Boost Speed: How To Take The Governor Off A Golf Cart
A golf cart governor is a part that limits how fast your golf cart can go. You can remove or adjust it to make your golf cart go faster, but this changes how your cart works and has risks. Many people want to bypass golf cart speed limiter parts to get more speed for fun or work. This guide will show you how to do it safely.
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What is a Golf Cart Governor?
A golf cart governor is like a speed cop for your cart. It makes sure your cart does not go too fast. Most gas golf carts use a simple mechanical part. This part stops the engine from spinning too fast. It acts like a brake on the engine’s power. Electric golf carts use a different system. Their speed is often set by the motor controller. This is like a computer chip that tells the motor how much power to use. It controls the golf cart speed increase.
Why Change Your Golf Cart’s Speed?
Many cart owners want to make their cart go faster. They may want to use it off a golf course. Maybe they need more speed for driving on roads (where legal). Some just like the idea of a golf cart performance upgrade. When you adjust golf cart governor settings, you help increase golf cart top speed. This can make your cart more fun or useful. It is a key step for how to make golf cart faster.
Safety First: Before You Begin
Changing your cart’s speed is a big deal. Faster carts can be dangerous. They might be harder to stop or steer.
* Check your brakes: Make sure your brakes are in great shape. You need to stop well at higher speeds.
* Check your tires: Worn tires are not safe for faster speeds. Make sure they are good.
* Check your steering: Loose steering can be very risky when going fast. Fix any play.
* Understand the risks: Faster carts can flip over. They can hurt people or cause damage.
* Know the law: Some places have rules about how fast golf carts can go. Breaking these rules can lead to fines.
* No warranty: Changing the governor might end your cart’s warranty. This means the company will not fix it for free.
* Wear and tear: Going faster puts more stress on parts. This can make parts wear out faster. Your cart might need more fixes.
Always put safety first. Think about these things before you start.
Tools You Will Need
You will need some basic tools for this job. The exact tools depend on your cart model.
* Wrench set (metric and standard)
* Socket set
* Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips head)
* Wire cutters/strippers (for electric carts)
* Zip ties or electrical tape
* Safety glasses
* Work gloves
* Owner’s manual for your cart (very helpful)
It’s good to have these tools ready. This will make the job smoother.
Boosting Your Golf Cart’s Pace: The Governor Bypass
This section tells you how to make your cart faster. This means changing the governor. Remember, each cart brand is a bit different. Always check your cart’s manual first. This is how to bypass golf cart speed limiter parts.
How Gas Governors Work
Gas golf carts use a mechanical system. This system stops the engine from speeding up too much. It usually has a spring, a lever, and a cable.
* When your cart speeds up, a part (often a flyweight) moves.
* This movement pulls a lever.
* The lever pulls a spring.
* The spring then pulls the throttle back. This makes the engine slow down.
* To make the cart faster, you need to make the spring pull less. Or you need to make the lever move less. This is how you adjust golf cart governor settings.
How Electric Governors Work
Electric golf carts do not have a moving mechanical governor like gas carts. Their speed is set by the electric motor controller. This is an electronic box. It controls the power to the motor.
* The controller has settings. These settings tell the motor how fast to spin.
* To make an electric cart faster, you often need to change these settings.
* Sometimes, you need a special tool or program.
* Some older electric carts might have a speed sensor. This sensor tells the controller how fast the wheels are turning. You might change how this sensor works.
* For many electric carts, the best way to get more speed is to replace the controller. You can also upgrade the motor or batteries. These are big golf cart performance upgrade steps.
Adjusting a Gas Golf Cart Governor
Most gas golf carts have a similar governor system. You can often make small changes to get more speed. This is a common way to golf cart speed increase.
1. Find the Governor: Look at your engine. Find the part with springs and a cable going to the carburetor. This is your governor. It’s usually near the rear axle or the driven clutch.
2. Look for the Spring: There is often a spring that pulls the throttle lever. This spring connects to the governor arm.
3. Tighten the Spring: You want the spring to pull less on the throttle. This means the engine can get more gas. Find the nut or screw that holds the spring’s tension.
