What's the best way to store a Cat-convert?
 

I'm switching out my old beat up Heat exchangers and Cat and installing good condition heat exchangers and pre-muffler. My Cat is in excellent condition and I've had zero issues getting my 81 SC smogged, I'd like to keep it that way!

Reading through the "now my car won't pass smog" threads, it seems a common issue is guys that have stored their perfectly good cat in between smog checks have found the Cat no longer is as effective afterwards.

So, other then sealing both ends of that Cat what else is there?

Also, what is a proven material to seal off the openings?

I was thinking putting a few silica packets in the cat to absorb mosture, using multiple layers of plastic wrap secured with rubber bands and encase the entire cat in plastic bag wrapped and sealed with duct tape.. Should this suffice?

I've really been going back and forth over even using the pre-muffler set up. But I'd like to see if my engine responds with a little more power!

I've got 2yrs to play with the combo so I might as well commit and try it out, otherwise I'll just sell everything!

What do you guys think?

Just tape-over the ends of the cat and "Store reasonably"...in a nice dry place.