How To Build and Install Exhaust Flame Throwers

Hot Rod Flame Throwers
Smoke and Fire

There are a lot of ways to bring attention to your vehicle but one of the most popular and controversial ways is flame throwers.

Please Note: This will not work on Catalytic Converter equipped vehicles. This will not work with fuel-injected vehicles (see below for EFI alternative). This will work best with a vehicle equipped with a manual choke. This assumes a dual exhaust setup. You accept all responsibility for what you are about to do…

Tools and Supplies Required

(Parts and Supplies links via Amazon)

SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relay

One (1) SPDT Relay (Single Pole Double Throw Relay)

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An SPDT relay is an electromagnetic switch that consists of a coil (terminals 85 & 86), 1 common terminal (30), 1 normally closed terminal (87a), and one normally open terminal (87). Relay Terminal Diagram

Two (2) Ignition Coils

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Coils produce the high voltage necessary to ignite unburnt exhaust gasses.

Two (2) Coil Wires

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Coil wire for the coil. Look for about 36″ (or longer if available).

Two (2) Spark Plugs

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Long shank, deep plug to reach into the exhaust tube.

Weld-In Spark Plug Bung

Two (2) Spark Plugs Bungs

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Long shank, deep plug to reach into the exhaust tube.

One (1) Momentary Switch

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Push Button or Toggle, your choice. Just ensure it is a momentary (similar to a starter) switch.

30A /40A 5 Pin Relay Connector Socket with 5 x 6.3mm Terminals

Five (5) Terminal Connectors

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Ten (10) Wire Connectors

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Project Box

One (1) Project Box

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A number of sizes and types of project boxes are available.

One (1) 1/2″ Rubber Grommet

Tools / Supplies

14 Gauge Electrical Wire: Green, Blue, Black, Red, and Yellow

How To Make The Flame Thrower “Control Box”

  1. Cut a piece roughly 12″ length of each color wire. You should have five (5) pieces of wire in five (5) different colors.
  2. Crimp the terminal connectors on one end of each of the five (5) wires.
  3. Connect the GREEN wire to #87A on the relay.
  4. Connect the YELLOW wire to #87 on the relay.
  5. Connect the BLACK wire to #86 on the relay.
  6. Connect the RED wire to #85 on the relay.
  7. Connect the BLUE wire to #30 on the relay.
  8. Drill a 1/2″ hole into one end of the project box. Insert the rubber grommet.
  9. Feed the unused ends of the five (5) wires through the grommet and secure the box top.
  10. Attach a wire connector to each of the five (5) wires.

How To Install the Flame Thrower Exhaust System

  1. Find a location for the Control Box under the dashboard, on the firewall, etc. Mount it securely.
  2. Locate your vehicle’s existing coil.
  3. Connect a wire from the negative terminal on your vehicle’s coil to the GREEN wire on the Control Box.
  4. Connect the wire that was disconnected from the vehicle’s coil negative terminal to the BLUE wire from the Control Box.
  5. Locate an ignition wire (has power when you turn on the ignition). Connect the RED wire from the Control Box to this wire.
  6. Mount the Momentary Switch. Connect one terminal to the vehicle ground. Connect the other terminal to the BLACK wire from the Control Box.
  7. Mount the coil(s) along your frame rail or wherever makes sense on your vehicle.
  8. Drill a hole roughly six (6) inches behind your exhaust or muffler for the spark plug bung. Weld into place.
  9. Run a wire from your car battery to the positive terminal of each coil.
  10. Run a wire from the negative side of each coil to the YELLOW wire from the Control Box.
  11. Start your vehicle. Keep the vehicle in Park (or neutral). Rev the engine up and press and hold the switch. The engine should begin to stall and viola, Flame Throwing Exhaust!
Flame Thrower Exhaust Wiring Diagram

Rather leave it to the professionals?

Complete Flamethrower Kits for Single and Dual Exhaust Applications

Hot Licks Exhaust Flame Thrower kits come 100% complete with everything you need to install the kit and shoot flames!

These kits kit may not work on every application — To ensure we meet your expectations and to ensure your satisfaction with our product we highly encourage you to call us (850-473-0465) to find out if the kit will work on your car, truck, or motorcycle or to find out how big your flames will be.

Some applications will only produce a small burst of flame similar to a backfire.

Applications with a catalytic converter will not produce any flames.

  • Stock EFI applications will produce 6-12 inch blow torch flames.
  • Performance EFI applications can produce 12-24 inch flames.
  • Naturally-aspirated / Carbureted applications can produce 12-24 inch blow torch flames.

Features:

  • Kit comes 100% complete ready to install!
  • Lifetime warranty!
  • Easy to install with detailed installation instructions included!
  • Made in the USA!
  • Tech Support with a live person just a phone call away!

Hot Licks Single Exhaust Flamethrower Kit

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Hot Licks Dual Exhaust Flamethrower Kit

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Alternative ~ Flame Thrower Exhaust with Stand Alone Ignition System

Karl Fisher from Make It Kustom shows you step-by-step how to build a stand-alone ignition system for a flame thrower exhaust.

Materials needed:

  • Toggle Switch
  • 5 Pin 30 Amp Relays (With Holders)
  • 30 Amp In-Line Fuse Holder
  • Ignition Condensers (Points Ignition)
  • Ballast Resistor (1975/76 Chrysler)
  • Ignition Coils
  • Spark Plugs
  • Spark Plug Wires
  • 14mm X 1.25 Nuts (To Weld In Your Pipes)

Stand Alone Ignition System Wiring Diagram for Flame Throwers

Alternative ~ Make Your Car Shoot Flames For $60

Donut Media‘s Zach explores different ways and reasons that cars shoot fire as he figures out how to meet the challenge of making the Miata shoot some big ol’ fireballs…

Stacey David Tackles Flame Throwers

Stacey David takes a closer look at what flamethrowers are and how to correctly install them without burning down your garage!

Flame Throwers in Action

More Flame Throwers in Action