Get that exhaust leak fixed ASAP - exhaust fumes leaking into the cabin can kill you before you know it. Don't drive it around that way, and if you're foolish enough to do so, keep the windows wide open.
As for the rubber boot that bolts down to the tranny tunnel, you can't replace that with sheet metal - it needs to be flexible b/c the tranny shifter extension will rock a bit under torque. It's a relatively cheap part - under $50 I bought one not too long ago from Ray Crowe at Malloy Mazda. Ask for the "middle boot kit" - comes with the "lower" boot (the one you need that bolts to the tunnel, secured by the plate w/4 bolts), plus the 2 "middle" boots that go over the shifter lever, and then tuck over the lower boot. My guess is you probably need those too - they are usually melted to goo and torn to shreds after 20+ years. Unfortunately Mazda doesn't sell these individually - need to buy all 3 in the kit.
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