new here please help with 92 cav

Hi, This is my first time here. I have a problem with my 1992 cavalier. It's a Cavalier RS 5 speed with about 70,000 miles. It will not get up to speed in 5th. gear. Drove home in 4th. gear and got up to 55 but it was being pushed to it's limits and the cat. converter was glowing after the 20 minute drive. It smelled strongly of gas and makes a puttering noise.
Sorry for my "poor auto language" I know nothing about cars and was hoping someone here could help before I take it to the garage and get charged megabucks before ever having the problem fixed.
Thanks again.

Did you try running a code check? If you don't have the means to do so, any autozone will do one for you if the check engine light is on.

Thanks for the reply.
We did take it to autozone but they said their computer couldn't test anything older than a 1996. Also called a car shop and their computer was only for 1995 and newer.
I just keep running into dead ends.
Thanks for the thought though.

you should be able to do it with a code key or a paper clip. there is a little box under the dash, looks like a plug with about 10 holes, 5 on top and 5 on bottom. the two farthest to the right on the top, plug a paperclip into them. then watch your check engine light. it will blink code 12 (blink, blink blink) 3 times, then it will blink the code, if there is one, and after its done blinking codes, it will blink 12 again. there are a lot of sites online that have a list of codes if you search them out on msn. i will try to find a pic of the box if you can't find it.

thanks - we will try this and see what happens.
I really appreciate the advice.

You're very welcome!! :)

If the converter was glowing, it is likely in need of replacement. The first cavalier I bought was for $300 because the owner had a clogged converter and couldn't get up speed. I drove it for 100K miles.

hey man it is the cat i gaurantee it put a new on it befor u burn a value and you have to replace the engine
a easy way to check this is to take out your oxygen
sensor and take it for a spin if it is faster it is the cat