Like the title says, just had a tune up done by an ASE certified mechanic and he pulled the cat because it was all blocked up. He thought it would run fine without (I'm not throwing any CELs) and generally it does except when the car is under load and in 1st or 2nd between 1500 and 2200 rpms. At that point it kinda 'chugs' or hesitates sporadically. Also, the car has to be up to full temp and running at full temp for 20 minutes or so. That said, any ideas as to reason??? Thanks.