Is it that we aren't listening or your not explaining clearly? I have the same problem with my brother-in-law. He always calls me in a panick, says some weird $hit about what his car is doing, and usually it's nothing like he described.
If your motor is louder than your exhaust- what does it sound like- regular engine noise, popping, hissing, grinding? Is it possible that you have a massive exhaust leak at one of the exhaust manifolds? Help us out here.........