00 astro cat converter question

hi all ,new to the astro section. my work vehicle is a 00 astro, and its got a few problems.i dont take the vehicle home with me, so i dont know much about it. my most important of all the problems is the cat is shot, and i think our machanic is trying to rob us. the converter needs to be replaced, but i was told there are 2 in line converters which are 700$ parts only.i cant see this being the only way to go. does anyone know of any universal converters that are more reasonable?would a single cat give off engine codes?any help is greatly appreciated. my a/c questions will have to wait. ( :

The original exhaust design includes the "Y" pipe, converter, and exhaust pipe as one piece. I've been under my 2000 once or twice, and there is only ONE converter (but three O² sensors).

http://72.19.213.157/files/AstroTunnelView.jpg

thanks for the help. im assuming that means no universal will work. is there anything out there short of specifically astro replacement?sounds like this job will cost more than the van is worth! i really dont want to crawl under vans at a junkyard either. suggestions?

Most muffler shops have universal catalytic converters that will work fine and not flag the SES light. The old converter is cut out and the new one is welded in it's place. The entire job takes about an hour to complete. Parts and labor, depending on prices in your area, shouldn't be more than $200 to $300USD.


Edit:
Federal law prohibits the sale of used catalytic converters.

hi all ,new to the astro section. my work vehicle is a 00 astro, and its got a few problems.i dont take the vehicle home with me, so i dont know much about it. my most important of all the problems is the cat is shot, and i think our machanic is trying to rob us. the converter needs to be replaced, but i was told there are 2 in line converters which are 700$ parts only.i cant see this being the only way to go. does anyone know of any universal converters that are more reasonable?would a single cat give off engine codes?any help is greatly appreciated. my a/c questions will have to wait. ( :

Proper testing would be in ordr to make sure cat is bad.
What is he calling shot leaking or stopped up or just not working right?
Yes and no on codes depends on problem with it.
Any check engine lights? Engine running good?
What is the mileage?
If not over 80K it is covered under fed emmisions warranty.
MT

200-300 total sounds alot better than 700 parts alone. i appreciate everyones help on this issue. unfortunatly i almost tripled the 80,000 mile mark, so i cant use that. i was thrwing up i belive 14 engine codes before it was worked on, but lets say a few are left.some codes indicating cat problems led the machanic down there where he found it corroded and piece blew into the exaust it feels crogged up too .it seems the work will cost more than the vans worth, but he wants to keep it a bit longer.id like to try that 200$ universal, but im not sure how it will affect the codes.should i ask a muffler shop?

Before catalytic converter replacement, make certain there are no misfire, or rich fuel mixture codes causing the “Service Engine Soon” light to come on. Ideally there should not be any codes, (other than the converter code). If the new catalytic converter is subjected to an excessively rich condition, permanent damage could take place.