I actually tried that first, but left that out of my description. It is better for power ( both HP and torque ). So I tried it first by putting the 3" to 2.5" mid pipes and the B&B 2.5" cat back on my full breather car. I even went so far as to measure the decibel level. What I found was that the decibel level was barely any different. So i just prioritized lower decibel level of full 2.5" over the increased top end power of full 3".
I love driving this car around. Not too loud. it's white. Total sleeper.