Ok here's an update  

The good news is I found the problem !

The bad news is I think I fried my o2 sensor with the oxy - acetylene torch while trying to remove the catalytic converter.

So I unplugged the O2 sensor and now it runs well.  

I'm going out again for an extended test drive b/c I want to make sure it will work ok with the O2 sensor dis-connected during out holidays.  (up to 12 hrs driving per day)

Thanks for all your replies in my catalytic converter, oxygen sensor and exhaust problems.

Best regards,
Shawn