Chevrolet Repair: catalytic converter, chevy malibu, vacuum leak

Question
Hi,Van
Got a 2001 chevy Malibu 6cyl been using cheap regular gas now I have slow acceleration.Just got a tune up,new wires, oil change,transmission strainer and fluid replaced,new fuel filter and thermostat. Do you think I need a new catalytic converter if so how will it cost me?  

Answer
Hello Jennifer,
The cheap regular gas will not damage your catalytic converter. only old leaded gas will, but you won't find any of that anymore.

They are very expensive, and before I would spend that much, I would remove it just to see how it runs, and only replace it if it made a remarkable difference in power, indicating it is plugged up. But I doubt it will be.

Check the EGR valve, and see if it is stuck open on some carbon. That would act like a vacuum leak, and be sluggish.

Van