In a high theft area, should you replace your OEM catalytic converter with an aftermarket one?

The thieves nowadays aren't very smart. My friend had an aftermarket CAT and it still got stolen by some idiot.

 

That's exactly what I think. Except that if you want your car to last and get the best emissions possible and you live in an area where cat thefts are common, well now you're in a pickle.

The way I see it, if thefts weren't a problem then the OEM cat sticker price wouldn't be as much of a problem. If your cat eventually wears out you can apparently sell the worn out cat for over $1,000. Then take that and put it towards a new OEM one if that's what you're after.

Doing the work myself, a new cat costs $1,700 here. If I can sell my old cat for $1,000 then a cat replacement is only $700 for an OEM cat. It's not as cheap as aftermarket but could be in the long run.

Although cat shield + cat strap + cat eye + engraving phone number and "Stolen" on cat + air bag kit so car sits on ground when parked is all going to be a bit pricy.

 

I'd go shield, alarm with tilt sensor & additional bars welded in for security before Id willingly get rid of the OEM. a little pricey I know