BLOG: Worldwide Sales of the Torch Kits Now Available!

The Universal Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kits are now for sale worldwide! Thanks to the addition of Square and PayPal for secure purchases, our complete kits can be bought and shipped across the globe.

Each kit is made in the U.S.A. The main components are wired, assembled and housed in custom 3D printed enclosures in Chicago Illinois. All other components are assembled and shipped in the same package unless otherwise noted.

Shipping costs vary in regards to the customer’s location. We ship via UPS. Shipping to the inner 48 states is not a problem.

However, international shipping has it’s issues. There are possibilities that customs fees and/or country tarrifs/taxes may inflate then shipping costs. We are not responsible for such charges.

BLOG: Prototype injected fuel setup in action with video!

Oh wow!  The outcome surpasses any expectations I had when adding this prototype fuel injection setup to the Torch MS3. This is not the first time a setup like this was used on one of my cars, but it is much more refined. A crude version was setup on the Torch TransAm more than a decade ago when the previous kits were for sale.

The setup has changed quite a bit all of the way down to the custom nozzle setup. The Torch TransAm spit out 2-foot blue and 6-foot orange/red flames. That was big back then. However, the Torch MS3 spits out 3-foot blue and over 12-foot orange/red flames. Flames so large they go out of video frame!

The custom fuel injection setup has been overhauled after a decade. Proper components and safety have been a major factor in the new setup.

BLOG: Using injected fuel to the tailpipes for massive flames (SETUP)!

As the original maker and seller of the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit, I should have the largest flames. What is needed is a crazy setup that adds fuel directly to the exhaust pipes. The Torch MS3 has now been equipped!

The Torch TransAm had a similar setup that belt out 2-foot blue flames to nearly 6-foot orange/red flames. This was a rudimentary setup spraying white gas into the tailpipes. This has changed with the new setup.

The Torch MazdaSpeed3 now has a tenacious fuel injection setup! The new setup sprays/mists white gas to theoretically create flames larger than ever seen by my cars.

Custom Cockpit Switchpanel: Main toggle switch turns the kit on, Red push button
cuts the ignition and Blue push button injects fuel directly into the tailpipes.

Reservoir Tank and Pump: The switch panel allows for Pump and Solenoid
purging from the trunk.

Misting Nozzles: Removable misting nozzles with bungs welded to the tailpipes.
Solenoid Placement: Solenoid connected to the tailpipes via 3/16″ brakeline that
is split using a T connection (not shown).

 

ARCHIVED BLOG: The first online batches will require components off Amazon.

As you may have seen mentioned on the Torch Exhaust Flame Thrower pages, the current local and online batches will ONLY come with the Torch Brain Box, under-hood Safety Switch and the Cockpit Switch Panel as well as the Instruction Guide. Additional components will be needed to complete the kit as you can see then below:

Click on the image above to view additional components

This is only for the first handful of batches and the full kits for both single and dual exhaust setups will be available. The reason being is that I am gauging the demand for the kits before buying these items in bulk directly from their suppliers.

Don’t worry, this saves you money:

You can view all of the needed components by clicking on the image above or the text underneath it to reach the NEEDED COMPONENTS page. On that page, you will have links directly to the Amazon Prime listings. You can also choose to buy only what you need. If you already have 16 gauge wire, wire connectors and spark plugs laying around, then save your money.

Ultimately, there will be FOUR variations of the kits for sale!

In order to cater all personal interests in the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit, there will be a total of four variations of the kit. These will include:

  • Single/Dual Exhaust Basic Kit (not including additional components)
  • Single Exhaust Complete Kit w/ all needed components
  • Dual Exhaust Complete Kit w/ all needed components
  • The Motorcycle Kit w/ all needed components*

* Note: The motorcycle kit is in the works. Parts and enclosures are being vetted in order to make a kit with the smallest footprint making it easy to hide and install on a motorcycle.

 

Torch Kit: Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
How does this kit work?
Will I need to buy additional components?
What comes with the kit?
I have dual exhaust. Do I need to buy two kits?
Will this work on a vehicle with a diesel engine?
Will this work on a motorcycle?
What will I have to modify on my car?
What tools are needed and how difficult is the installation?
Can this damage my vehicle?
Is this legal to use on public streets?
Will I need a tune to use this kit, or will it affect my current tune?
I have a WOT Box on my car. Will this kit affect its use?

