1997 Ford Escort exhaust crack in pipe leading to catalytic

I can see a crack that circles around the pipe that is part of the catalytic converter unit. I just replaced the entire exhaust system from that point of connection all the way back. (Where the flex pipe starts) My question is, considering how this part is connected up towards the engine, I was thinking of using some exhaust putty with some exhaust tape to repair it, I wanted to know how good this stuff is. I bought Permatex mffler putty( pkg. Says it is good up to 2000 degrees.) And permatex muffler tape. I would use them together. It is a costly part and its position concerns me where replacing it may lead to more problems. I need to pass inspection this month and was looking for a quick and easy solution. If anyone has had experience using this product or a similar one, let me know how long it lasted. Thanks for any responses.