Throwing fire through the tailpipe describes any occasion when the fuel in the car is burned in a place other than the combustion engine. This is usually something to avoid, but an exhaust or air intake system explosion will have a pretty impressive effect. With the car roaring, with flames and smoke coming out of the rear, you can make it look like a monster from acceleration racing. Keep in mind that throwing fire through the tailpipe of a car can be very dangerous and, therefore, it is generally not recommended unless you know very well what you are doing.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Do it on older models
Step 1. Consider the reasons why cars shoot fire from their tailpipes
This can be done by hand with relative ease on older cars, but it is important to understand what is throwing fire down the tailpipe and what causes it. A misplaced spark or an unexpected burst of fuel or air will cause a severe engine explosion. Modern cars come equipped with systems that regulate these aspects through an engine control unit (ECU), but older cars (from about before 1990) are much more malleable.
It is important to consider the reasons why the regulator systems were originally installed. Burning excess exhaust is very unhealthy for the vehicle and may ultimately result in some parts needing to be replaced
Step 2. Start the vehicle
Bring it to a constant acceleration. Prepare the vehicle as you normally would. Normal safety checks (including dripping oil) are much more important here, as you will be charging an open flame.
The place where you do it should be open and relatively free of things that the flame could reach. This includes anyone who might be watching. Keep everything at a safe distance (around 10m or 33ft should be fine)
Step 3. Turn the engine off again with your foot on the accelerator pedal
This will prepare the car to launch some fire. Ideally, you shouldn't start moving quickly while starting the engine, so keep the pressure light.
Step 4. Wait a few seconds and then start the car again
Keep your foot on the gas pedal as it comes on. When it's on, press down on the accelerator as hard as possible. This should set the car on fire from the tailpipe.
Method 2 of 2: Do It in Modern Cars
Step 1. Be aware that the car itself may start to fire through the exhaust pipe
Some modern sports cars actually intentionally shoot fire from the tailpipe when decelerating. Mostly this is done to add to the car's presence and bravado. Considering that it is much more difficult to get a newer model to formally set fire to the tailpipe, you may need to exploit the existing opportunities. Try to slow down after reaching a significant speed (around 95 km / h or 60 mph) and see if you can hear it. Better yet, have a friend watch the tailpipe as you drive and decelerate.
Step 2. Equip the vehicle accordingly
For modern cars (from about after 1990) more adjustments are needed before they can safely launch fire down the tailpipe. The ECU is there as a backup that prevents fire from being launched, so the car's chassis is not designed to resist it normally. A stronger exhaust port (for example, the Tomei Type 80) will minimize damage to the car's body.
Step 3. Install a new ECU entry
There should be a port that has a bench tuning kit (or something like that) connected to the car depending on the model and you can directly modify the ECU software. Changing (or "modifying") the ECU software will change the timing and rate at which fuel is injected. Unfortunately, the hardware and software to modify the ECU is quite expensive and may run to over $ 1000.
Please note that ECU modifications are often specific to certain models. So you may need to do a little research before you find one that is right for you
Step 4. Access the injection rates in the ECU and change them
This is where it gets tricky, as you already need to have an understanding of your vehicle's specifications. You must determine the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine that you want for the car to start shooting fire through the exhaust pipe. If you just want the roar and roar, choose an RPM amount to cut off all the fuel. Enter a higher RPM number if you want calls. Needless to say, adding more fuel is more dangerous. If you are relatively new to it, it is recommended that you experiment with the safest route first.
- The details will vary by car model and ECU kit type, but generally speaking, you should access the intake and cut off the fuel intake at the RPM you want the car to blast. For example, if you are using a bench tuning kit, enter the RPM admission as the most negative integer the system will accept. Enter these negative integers (for example, -15, etc.) to span the range of several hundred RPMs. This, in essence, will "trick" the engine into thundering.
- If you enter a number incorrectly, this could inadvertently destroy the car. It is not advisable to even consider doing this if you do not have some experience in operating engines.
Advice
- Shooting fire through the tailpipe has no technical purpose, but you can impress people with pyrotechnics at a party. Just make sure they are far enough away so you don't risk getting burned.
- It is advisable to store a little extra fuel, particularly if you are trying to set off flames. An engine that fires through the tailpipe will consume fuel faster than normal and is therefore something to consider if you choose to do so.
Warnings
- Engines that shoot fire from the tailpipe are extremely loud. Therefore, it is best to do it in a place where noise is not a problem.
- It goes without saying that doing it regularly is not recommended if you want your car to remain healthy. On newer models, it is very dangerous to make the engine ignite through the tailpipe, so you must approach it with the utmost care.