okay, I think I know what you're talking about now, that little tube right in the center that the washer and lock nut tighten up against. It should actually stick out about half an inch, so that the dime-sized hole on the side of the tube is exposed. If it only sticks out half a centimeter, then you might want to see if you can put some kind of spacer in there because if it's pushed in too far, I don't think the exhaust gas can escape. If the nut on the end will tighten up with just the tube and no baffle, I'd try that. It'll be quite a bit louder and maybe a little faster.