[DML] Exhaust blockage/failure

["Tom Tait" <TTait@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I think I've got an exhaust system failure.
 
The car suddenly had a loss of power, above 2500 rpms - it seems to max
out at about 3000.  There is a hissing sound, which I first thought was
a huge vacuum leak - but its got to be the exhaust.
 
Below 2000 rpms the car runs almost normally.  right around 2k the his
becomes audible, and power falls off very quickly.  The exhaust system
sound also changes, subtlely at low RPMS and getting louder quickly as
RPMs increase.
 
I've convinced myself that either catalyst or muffler baffles have come
loose and dislodged, causing the partial blockage.
 
So, does anyone have a different explanation?  Is there any way to tell
if the problem is in the cat, the muffler, the cat blowing debris into
the muffler, etc before I undertake disassembly?  Anyone had similar
failures, or advice?  Should I expect collateral damage?
 
Any help appreciated, including advice on replacement parts.
 
Sadly,
 
Tom
 
#10902 


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