I had stock headers on my car and switched to more open headers and now the car seems like its not breathing cause its louder in the motor than out the back than originally. The exhaust tips on their now is like 2in., could this be why its louder and sounding like open headers? If so, would 2.5in. or 3in. exhaust be better?

 

What kind of headers are you running? What size? They shouldn't change the amount of noise under the hood unless you have an exhaust leak. A 2.5" exhaust setup would be fine for your car.

 

I'm running 1 5/8" Shorty Header T-304 Stainless Steel construction from UPR. My exhaust wasnt leaking before and I know when I installed these everything was tight. Why I kinda guessed maybe I need bigger exhaust to pump out that air flow. Maybe

 

Check where the headers bolt to the midpipe. Many aftermarket midpipes fall short of fitting perfectly. Feel around the entire mating surface, even the top, when the engine is running to feel for leaks.

Check for leaks where the header meets the cylinder head.

Have a friend put his hands over your tailpipes to amplify the exhaust leaks when you are feeling for them.

 

I'm pretty sure you have a leak, most likely it will be where the headers mate to the mid pipe. Bigger diameter headers will not change under hood sound levels.

 

ok, I'll check all that out. Thanks