3.8 SS Exhaust Question - PLEASE help!

So, as you know I have a 2000 SS Monte...I've recently decided to turn this car into a strict show car.

My question is this:

I currently have stock exhaust, with FlowMaster Delta 40's and oval tips. It has a decent sound, but I know I'm not a "full power" with the u-bend, the cat and resonator. SO...having said that...

Can I run straight pipe from the headers into the y-pipe eliminating the cat and resonator? What performance will I see from this, and what damages can occur? We don't have emission testing in our area (far too country) so it's not an issue, however I'm covered under the show car and racing license.

Please let me know what y'all think! :)

you'll have more horsepower for one thing

even if you're in "hicktown", I think you could be hard-pressed to find a mechanic that will remove the cat and let the car leave without one.