How to Make a Car Backfire

Co-authored by Tom Eisenberg

Last Updated: November 26, 2023 Fact Checked

The term 'backfiring' describes any instance where car fuel is combusting somewhere other than the combustion engine. While this is usually something you'll want to avoid, an explosion in the exhaust or air intake systems will have a pretty impressive effect. With your car roaring, with flames and smoke strutting out its back, you'll be able to get your car looking like a drag racing monster! Keep in mind that backfiring a car can be very dangerous, so it's generally inadvisable unless you really know what you're doing.

Method 1

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Backfiring Older Models

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1
Consider the reasons that cars backfire. While backfiring can be done manually with relative ease in old cars, it's important you have an understanding of what backfiring is, and what causes it. A misplaced spark or unexpected burst of fuel or air will cause a loud burst from the engine. While modern cars come equipped with systems to regulate these aspects via an Engine Control Unit (ECU), older cars (roughly before 1990) are far more malleable. ^{[1]
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- It's important to keep in mind the reasons why regulating systems were installed in the first place. Excessive backfiring is very unhealthy for your vehicle, and can ultimately result in having to replace parts.
2
Start your vehicle. Bring it to a steady rev. Prepare the vehicle as you regularly would. Normal safety checks (including dripping oil) are much more important here, as you'll be charging an open flame.
- The location in which you do this must be open, and relatively free of things that might get caught by the flame. This includes anyone who may be watching. Keep that at a healthy distance-- around 10 meters (33 ft) should be good.
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This will prep your car for some backfiring. Ideally, you don't want to start moving fast while you're turning on the engine, so keep the pressure light.
Keep your foot on the gas pedal as it starts up. Once it's up, press the accelerator down as hard as you can. This should cause the car to backfire.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Backfiring Modern Cars

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Some modern sports cars actually backfire intentionally when it comes time to decelerate. This is mostly done to add to the car's presence and bravado. Considering it is much more difficult to properly backfire a more recent model, you might want to exploit the existing opportunities. Try decelerating after hitting a decent (~60mph) speed, and see if you can hear it. Better still, get a friend to watch the exhaust as you drive and decelerate. ^{[3]
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Modern cars (roughly after 1990) require more tweaking before they can backfire safely. Because the ECU is there as a failsafe against backfiring, the chassis of the car isn't designed to normally withstand it. A sturdier exhaust port (such as the Tomei Type 80) will minimize damage to the car's body.
3
Install a new ECU input. Depending on the model of car, there should be a port With a Flash Tune Kit (or something along the lines of it) hooked up to your car, you'll be able to modify the ECU software directly. Changing (or 'modding') the ECU software will change the times and rates in which fuel is injected. Unfortunately ECU modding hardware and software is fairly expensive, and might put you back over $1000 dollars.^{[4]
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- Keep in mind ECU mods are often specific to certain models, so you might have to do some searching before you find one that suits yours.
4
Access and change the injection rates in the ECU. This is where it comes tricky, as it requires you have an existing knowledge of your vehicle's specifications. You want to figure out what engine RPM you want for your car to start backfiring. If you just want the roar and pop of a backfire, choose an RPM to cut all fuel. Input a higher number for a given RPM if you want the flames. It goes without saying that adding extra fuel is more dangerous; if you're relatively new to this, it's recommended you experiment with the safer route first.
- Although the particulars will vary depending on the model of car and type of ECU kit, generally speaking, you will want to access the input and cut fuel intake at the RPM you'd like your car to pop at. If you're using a Flash Tune Kit, for example, input the given RPM intake as the most negative integer the system will accept. Input these negative integers (e.g. -15 etc.) to encompass the range of a couple hundred RPMs. This will essentially 'trick' your engine into popping.
- Entering a number incorrectly could inadvertently destroy your car. It is not recommended you even consider doing this without some expertise in motorworks.

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Why would anyone want to make a car backfire?

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To add aggressive sound to your ride, and catch people's attention.

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Do I need to have a rev limiter to make it backfire?

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No, you don't. A backfire is caused by a rich fuel/air mixture, so some cars even backfire in low RPM.

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How do I make my car backfire like a gunshot?

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If you have a turbo car, you install an anti-lag system or 2-step. But neither is healthy for your car and are quite expensive, since you need aftermarket electronic parts.

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Tips

While backfiring serves no technical purpose, you can impress people with the pyrotechnics at a party. Just make sure they're all far enough away that they won't risk getting set on fire themselves!

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It's a good idea to stockpile some added fuel, particularly if you're trying to spark flames. A backfiring engine will go through gas faster than usual, so it's something to keep in mind if you choose to go through with this.

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Warnings

Backfiring engines are incredibly loud, so it's best to do it somewhere where noise isn't a problem.

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Needless to say, it's not recommended to do this on a regular basis if you want to keep your car healthy. In newer models, backfiring your engine can be very dangerous, so approach this with utmost caution.^{[5]
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