seen. If you can swing it try to find larfe diameter TPI manifolds and Y-pipe that will certainly help.

Most of the early cars used a goofy setup that splits to dual pipes over the axle, which then dumps into a tube between two small mufflers with individual exhaust pipes.

The biggest difference between all the other cars is the size of the exhaust at the cat, and the type of attachment to the cat. The most common choice is a mid 80's 350 TPI catback since it had a single 3" cat, and almost 3" intermediate pipe. Most of the aftermarket catbacks for that application have a 3" mandrel bent pipe. The only other choice is whether or not to keep the dual exit pipes, or a single pipe on one side, or both pipes on one side.