Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) catalytic converter plugged ?

[DEddie]

95 12 valve with 360K kms, started blowing black smoke. I pressure checked the intercooler and it checks out OK. I can still get 30 + psi from the turbo but it seems slow to spool up, I am wonderingi f the turbo could be plugged, It is the original

 

[Missouri Mule]

The cats have been known to plug up never heard of a turbo plugging. Your wastegate could be stuck open.

If you have a exhaust brake thay have been known to have the poatato get stuck in exhaust pipe.

The injection pump could be going that will cause black smoke.

 

[bmoeller]

Bill's on the right track. I gained . 5- . 75 mpg ripping out the stock exhaust.

If in Cali, just knock the guts out of the cat, and stick it back on.