1990 corolla all-trac wagon

[1990all-trac]

Hello, I'm new to this forum, but seems to be many knowledgeable folks out here so I hope someone can help. Car was running fine until the catalytic convertor clogged (as evidenced by the glowing exhaust pipe ahead of convertor.) Had local muffler shop replace convertor--car idled but runs like @#%$. Replaced plugs, dist. rotor, coil, cap and wires are only 6 months old; pcv, fuel filter--still no improvement. There are no error or check engine codes. The car runs like it use to only for the first minute or so after having sat all night--otherwise has rough idle, poor acceleration until 30 mph then smooths out and runs normal. At 35 mph the vehicles surges--runs good, then dogs out. Checked compression in all cylinders run 145--155 across all 4. Injectors all seem to be working fine. No apparent vacum leaks. 220, 000 miles on this baby but she's worth saving. I'm thinking maybe it's the O2 sensor, but you'd think I'd get a code but there are none. Anyone else had a similar problem? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Oz]

Leaking any oil? Sounds like the head gasket is on the way out.

[1990all-trac]

I changed the oxygen sensor--still no improvement. Any suggestions or similar experiences out there. yes, Oz, it does use some oil, but as I said in my first post the cylinders all tested 145-155 lbs of compression and the oil looks good-no white deposits or sludge in the oil cap.

[Toyota91]

I have the same exact problem with my 91 Corrola LE 4Dr. It lags till about 40 km/h and then after it takes off like a new car. If you ever find the solution, then let me know! Goodluck.

[mosquitoman]

I have experienced similar problems regarding acceleration/stall issues with my 90 Corolla DX wgn in 2000.
After spending $$$ on a new cap/wire set, plugs, O2 sensor(intake plenum), alternator brushes, and a tune-up, I found that ten + years' of engine heat destroyed my vacuum lines at the back of the enging compartment (near the sensor attached to the firewall). The lines were brittle and cracked upon close visual and tactile inspection. This unseen problem allowed loss of vacuum to the aforementioned sensor attached to the back of the firewall, causing rough idle/acceleration conditions to exist. This was especially dangerous when attempting to enter cross/freeway traffic.
I replaced ALL of the vacuum lines with aftermarket supplies, and picked up a used sensor from a self-service junk yard as a aprecautionary measure (Dealer $ is too expensive - as you already know).
After spending @ 1 hour to accomplish the task my engine was running fine.
I hope this helps you in any way. With all the other replies, I don't know what else is left to check - aside from water in the fuel supply (car stored for a long time with < half tank of gas) or IC "brain" problems.