post 2000 550 performance vs earlier version

I have read somewhere on this board about later model North American 550's being of lower performance compared to earlier versions of the car. Apparently, this was due to pre-cats in the exhaust system (if I remember correctly) that weren't present on earlier models, nor on european models of any year, for that matter.

My question is how much of a difference ? , and can anything be done about it ? (ie after market/european stock components) I guess..is it worth it and at what cost?

Any help, ideas or especially experience would be very much appreciated..THX!

Goldy

 

Beuller....Beuller.....Fry....Fry.....anyone?....anyone?