* Method 1 (Tightening Nut): Some governors have a nut on a threaded rod. Tighten this nut. This pulls the spring tighter. This makes the governor react later. The engine can rev higher.
* Method 2 (Bending Tab): Some have a metal tab. You can gently bend this tab. Bend it so the spring is stretched a little more. This also makes the governor work later.
* Method 3 (Adding a Spring): You can add a second spring next to the first one. This adds more pull. It stops the governor from closing the throttle too soon.
4. Zip Tie Method (Less Common/More Extreme): You can zip tie the governor arm. This stops it from moving at all. This gives full engine speed. Be very careful with this method. It removes all speed limits. Your engine could over-rev and break. This is a golf cart speed restrictor bypass that has high risks.
5. Test Carefully: Make small changes. Then test the cart. Do not make big changes all at once. Drive it slowly at first. See how it acts.
Table: Gas Governor Adjustment Methods
| Method | How it Works | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tighten Spring Nut | Increases tension, allows higher RPM before governor acts. | Low | Common, safe for small speed gains. |
| Bend Tab | Stretches spring, similar to tightening nut. | Low | Requires careful bending, small steps. |
| Add Second Spring | Boosts existing spring’s pull, delays governor action. | Medium | Make sure spring fits well, doesn’t interfere. |
| Zip Tie/Bypass | Disables governor completely, full RPM. | High | Can damage engine, not recommended for most users. |
Always start with the low-risk methods first.
EZGO Golf Carts: Speed Boost Steps
EZGO carts are very popular. They come in gas and electric models. Each needs a different way to increase golf cart top speed. This is for EZGO governor adjustment.
EZGO Gas Carts (TXT, RXV)
EZGO gas carts (like the TXT and RXV) often have a small metal rod with a nut. This is the governor rod.
1. Find the Governor Rod: It’s usually near the rear axle. It goes from the clutch area to the carburetor.
2. Locate the Nut: There’s a small 10mm nut on this rod. It might be under a spring or near a pivot point.
3. Tighten the Nut: Use a wrench to turn this nut clockwise. Turn it a little bit at a time, maybe a quarter turn. This puts more tension on the governor spring. This allows the engine to spin faster before the governor kicks in.
4. Test: Drive your cart after each small turn of the nut. See if you like the new speed. Do not overtighten. Too tight can cause engine problems.
5. Optional: Zip Tie Bypass: For more speed, some people bypass the governor completely. Find the governor arm that connects to the carburetor. Zip tie it so it cannot move. This keeps the throttle wide open. Be very careful. This can over-rev your engine and break it. Only do this if you know the risks. This is a golf cart speed restrictor bypass.
EZGO Electric Carts
EZGO electric carts (like the TXT and RXV Electric) do not have a governor you can adjust with a wrench. Their speed is set by the controller.
* Controller Upgrade: The best way to make an electric EZGO faster is to buy a new, higher-amp controller. This controller sends more power to the motor. This is a major golf cart performance upgrade.
* Freedom Chip (EZGO RXV): Some EZGO RXV electric carts can use a “Freedom Chip.” This chip changes the controller settings. It makes the cart go faster, often up to 19 mph. This is usually installed by a dealer.
* Speed Sensor Bypass: For some older models, you might find a speed sensor wire. Cutting or bypassing this wire might remove a speed limit. This can be risky. It can cause the controller to overheat or fail. Research your specific model very carefully.
Club Car Golf Carts: Speeding Up
Club Car is another popular brand. Their gas and electric carts also need different ways to get more speed. This is for Club Car governor removal or adjustment.
Club Car Gas Carts (DS, Precedent)
Club Car gas models (like the DS and Precedent) have a similar governor to EZGO.
1. Find the Governor Assembly: Look near the rear axle. There’s a lever that connects to a cable that goes to the carburetor. This is the governor arm.
2. Locate the Spring and Rod: You will see a spring on a threaded rod. This rod is part of the governor.
3. Tighten the Nut: Find the 10mm nut on this threaded rod. Turn it clockwise. Turn it in small steps (a quarter turn). This adds tension. It lets the engine rev higher before the governor acts.
