Chevrolet Repair: Noisy exhaust mystery, chevy cavalier, odd smell

Question
1991 Chevy Cavalier wagon, 2.2. My Cavalier wagon has a bit of an exhaust noise that sound like a hole somewhere, but I've had it in 3 garages and no one can see where the noise may be coming from. No one can find a  hole or other damage to the exhaust.

It's most noticable when I first start the car. Once I'm on the road it's fairly normal.

Once in awhile thwre is a noise that sounds something like sand being shaken in a can. That also only last a short time.

I thought that may be the catalytic converter, but a few years ago the converter went bad on a Ford I had and it gave off an odd smell. This doesn't have any odd smell.

Do you have any hints on where the exhaust noise may be coming from? Could a bad catalytic converter sound like a hole in the exhaust?

Answer
Hi Jerry. i would look at the manifold... check for leaks where the manifold connects to the head...it will leak if it is warped.. as car is running check around all the connections with your hand before it gets too hot and see if you can feel a leak... if that car has a steel manifold check it for being cracked as they were bad for that as well...hope this helps