Switches
Why is the under-hood Safety Switch needed?
What is the purpose of the cockpit Switch Panel?
How difficult is the wiring for the switches?
Do I really need the in-line fuse?
Where is the best place to mount the Switch Panel?
Can I wire the Switch Panel up to constant +12V?

Torch Brain Box
What is the purpose of the Torch Brain Box?
Where is the best place to put the Torch Brain Box?
How much room for the ventilation of the Torch Brain Box is needed?

Exhaust Modifications
What is the purpose of the modified spark plug non-foulers?
Can I tap the exhaust pipe or directly weld the spark plug to it?
Can I use spark plugs I already have?

Warranty, Guarantees, and Exchanges
Is there a warranty for the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit?
What is guaranteed when purchasing the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit?
Does DIY Flamethrowers offer exchanges?
Does DIY Flamethrowers offer returns?

How does this kit work?
With the kit installed and turned on, the Torch Brain Box provides a solid spark to the spark plugs placed in the tailpipes. The user then has control over the ignition cut via the custom switch panel placed in the cockpit of the car. By revving the engine and pressing the pushbutton, raw gas flows through the system and is ignited when it reaches the end of the tailpipes.

Will I need to buy additional components?
Yes. As of right now, there are some additional components that are needed to complete the installation. A full list of these products, including direct links to Amazon.com, can be found here on the NEEDED COMPONENTS page. The addition costs range from $50 to $70 depending on whether the vehicle has a single or dual exhaust setup.

What comes with the kit?
The kit includes the under-hood Safety Switch, Cockpit Switch Panel and the Torch Brain Box. Additionally, a comprehensive installation guide is included that covers hardware, component placement guide, color-coded wire diagram and schematic, initial testing of the kit and finally detailed explanation on how the kit is properly used.

I have dual exhaust. Do I need to buy two kits?
No. Each Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit can be applied to both single and dual exhaust setups. For a single exhaust setup, one of the white wires is not used and is taped off. However, the buyer with dual exhaust will need two of the additional components: barrel coil, spark plug, spark plug wire and spark plug non-fouler. The vetted components can be found on our Needed Components page.

Will this work on a vehicle with a diesel engine?
No. The current version of the kit will not work on a vehicle with a diesel engine. The kit is only to be used on gasoline vehicles. At a later time, we will be working on a possible upgrade to the kit that may make it possible to work on a diesel vehicle.

Will this work on a motorcycle?
Yes. The kit can work on a motorcycle. However, the current components can be a little too bulky to fit on a motorcycle. We are currently working on a kit specifically for motorcycles that will be easier to install and hide the bulky components.

What will I have to modify on my car?
The major modification that is necessary for the kit to work properly is that ALL catalytic converters must be removed from the car. This also includes high-flow performance catalytic converters. The other key modification that is explained in detail in the installation guide is splicing the common ground wire between the car body and the ignition coil(s).

What tools are needed and how difficult is the installation?
You will need conventional tools like a drill with various bit sizes, wire cutter, socket wrench, etc. What is highly suggested is the use of a welder specifically for the spark plug bung installation. This can be done at your local car exhaust shop if you do not have access to a welder.

The installation itself is straight forward. The most time-consuming aspect of the installation is running the wires as you will need to run wire from under the hood to the cockpit, wire from the cockpit to the trunk and then out to tailpipes. The wiring is color-coded, and the installation guide includes detailed diagrams for the full installation.

Can this damage my vehicle?
If the installation is properly done, this kit should not harm the engine or drivetrain of the car. The only connection this kit has to the engine is a via the ignition cut that allows raw fuel to flow through the system. This only happens when the kit is in use. The kit is otherwise dormant and completely unrelated to the vehicle’s engine when it is not in use.

Note: This kit provides the means to shoot large and dangerous flames from the exhaust tips. For this reason, all purchasers of the kit will be asked to digitally sign an agreement absolving this site and its owner from any legal liability. You can read the full agreement on the LEGAL AGREEMENT page.

