Rolla not doing to good.

[crockdaddy420]

Alright, got some serious issues with my rolla (blowa-bad cat). Driving on highwway the other day noticed that it was climbing to 3/4 on temp gauge. My thoughts were ok thermo, something like that, but usually that isn't the case in these old cars. I have noticed some oil on the driveway and had to add a quart the other day. The engine at times seems a bit flat, gotta really smack the accelerator to get it to move in 2nd gear beyond gentle spooling. Anyway, after I noticed temp climbing a bit, sitting in lane doing about 70 when all of a sudden sounds like the cat pretty much has a 3 inch hole in it 9was loud as hell, pretty thraughty). So could a cat issue have anything to do with the engine's cooling. Also, there is some white smoke coming from drivers side to the back of the hood. I smell some coolant smells but mainly exhaust (possibly exhaust coming back into the engine bay). Please help, I love my rolla and don't want to get rid of it. Put some coolant in and ran a spec cooler, also fan does come on. Takes about 10 minutes for it to reach 3/4 on temp gauge. 5spd. sedan '89 197,000 miles.
Thanks, Yall

[94_Rolla_Guy]

a plugged cat definately will reduce power as for the overheating change the thermostat flush the cooling system and check the rad if it still overheats after you change the thermostat id be looking at the rad and maybe doing a compression check to check for a blown headgasket as a headgasket could be causing this but doubtful thats the prob

[crockdaddy420]

The rolla has had it and has been retired. Thing overheated and seized as I pulled into driveway. I'm sure there is no damage but was sputtering as I came down my street. So I said fix a car with cooling issues and old clutch, gas leak, needs cat, etc., or get a new car. Found a 92 Honda Prelude Si, auto though, went with that. Wish I could have found a deal on a gts bought oh well, still love my rolla and will start it up every no and then. Later All