Operation temp of a converter can be in the hundreds of degrees. If it is glowing red under the vehicle there is a problem, if just normal color (rusty etc.) then it's o/k. If the heat shielding is intact/not intact (on older vehicles it corrodes & falls off) you may want to keep to the roadways in a park or while camping and keep out of the long grassy fields. Unless of course you don't like your car and want higher insurance rates....
if its bogging down it could be catalic converter
Inspect the catalytic converter heat shield.
There is two oxygen sensors. One is located before the catalytic converter is located under the heat sheld. The oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter is found under the catalytic converter (under the car) before the catalytic transfer pipe.
Did you replace the thermostat, and check the water pump? Does the cooling fan operate as it should? A plugged catalytic converter can cause overheating. If above items check out OK you need to check for leaking head gasket.
The converter is located under the car right after the flex pipe
One is on the exhaust manifold (in front the motor, right under the heat shield), the other is behind the catalytic converter (under the car).
Under the car RITard...
Look under the car and count them.
under the car near the catalytic converter
Crawl under the car and look up at the exhaust system. You will see the converter.
Get down and look under the car and you will have your answer.
its under the car between the rear wheels. just behind the cab of the car