I wonder if it might be worth your while just to have it welded shut (maybe $100 to $200 at the local muffler shop) or try "JB Weld" yourself (have not used it but I have read good things about it). You can pick up JB Weld from Autozone or Advance Auto. Good luck.

"Always do the cheap and easy ones first." 1996 V6 ATX 96K miles