Cant get past 3k rpm

Granted, im sort of sure that i have a worn first gear in my transmission (i have to shift from D past 3 to 2 to accelerate well from a stop. meaning i start from the stop in 2, then go back to D).

i just got this car from a friend of mine for free cause it has a couple probs and he didnt feel like it would be worth it to sell.
it's a '94 3.1L SE with 131k milles on it.

anyway, i noticed after driving around this first week that even if i floor the pedal, she doesnt get far past 3k rpm. what's going on?
i havent exactly tested it, i know she's pretty old.
any suggestions?

yeah. no matter how hard i try, the car doesnt get past 3k rpms while driving (unless im at speed wherein it has no where else to shift to). It revs fine in neutral.

is this normal? do i need a new tranny? how much do you think $$$

I'd start by checking your fuel pressure. IF it's low, try pinching the return line and see if the pressure rises. If it does rise, the fuel pressure regulator is bad. If it doesn't, it's probably a fuel pump, or possibly a clogged fuel filter.

This seems to be a common problem right now but my guess is clogged catalytic converter, most muffler shops can check it for free.

It is probably the Cat.Converter as this the same problem I just got fixed in my 02. Change the spark plugs at the same time.

Try manually adjusting the engine speed. With the car idling, open the hood and turn the arm which is connected to the throttle plate at the end of the intake plenum. You'll see your throttle cables slack but you can manually control the throttle opening. If you get more speed out of the engine this way, your problem is in your throttle linkage.

I'd start there before replacing parts.