>You are aware a catalytic converter is a wear part that is a component of the exhaust system, right? You want a block disassembly to replace a part so understo

>You are aware a catalytic converter is a wear part that is a component of the exhaust system, right? You want a block disassembly to replace a part so understood to be a wear part it’s covered by US federal warranty to 80,000 miles? You just added at least eight hours of labor — which in major metros can reach $300/hr — and risk to a one hour job. There are absolutely zero reasons to open a block unless the engine itself is imperiled or under inspection. Blocks are notoriously difficult to reassemble to spec and the idea is to avoid opening them as long as possible. I agree with you that it makes perfect sense to not put it directly on the engine block for the reasons you list, but if you've worked on cars in the last few decades you'd also agree planning for servicing is of approximately zero consideration in their design!