rattling noise when engine hot

[bap]

have started to notice a rattling noise upon acceleration from dead stop but only when engine is hot and only upon initial acceleration (as in leaving a fast food drive through window). don't hear it when just revving the engine. wondering if it could be catalytic converter. car is 2000 model with 95K miles

[HotZ28]

Would a better description of this noise be; it sounds like someone shaking a can with BB's in it?

[bap]

not the typical catalytic converter bb's in a can sound. more like metal flashing vibrating against other metal. thanks for any advice

[HotZ28]

Have you checked the heat shield above the cat, and how about the harmonic balancer? The balancer usually makes a hammering sound, may not be the case here! Have you ever had any type of transaxle service?

[rustbucket]

There may be a heat shield above the muffler too. I see one edge of mine is rusted off.