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.