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"I started driving in the 1960’s. The only way to get an automobile to “backfire” on que, is to intentionally turn the key off for a few seconds than back on. The vehicle needs to be in gear and moving. Cars made prior to column locks were easy. Once column locks began, it is increasingly difficult. Automatics forget it. Rarely does any vehicle manufactured since WWII backfire just driving down the street.

I also grew up driving in the 60's. I remember 50's and 60's cars that often backfired through the exhaust that sounded like gun-fire. Altough, back-firing through the carb didn't produce such a loud noise; it usually did a little pop and catch fire due to bad carb adjustment or dirty jets. Mostly, explosive tailpipe backfires were caused by incorrect degrees to top-dead-center due to bad distributor alignment or worn contacts on the distributor cap or worn points or even bad plug wires...sometimes a bad coil or failing condenser. All which affect correct timing of the internal explosion.

Yes, I remember you could do the switch off and then on to get a loud backfire out of the exhaust if you're okay to blow out your muffler.

Disclaimer: I currently own a 1958 Chevy Impala and while turning the distributor cap which adjusts the cylinder combustion timing, I can get that loud gunshot like out the exhaust. It was the nature of internal combustion engines at the time before electronic timing. In fact many low-riders would retard their inition to get a rap, rap, rap sound with their exhaust glasspacks with they eased off the pedal. Of course, it was detrimental to motor.

That was fascinating information. Thank you.

All this technology is slightly before my time, and it is very interesting.

I am learning about this archaic concept called “vapor lock” right now. I don’t think vapor lock is even possible in a modern car.

Thoughts?