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I think you are on to something...

I do need to say, about Fords, is that they took a mega-bath on their catalytic converters in the 90's. I was a tech/parts guy at a major dealer from 91-94 and we did thousands under the Fed. Emissions Act during that time. We saw everyday pretty much any Ford car with 50k miles needing new cats. Now remember the rules for trucks is different, so we never really replaced them unless they were rattling.

Ford went through a long and hard learning process from 86-95. They lost billions. But this is why they are great today...

 

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NP bro...

Cats usually go bad at 10 years. There is just only so much material in them for it to work. Most all cats at 10 yrs old, no matter the brand, are dead. The difference between manufactures is how they die...some break, so dont.
Back in the early 90s we used to have emmission testing here in Florida. My brother was a manager at one of the stations. I would get some great stories from him about when a car failed .....but, realistically any car/truck or van that was at 7+ years usually failed and needed a new cat. This was 20 years ago and things now are better, but now they say cats should last 150k miles.
So it really isnt a question of quality, its all just about time and how heavy your foot it. Since it takes a lot of get a van going, it is just a numbers game that the cat will fail earlier compared to any car and even a light truck.
I like the part you have...I didnt have to buy one of those. I had a guy do my cat and muffler for about the same price. I have no rust to speak of (I love Florida) so we just welded them in...

 

Hi Blackvan, was wondering if you had managed to install the Magniflow set up without any big issues. Was wondering how hard it was to get the manifold bolts off. Funair, your van looks new underneath compared to mine up here in Boston. Mine looks like it is rusting away!! HaHa

 

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thanks!

Sounds like from that little tidbit that since our vans have a tendancy to misfire as they get older, that misfire takes the cat down with it...hmmmm