Onomatopoeia:
* BOOM! (Simple and loud)
* BANG! (Shorter and more forceful)
* POP! (Quieter and more sudden)
* SPLUTTER! (More like a misfire or engine issue)
* KABOOM! (Exaggerated and dramatic)
* BACKFIRE! (More literal but less evocative)
Descriptive words:
* A loud, explosive roar
* A sudden, sharp blast
* A fiery crackle
* A metallic clang
* A deafening thunder
You can also combine these options for a more detailed description:
* "The engine coughed, then sputtered, followed by a loud BANG!"
* "The backfire erupted with a fiery crackle and a KABOOM that shook the ground."
Ultimately, the best way to "spell" the sound of a backfire is to use the words that best capture your desired effect.