4. Test Drive: Always test the cart after a small change. Do not go too far.
5. Governor Arm Adjustment (Advanced): On some Club Car models, you can adjust the governor arm’s position on the input shaft. This is a trickier adjustment. It changes how much the arm moves the throttle. It requires more skill. This is a golf cart speed restrictor bypass.
6. Bypass Cable (Extreme): Some people remove the governor cable entirely. They run a direct cable from the pedal to the carburetor. This removes all speed limits. This is very risky and not advised for most. It can blow your engine.
Club Car Electric Carts
Club Car electric carts (DS, Precedent) are like EZGO electric carts. Their speed is set by the controller.
* Speed Code: Club Car Precedent electric carts often use a “Speed Code.” This is a software setting in the controller. A Club Car dealer can change this setting for you. This code can increase the top speed from 12 mph to 19 mph.
* Upgrade Controller: Just like with EZGO, upgrading to a higher-amp aftermarket controller is a big step. It lets your motor get more power. This is a major golf cart performance upgrade.
* High-Speed Motor: You can also replace the motor with a “high-speed” motor. This motor is designed to spin faster. This will increase golf cart top speed.
* Battery Upgrade: Better batteries (e.g., lithium) can give a more steady power flow. This can also help overall speed and power.
Yamaha Golf Carts: Getting More Speed
Yamaha golf carts are also very good. They have their own ways to adjust the speed. This is for Yamaha golf cart speed mod.
Yamaha Gas Carts (G-Series, Drive)
Yamaha gas carts (like the G-Series and Drive models) have a slightly different governor setup.
1. Find the Governor Spring: On Yamaha gas carts, the governor spring is usually on the throttle linkage. It connects the throttle pedal to the carburetor.
2. Locate the Governor Linkage: Follow the throttle cable from the pedal. It will go to a lever assembly. This is where the governor parts are.
3. Tighten the Spring: There is often a nut or a bolt that controls the tension on the governor spring. Tighten this nut or bolt. This makes the spring stronger. It lets the engine rev higher.
4. Bend the Tab (Specific Models): Some Yamaha models have a metal tab on the governor arm. You can gently bend this tab. Bend it away from the spring. This will stretch the spring. It will allow more speed.
5. Remove Governor Cable (Extreme): Some users remove the governor cable entirely from the engine side. They then tie off the throttle cable directly to the carburetor arm. This removes all speed limits. This is highly risky. It can over-rev the engine and break it. Only do this if you understand the huge risks. This is a golf cart speed restrictor bypass.
Yamaha Electric Carts
Yamaha electric carts are like other electric carts. Their speed comes from the controller and motor.
* Controller Settings: Newer Yamaha electric carts often have programmable controllers. A Yamaha dealer or a special tool can change the settings. This can increase golf cart top speed.
* Aftermarket Controller: Replacing the stock controller with a higher-amp model is a common way to get more speed. This gives the motor more power. This is a key golf cart performance upgrade.
* High-Speed Motor/Gears: For major speed gains, you can change the motor. Or you can change the gears in the rear axle. High-speed gears make the wheels spin faster for each engine rotation.
* Upgrade Wiring: Thicker wires (gauge wires) from the batteries to the controller can also help. They let more power flow with less heat.
Other Ways to Make Your Cart Faster
Adjusting the governor is just one way. There are many other golf cart performance upgrade options to how to make golf cart faster. These can give you more speed and power.
Better Tires
- Tire Size: Larger diameter tires will make your cart go faster at the same engine RPM. Each rotation of the wheel covers more ground.
- Pros: Simple, no engine work.
- Cons: Can affect handling, may need a lift kit, changes gear ratio.
- Tire Type: Road tires have less grip than off-road tires. This means less friction and more speed on smooth ground.
Clutch Tweaks (Gas Carts)
The clutch helps your cart go from slow to fast.
* Springs: Changing the springs in your clutch (drive and driven clutch) can change how it engages. Stiffer springs can allow higher RPMs before the cart starts to move. This means more power from the start.
* Weights: Changing the weights in the drive clutch can also affect speed. Lighter weights can allow the engine to rev higher, giving more top speed. This works with the adjust golf cart governor change.
Engine or Motor Upgrades
This is a big step for how to make golf cart faster.