Is this legal to use on public streets?
No. The Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit is for OFF ROAD USE ONLY! The purchaser should check into local, state and federal laws pertaining to the use of a kit like this. For this reason, all purchasers of the kit will be asked to digitally sign an agreement absolving this site and its owner from any legal liability. You can read the full agreement on the LEGAL AGREEMENT page.


Will I need a tune to use this kit, or will it affect my current tune?

No. You will not need any kind of tune for this kit to work on your vehicle. This kit will not affect any tune you have on your vehicle. Only one wire under the hood of your car will be spliced. This kit does not, in any way, connect or interact with the ECU of the vehicle.


I have a WOT Box on my vehicle. Will this kit affect its use?
No. This kit has only one spliced connection under the hood of your vehicle. However, this connection may coincide with that of the WOT Box wiring setup. Though not entirely sure, the WOT Box cuts ignition for launch control. If correct, this kit might actually enhance exhaust flame output possibly without the ignition cut setup this kit provides. This has not yet been tested.


Why is the under-hood Safety Switch needed?
The Safety Switch is placed closest to the splice between the common ground and the ignition coil(s) on the engine. This acts as a fail-safe just in case the wiring to the cockpit Switch Panel is damaged or severed. Hypothetically, if this switch was not in place and the wiring going to the Switch Panel was to be severed, the car would be inoperable since the ground to the ignition coils would be severed.

“As the owner of DIYflamethrowers.com and the creator of the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit, I have been using this switch setup on multiple cars I’ve owned that have the kit installed. I’ve used this over a decade ago when I was selling the kits, and now on my current car even before I decided to sell them again. This is just a redundant safety precaution that I felt needed to included in the kit for sale.” – Matt Torch


What is the purpose of the cockpit Switch Panel?
The cockpit Switch Panel allows the vehicle’s driver to control both the spark output controlled by the Torch Brain Box as well as the ignition cut sequence needed for the raw fuel dump that creates the flames. When the car is on and the RED switch is turned on, the spark output in the tailpipes is turned on. When the BLACK switch, which is the secondary safety switch, is turned on, the pushbutton for the ignition cut is activated. The vehicle driver can now follow the proper procedure of revving and momentarily holding the pushbutton to cut the ignition allowing raw fuel to run through the system where the spark(s) in the tailpipe(s) ignite it into flames.

How difficult is the wiring for the switches?
Provided with the kit is a comprehensive installation guide that includes multiple color photos that detail each individual wire connection. The wires are color-coded so the individual doing the installation knows exactly what wire on one switch connects to what wire on the other (i.e. GREEN to GREEN, YELLOW to YELLOW, etc.). Both textual and visual representations are provided.

Do I really need the in-line fuse?
Yes. Do not overlook this $3 added component. It is a safety precaution for +12V RED wire on the Switch Panel that then powers the Torch Brain Box in the trunk. If this wire from the cockpit Switch Panel to the Torch Brain Box in the trunk were to be severed and grounded, the short circuit can cause smoke or fire. By using the in-line fuse, the vehicle owner has the means to prevent this from happening and have a point of reference (i.e. blown fuse) for troubleshooting a kit that has stopped working.

Where is the best place to mount the Switch Panel?
This is subjective to the vehicle owner. The switch should be placed within comfortable distance to the driver while sitting in the driver seat. Place it where it feels comfortable. However, it should be placed in a spot where the driver cannot accidentally turn the kit on while daily driving. Do not put it in a place where movement from the arms or legs can accidentally turn the switches on.

Can I wire the Switch Panel up to constant +12V?
No. This is not suggested. The cockpit Switch Panel should be wired up to +12V accessory power with the needed in-line fuse. A cigarette lighter that is only on when the key is turned to accessory or is running is a good tap for this wire lead. The Switch Panel and Torch Brain Box will be disabled when the car is off.

What is the purpose of the Torch Brain Box?
The circuitry in the Torch Brain Box controls the means to provide a spark to the spark plugs located in the tailpipes. Without this key component in the kit, there would be no spark to ignite the flames. The white wires from the Torch Brain Box are individually connected to the coil packs (one per exhaust pipe) that are then connected to the spark plugs placed near the end of the tailpipes via spark plug wires.

