will replacing a factory catalytic convertor with an aftermarket brand work on 1998 chevy van ?

Question

Recently purchased a second hand 1998 chevy van from a car dealer. I drove it approximately 150 miles within a period of a month & a half , when a check engine light came on. Of course I freaked out , not expecting a problem so soon. Took it to have the code read. . .it showed a PO430. I'm wondering if these specific vehicles are known for having certain mechanical problems that reoccur frequently, or is this just something that happens periodically, like with any other vehicle maintenance issues? ? For instance , replacing brake pads/tires/battery, etc . And can I replace the factory catalytic convertor with an aftermarket 1, that will not have to be replaced more often because it's NOT the stock brand name 1 ? Any help answering these questions would be greatly appreciated. THANKS

Answer 1

Do the after market, the reason I say, Aftermarket world tends to improve the product, Robot build the part they even build the car or truck. There are ton of example there where problem with ignition coil from a manufactuer if you bought their ignition coil samething will happen again, it was the aftermarket that we see there problem and we have impoved it, another there was head gasket issue, It was  aftermarket that came in and said we see their problem we have improved head gasket that has armor. The year of the vehicle it make more sense to go after market