I'm suspecting something with the ignition or EGR system -

-extremely hot/warm exhaust gas (car feels like it's on fire just after turning it on)
-catalytic converters are cracking/popping within minutes
-sometimes low/shaky idle
-gas smell from exhaust

The original wires/plugs are on the car (76K miles).

Should I be looking at plugs/wires/distributor/EGR/cats?

I'm not sure if I should be driving it around like this - any ideas?

 

sound like cats are clogged. Look under car, are they cherry red. if so they are clogged and must be replaced. would definately have checked. Would not drive like that too long, can cause numerous other problems.

 

Definately pay attention to trukn1's advice. If that turns out to be a dead end you should consider looking at the ignition system, particularly you might want to pull a spark plug or two and make sure they don't look fouled. If a lot of unburnt fuel is entering the exhaust that can cause a host of problems as well as being a fire hazard.

Scott