Where is the best place to put the Torch Brain Box?
The Torch Brain Box should be placed in the trunk of the car within 3-feet of the coil packs. It should be placed in an area where it will not be covered, hit or agitated by everyday items stored in the trunk. The suggested place for placement of the Torch Brain Box is in an open area where the spare tire is stored. DO NOT place it outside of the car as it could be damaged from water, excessive heat and/or road debris.

How much room for the ventilation of the Torch Brain Box is needed?
The Torch Brain Box has a heat exhaust fan on the top of the box and vent slots on front and back of the box. It is required that at least 2-inches on each side be open to air. This allows the box to properly circulate air to cool the components of the Torch Brain Box that heat up considerably when it is in use. Failure for proper ventilation can damage the it.

What is the purpose of the modified spark plug non-foulers?
The modified spark plug non-foulers offer the best alternative to the older setups detailed in the question below. Using a Dremel or comparable metal cutting device, each spark plug non-fouler is then turned into a spark plug bung. That bung is then welded no further than 6-inches from the tip of the exhaust pipe. This allows for the vehicle owner to swap out dirty and/or failing spark plugs to provide the best spark needed for the kit.

Can I tap the exhaust pipe or directly weld the spark plug to it?
This is not suggested, but this can be done by the vehicle owner. Tapping the drilled hole not only requires that the installer has access to the specific tapping tool and that the tap is properly applied. Tapping the exhaust pipe is suggested because an improper tap can result in a spark plug that is loose. This will cause a bad ground for the spark plug and will ultimately cause a weak spark.

Welding the spark plug directly to the tailpipe is also not suggested, but for a different reason. The weld will likely create a solid ground for the spark plug that will provide a great spark. However, removal of a faulty or old plug will require cutting the welds. Therefore, the modified spark plug non-fouler technique is suggested. The spark plug non-fouler is modified into a spark plug bung placed and welded in the exhaust pipe. Not only would this setup provide a solid electrical ground, the vehicle owner can then remove and replace individual spark plugs.

Can I use spark plugs I already have?
Yes. You can use spark plugs you already have. However, the elongated spark plugs used on DISI engines are best to be used. This allows for the spark plug electrode to be placed closer to the center of the exhaust tailpipe. Theoretically, this shouldn’t be an issue so long as the electrode of the spark plug is fully within the exhaust pipe.

Is there a warranty for the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit?
Yes. A 90-day warranty from the date of purchase covers all the provided components for the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit that includes: (1) The Torch Brain Box, (2) The Switch Panel and (3) The Ignition Safety Switch if they meet the following requirements:
• The specific component is DOA, and the buyer can explain how it doesn’t work.
• The components are not tampered with (i.e. a buyer cracking open the box).
• The components are not visibly or electronically damaged due to incorrect installation, excessive heat, water damage or otherwise improper introduction to the elements.

NOTE: The 90-day warranty DOES NOT cover any of the necessary components purchased through 3rd party suppliers such as Amazon or local auto parts stores. Please take these issues up with those providers.

What is guaranteed when purchasing the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit?
There are TWO guarantees given for the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit:
1. With the proper components and proper setup, the Torch Brain Box will provide a solid spark to the spark plug(s) in the tailpipe(s).
2. With the proper setup needed for the ignition cut, raw fuel will go through the engine to the tailpipes.
However, the kit DOES NOT guarantee exhaust flames. This is mostly due to vehicles with restrictive exhaust. More information on this can be found in the Instruction Guide as well as the frequently asked question regarding catalytic converters and restrictive exhaust.

Does DIY Flamethrowers offer exchanges?
Yes. Though exchanges fall under the circumstance of a DOA (dead on arrival) flame kit components within the 90-day warranty period. Buyer agrees to pay one-way shipping of the faulty item back to DIY Flamethrowers, and a replacement component will be mailed to the buyer.

Does DIY Flamethrowers offer returns?
No. All sales of the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kits are final.

BLOG: No Catalytic Converters, Also Flame Kit Guarantees!

As said in the title, any vehicle running the Torch Exhaust Flamethower kit MUST HAVE all catalytic conervters deleted. This includes “high-flow” catalytic converters. The Flame Kit setup will not produce flames on any vehicle with a catalytic converter that is stock or aftermarket.

The Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit has two guarantees:

  1.  When properly setup given the instructions, the Torch Brain Box will provide a solid spark to individual spark plugs placed in the tailpipes.
  2. When properly setup given the instructions, the kit will provide a momentary ignition cut to dump fuel and air through the exhaust system.

 

 

ARCHIVED BLOG: Details for the first sales of the kit.

Currently, I am building the circuity by hand, 3D printing Torch Brain Box enclosures and switch bays, and working on a comprehensive installation guide. I want to make everything as simple as possible for the first sales outside of local car enthusiasts crystal clear.

Now, this is the important part: The first batch of non-local purchases will ONLY include the under-hood Safety Switch, Switch Panel, Torch Brain Box and an installation guide that includes links to key components needed to complete the installation. This post is to quash the inevitable email or PM that reads:

“I just paid $125 for a little box, some install papers and Amazon links! Where is the rest of the kit?”

Let me explain:
When I first created and sold the kit over a decade ago, I only included the Torch Brain Box, a toggle switch, some connections and the instructions. All other needed components were readily available at auto parts stores, and prices were reasonable. Anyone could go into an AutoZone, Murray’s (now O’Reilly Auto) or a Pep Boys and buy everything that was needed.

This isn’t the case anymore with newer automotive technology. It is hard to find old school barrel ignition coils in local auto parts stores unless you plan on spending $45 for one (two if you have dual exhaust). How about 16-gauge wire for $16/100-ft, a single in-line fuse for $7, and switches that are overpriced.

Most of the Amazon links to specific components to complete installation are suggested purchases. If you already have components like the wiring, switches, plug wires, spark plugs, etc. then you don’t need to buy them.

NOTE: Please buy reasonably priced barrel coils and spark plug wires that properly connect to the coils and then to the spark plugs! Be sure that the barrel ignition coils are 12VDC and NOT 6VDC if you buy from another vendor.

Therefore the initial sales of the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit will only include the under-hood Safety Switch, Switch Panel and Torch Brain Box, and Instruction Guide with links to buy all of the needed parts. At a later date, I will likely sell the full kits for both single and dual exhaust.

ARCHIVED BLOG: The first batch will be for locals only!

The first batch of the Torch Exhaust Flamethrower Kit will be sold to some of the locals here in the Chicagoland area. Due to the huge outreach of interested over the past couple weeks of those interested in purchasing the kit, I owe it to the first handful of local car enthusiasts that reached out to me even before the videos of my current and former cars spitting flames went viral. There are some other reasons for this:

  1. The need for further documentation – As I go through the rounds of setting up this website and subsequent social media accounts, these will need pictures and videos of installations on cars other than my own. These will further explain to potential buyers outside the area on how the kit works, hot it is properly installed and the overall difficulty of installation.
  2. Hands-on installation – Being able add this setup to another car enthusiast’s ride is extremely beneficial. It allows me, the car’s owner and potential buyers of any issues that may arise during installation. It will also allow for documentation with pictures and videos of tools needed for the installation process.
  3. In-person overview – I have used my kits on my cars for over a decade, so I know the DOs and DON’Ts of the installation and use of the kit. For that reason, I sometimes overlook potential issues a buyer may encounter with some that can be quite dangerous due to improper installation and/or cutting corners to save a buck. I would rather document these potential issues rather than pump out kits only to find a logistical nightmare of questions for easily solvable issues.
  4. In-person tutorial on use – Sometimes words on a website or on paper don’t resonate to buyers or potential buyers. The most commonly asked question I’ve received was, “How does it work?” That is a question hard to explain in a Facebook PM. It is far less complicated in a video than it is in text.

The most important route I can take right now is work out all of the details prior to mass producing these kits. I want buyers to know exactly what they are getting, how to properly and safely install the kit, have them know the entire setup needed and ultimately use the kit properly.

BLOG: Looking for some Torch Flame Kit testers!

NOTE:
Bear with me here with the website. The front-end of the site is still a work-in-progress. I’m working on the back-end of the site in order to provide detailed information for the setup, Do’s and Don’ts, items that need to be purchased and the legal agreement. Please do not share this website with others until I finalize it all!

