<<With the stock vanagon engines the only way that cat should ever
impede anything is if it is getting plugged up.
jimt >>

How many folks actually will drop the exhaust system to find out if the
converter is plugged?

Not too many.

And this is the problem.

A Van with 120, 145, 180k on it having power problems, I would almost
guarantee that the converter is either totally plugged or half way.

VW gets $1000 plus for a new one.

The Flim Flam vendor's get $100.00 plus shipping & handling.
So lets say a buck and a half.

Prior to dropping any green I'd at least check it out, knock the stone
out of it and go for a trial blast.

The engine really doesn't require the converter anyway.
Like I mentioned I have no problems passing the emission's test with an
empty can.

But all my engine management component's are up to snuff, and this will
make a large difference in the garbage coming out of the tail pipe.

I'm running way below the standard's set by the EPA with an free flowing
empty converter.

Why spend more money to accomplish something that's already handled?