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How to Make a Car Backfire Download Article Co-authored by Tom Eisenberg
Last Updated: June 5, 2025 Fact Checked
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Backfiring Older Models
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Backfiring Modern Cars
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This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 593,334 times.
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.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
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]XResearch source
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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3 Turn the engine off again, with your foot on the gas pedal. 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.
4 Wait a few seconds, then restart the car. 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]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Backfiring Modern Cars
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1 Be aware that your car may already backfire. 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]XResearch source
2 Equip your vehicle accordingly. 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]XResearch source
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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Community Q&A
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Question Why would anyone want to make a car backfire? Community Answer To add aggressive sound to your ride, and catch people's attention. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 36 Helpful 171
Question Do I need to have a rev limiter to make it backfire? Community Answer No, you don't. A backfire is caused by a rich fuel/air mixture, so some cars even backfire in low RPM. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 85
Question How do I make my car backfire like a gunshot? Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 45
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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! Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 17
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. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 15
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Backfiring engines are incredibly loud, so it's best to do it somewhere where noise isn't a problem. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 15
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]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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Co-authored by: Tom Eisenberg Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. This article has been viewed 593,334 times. 92 votes - 66% Co-authors: 15Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 593,334 Categories: Driving VehiclesArticle SummaryX
To make an older car backfire, start the vehicle and bring it to a steady rev as you normally would, then turn the engine off with your foot on the gas pedal. After waiting a few seconds, restart your car with your foot still on the gas pedal. Once it's running, press down on the accelerator as hard as you can to cause the car to backfire. However, keep in mind that backfiring is very unhealthy for your car and that it can be dangerous if you don't do your normal safety checks beforehand. For more tips, including how to make a modern car backfire, read on.Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Co-authored by: Tom Eisenberg Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. This article has been viewed 593,334 times. 92 votes - 66% Co-authors: 15 Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 593,334 Categories: Driving Vehicles Article SummaryX
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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] 
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. 
3 Turn the engine off again, with your foot on the gas pedal. 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. 
4 Wait a few seconds, then restart the car. 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] Advertisement 
1 Be aware that your car may already backfire. 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] 
2 Equip your vehicle accordingly. 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] 
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. 
Community Answer To add aggressive sound to your ride, and catch people's attention. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 36 Helpful 171 
Community Answer No, you don't. A backfire is caused by a rich fuel/air mixture, so some cars even backfire in low RPM. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 85