Obviously, I’m now making and (will soon) be selling my Torch Exhaust Flame Thrower Kits after more than 10 years when I sold hundreds of them on eBay.  Much has changed over the last decade in regards to my own knowledge of electronics. Back in the day, I slapped together whatever electrical components I could find to make it work. Now having a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, I have a better grasp on how it all works and why it works.

The current setup offered for testers is my original setup of good ol’ fashioned soldering of components, but with a modern twist. I now 3D print a custom enclosure for the Torch Box in order to encase the fan, optimize air cooling and shrink the size of the enclosure by half of the original size.

Long-ish story short:
I’m looking for car owners interested in shooting some exhaust flames by using my initial setup. I currently have 4 Torch Brain Boxes wired and built. Those interested must agree with the following:

  • Sign a legal agreement absolving me of any damage to property or one’s self.
  • Have ALL catalytic converters removed, and have a high flowing exhaust setup. This setup WILL NOT WORK if there are cats on the car.
  • Have an access point in the firewall for wires to travel from under the hood into the cockpit where the wiring can reach under portion of the dash board left of the steering wheel and/or reaches the center console.
  • Must be willing to purchase the rest of the parts (i.e. coil packs, spark plugs, switches, wiring, etc.). I will provide a list of parts.
  • Must be willing to have the exhaust tips drilled and have custom non-fouler bungs welded to the pipes.
  • Have wiring in the cockpit setup and ready for connection. An in-line fuse is vital in order to be safe from any shorts along path of running +12VDC from the cockpit to the back of the car.
  • Must be willing to come out to me (Chicago, O’hare area) for much of the setup. I have all needed tools including a welder.

 

ARCHIVED Blog: Checklist for locals looking to have the kit installed.

Alright, folks! For all of the locals looking to have the kit fully installed including testing, please follow the checklist. I live in Chicago near O’Hare Airport (not too far from either I-90 exits for Cumberland or Harlem). I’m only charging $120 for the install, which is $5 less than what the kit will sell for online. The only trade-off is that I take pictures of the installation and video of it working.

The install will take the two of us around 3 hours if we have all of the tools and components. Here’s what I have:

  • Drill and various bits for wire routing and spark plug installation.
  • Various box wrenches, sockets and screw drivers.
  • Dremel with cutting bits to make the spark plug bungs.
  • Welder for the spark plug bungs.
  • Digital Multimeter to check all of the electrical connections.
  • Solder station and heat shrink tubing.
  • A standard AC Delco car jack. NOTE: If your car is slammed and/or has body effects that won’t clear a standard jack, you will need to bring one! My Mazdaspeed3 has CorkSport lowering springs, and I barely get my jack under the car.

What I need from you:

  • First off, your car cannot have any catalytic converters on it. None, not even a high-flow cat. By the end of the install, there is a good chance you won’t see a single flame even through everything else is working properly.
  • Second, get in touch with me and we will set a date and time. You can find me under “Matt Torch” on Facebook.
  • IMPORTANT: You need to locate the common ground wire for the ignition coil pack(s) under the hood of your car. There should be a single wire that supplies DC ground to your ignition coils. If you own a Mazdaspeed3/6, I know exactly what wire to tap. For all other cars, the reason the install price is lower than the actual online kit price is so that I can gather this information.
  • Order the needed components in advance. All of what is needed can be found on the NEEDED COMPONENTS page.
  • Download and look over the INSTRUCTION GUIDE. This will help you know exactly what we will need to do to your car.
  • You need to run these wires:
    – One 16 gauge wire from the engine bay to where you plan to place the switch panel.
    – One 16 gauge wire from the switch panel placement to the trunk.
    – Locate and tap an Accessory ON wire in the cockpit.

This won’t be a one-person install by me. I will need your help with some of the install. You should bring some clothes that you’re willing to get dirty. I have an insulated garage that is well lit, so the weather won’t play a role.

I also have both an O’Reilly Auto and an AutoZone within a mile from from house if we would need anything. However, do not overlook the NEEDED COMPONENTS section thinking that buying local will save you some money. I chose all of those components because I personally tested all of them, but also because they are inexpensive.