Advice on catalytic converter replacement?

[Shovelhead]

I can speak from experience both being in the auto biz for over thirty two years and working my last job for 8 years for a catalytic convertor manufacture actually the originator of the catalytic convertor aka Engelstupid
that in most cases your alwaysbetter off using OEM emissions parts rather then after market. How ever I know first hand how cost prohibitive things like factory cats can be that is why I put after market cats on my Chevy truck.
They will function perfectly fine however tow factors are almost always preveliant with after market is poor fitment and shorter part life. If your like me and drive your vehicles in to the ground only to make a stop at the salvage yard to buy more parts to keep them running then if your going to replace the factory cat with a cheaper aftermarket one plan on replacing it some time down the road. What was the milage on your cat when you had to change it? I will bet that you won't get even close to that on an aftermarket unit. Unfortuently some times we can't afford the luxury of OEM parts so thats usually what influances my decision.