Hey guys

as i was driving around today, i noticed that the car was overheating a lot quicker than it would have been normally. upon shutting off the car, i was hearing popping noises from the exhaust region (probably from the catalytic converter). does this mean i should change out the cat for a high-flow cat? is this even legal (CA)? also...would that have any connection to my overheating issues?

thanks

(water temperature was nearing 230 degrees after just normal driving.....would this be beyond safe limits?)