* Gas Engine: You can replace your old engine with a bigger, more powerful one. For example, some people put car engines (like a Honda GX200) into golf carts. This is a very complex job.
* Electric Motor: You can replace your stock electric motor with a “high-speed” or “high-torque” motor. High-speed motors are designed for more top speed. High-torque motors are better for hills and heavy loads.
Controller and Solenoid Upgrades (Electric Carts)
This is key for electric cart speed.
* Controller: The controller is like the brain. A higher-amp controller sends more power to the motor. This is the biggest upgrade for electric cart speed. It works like a golf cart speed increase.
* Solenoid: The solenoid is a large switch. When you upgrade your controller, you often need a stronger solenoid. This handles the extra power.
Battery Power Boost (Electric Carts)
- Voltage: Most golf carts are 36V or 48V. You can upgrade to higher voltage (e.g., 48V to 72V). This needs a new controller and often a new motor. Higher voltage means more speed.
- Amp Hours (Ah): Batteries with higher Ah ratings last longer. They also give more steady power. Lithium batteries are a popular upgrade. They are lighter and give more power.
Gear Changes
- High-Speed Gears: Your golf cart’s rear axle has gears. You can change these gears. High-speed gears make the wheels spin faster for every turn of the motor. This will increase golf cart top speed.
- Pros: Big speed gain.
- Cons: Less torque (power for hills), complex to install, expensive. This is a true golf cart speed restrictor bypass by mechanical means.
After the Changes: Care and Upkeep
When you make your golf cart faster, you put more stress on it. This means you need to do more care and upkeep.
* Check often: Look at your tires, brakes, and steering more often. Higher speeds mean more wear.
* Oil changes: For gas carts, change your oil more often. The engine works harder.
* Battery checks: For electric carts, check your batteries often. Make sure they are charging well. High speeds drain them faster.
* Listen to your cart: If you hear strange noises, or if it feels different, stop driving it. Check for problems.
* Professional help: If you are not sure about a repair, ask a pro. It is better to be safe.
| Component | Impact of Speed Increase | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | More wear, longer stop distance | Check pads/shoes often, fluid |
| Tires | Faster wear, heat buildup | Check pressure, tread depth |
| Steering | More stress on joints | Check for looseness, grease |
| Engine/Motor | Higher temps, faster wear | Oil changes (gas), cooling (electric) |
| Drivetrain | More strain on gears, clutches | Check for leaks, unusual noise |
| Suspension | Rougher ride, wear on shocks | Check shocks, springs, bushings |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to remove the governor?
Removing or adjusting the governor makes your cart faster. This makes it less safe. Brakes might not stop it fast enough. Steering might be harder. Your cart could tip over. Always drive slowly at first.
How much faster will my golf cart go?
This depends on your cart and the changes you make. Small adjustments might add 2-5 mph. Full bypass or upgrades can add 5-15 mph or more. For gas carts, top speed might go from 12-15 mph to 18-25 mph. Electric carts can go from 12-15 mph to 19-25 mph with upgrades.
Will removing the governor void my warranty?
Yes, almost always. Golf cart makers do not want you to change their carts. If you change the governor, they will likely not fix your cart for free.
Are there downsides to removing the governor?
Yes. Your cart will use more gas or battery power. Parts will wear out faster. It is less safe. It might not be legal on all roads or golf courses.
What’s the difference between gas and electric cart speed mods?
Gas carts have a mechanical governor. You adjust springs or cables. Electric carts have an electronic controller. You change settings or upgrade parts like the controller, motor, or batteries. Electric carts often need expensive part changes for big speed gains.
Conclusion
Making your golf cart faster by changing its governor is a popular move. You can get a golf cart speed increase. You can bypass golf cart speed limiter parts. You can adjust golf cart governor settings. But remember that safety should always be your top concern. Know your cart model, whether it’s an EZGO, Club Car, or Yamaha golf cart. Each has specific ways to do a speed mod.
Start with small changes. Always test your cart carefully. If you want a major golf cart performance upgrade, like changing the engine or motor, it’s often best to get help from a pro. A faster cart is fun. But a safe cart is the most important thing. Drive smart. Enjoy your ride.