Protecting catalytic converters?

[Rusty Nail]

Here in AZ used cats aren't worth ****. Recyclers won't pay you much for them, the emissions repair shop I used to work for sells them for $20 each to a recycler... You can buy a new cat off of Rockauto for $60. The only ones that are expensive are the ones that are unusual, Ford F-150's etc that are a pain in the ass and weird shaped. Even then they still have no resale value.

It's a valid point but there is another.
An update:
The Original Sooner Muffler (shop I use) quoted $350 for replacement part.
Chevrolet dealership / tech gives blessing on aftermarket use/form/function, no problem.

However.
Use of an aftermarket part would void the warranty.

Planning to pick up the car from the dealer tomorrow - - after waiting 6 days for the part. Stay tuned!