Nissan Repair: problem with my 97 nissan altima, catalytic convertor, nissan altima

Question
i have a 1997 nissan altima. Just recently it has been running pretty rough and the engine vibrates. included in the symptoms are hesitation and bogging down. also the pipe between the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter was glowing red i dropped the cat and it still does it except the pipe is not hot any more.I have changed out the spark plugs and wires. i am totally stumped and would like some input if possible I would rather do all the work that I can myself before bringing it in to a shop. Any information would really be appreciated.


Answer
catalytic convertor needs to be replaced with another catalytic convertor.  if its glowing red, then it sounds like a plugged up convertor...or possibly a resonator or muffler.  but having the "red" so close to the catalytic, i would assume thats the problem.  you may need to replace all 3, but i would start from there.  good luck and let me know what you find out.  xxp_Sebby@yahoo.com