I can't get my xj to go above 2500rpms, sometimes if im crusing and can get up to 3000rpms but thats its, doesn't matter if its in any gear or neutral. If I floor it it will go up to 2500rpms and just sit there and stumble on itself. it also sounds like I have a turbo now when i push on the gas and im driving you can hear a spooling sound almost. I am thinking it may be a clogged converter but I wanted to get some other opinions and what to look for, I am deff not able to drive to work everyday like this lol. I also tried downshifting to 2nd (its a manual) from a 50mph role thinking maybe it would blow the cat out if it was clogged and this did not work, still the same problem.

its a 96 and no codes have been thrown either.

 

That is exactly what it sound slike to me. Air intake or exhaust is plugged up. Based on the noise you are hearing.

 

Checked the air intake, thats what I thought at first and its clean, I will have to pull the Cat off after work and check it out, we are getting snow tomorrow and I want the XJ ready!

 

So I attempted to get the cat off yesterday but it was very rusted, going to borrow a torch today and heat it up to get it off, one thing I did notice though when i tried to drive it again is it will not start unless I hold the gas to the floor and smells of exsesive fuel and alot of white smoke coming out of the exhaust, I wanted to know if anyone else thinks this is more reason to beleive it be the converter.

 

is the rattling coming from the exhaust? mine was and the cut the cat off and i found my problem. the screen was all broken and destroyed

 

White smoke may indicate a blown head gasket, check your radiator to see if your loosing water...Tj

 

didn't think of that, but would that cause it not to rev past 2500rpms?

 

Got it off today, I was able to salvage the front pipe but the catback was destroyed, all the more reason to upgrade

Turned out to be the cat, the thing was broken up bigtime, thanks for everyones help!