My 1985 California 300SD is slow off the line and slow up hills. It never smokes.

Last night I pulled the banjo bolt on the intake, I was very surprised to find the bolt was mostly clear of obstruction. It was pretty exciting to start doing some troubleshooting, I was really happy that I was able to get the bolt back in without breaking anything. I did not notice any performance difference. I haven't pulled the other end of the line (at the switchover valve) and cleaned the line yet. I plan to check that line--if it's unobstructed I am definitely considering deleting or replacing the ALDA.

Does anybody know of any California specific issues that would apply to an ALDA delete? Could clog my cats up faster I'm guessing?

Would love to have this thing straight piped since my exhaust is rattling around like crazy anyway (mainly when the car starts and is idling, I think heat expansion quiets the rattling after).