Yes, you can take off a governor on a golf cart to increase its speed. This process, often referred to as golf cart speed limiter removal, involves modifying or bypassing the mechanism that intentionally limits how fast your cart can travel. Before attempting any changes, remember that altering your golf cart’s governor might void warranties and could make the cart illegal for use on public roads where speed limits are enforced.
Why Golf Carts Have Governors
Golf carts are built with a top speed in mind. This speed limit is set by the manufacturer for several key reasons. Knowing these reasons helps you decide if golf cart performance tuning is right for you.
Safety First
The primary reason for a governor is safety. Golf carts are not designed like cars. They often have simpler suspension systems and less robust braking mechanisms. Going too fast can make the cart unstable, especially on turns or uneven ground.
Legal Compliance
In many areas, golf carts are restricted by local laws regarding where and how fast they can drive. The factory governor helps keep the cart within the legal speed limits for private community roads or golf courses.
Component Lifespan
Limiting speed also protects the cart’s components. Running the motor and transaxle at higher RPMs for long periods causes extra wear and tear. Slowing it down helps the batteries, motor, and belts last longer.
Locating the Governor Mechanism
The method for removing or adjusting the speed restriction changes based on the type of cart you own: electric or gas, and the manufacturer (EZGO, Club Car, or Yamaha). Knowing the golf cart engine governor location is the first big step.
Electric Golf Carts (29 or 36 Volts)
Electric carts do not have a mechanical governor in the traditional sense. Their speed is controlled electronically by the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) or the solenoid setup.
- Where to Look: On modern electric carts, the speed setting is often controlled by the controller itself or through programming inputs. There is no physical governor to remove. To achieve a golf cart speed upgrade, you usually need to upgrade the controller or use specialized software.
Gas Golf Carts
Gas carts, usually equipped with small industrial engines, use a mechanical linkage system to control the throttle. This linkage connects to the carburetor and is managed by the governor assembly.
- Governor Location: The governor assembly is typically mounted on the side of the engine block. It often looks like a set of spinning weights or a linkage rod connected to the carburetor throttle plate. You may need to consult your engine’s service manual to pinpoint the exact golf cart engine governor location.
Methods for Speed Increase: Electric Carts
Since electric carts rely on electronics, you cannot simply “remove” a physical part. Instead, you change the programming or components controlling the speed. This is how you bypass golf cart speed restriction electronically.
Controller Adjustment or Programming
Many modern controllers allow adjustment through a handheld programmer or a laptop connection.
- Process: Access the controller’s settings menu. You are looking for parameters like “Max Speed,” “Tow/Run Speed,” or “RPM Limit.” Increase these values within the limits of the controller’s safe operating range.
- Caution: Pushing the limits too far can cause the controller to overheat and fail prematurely.
Installing a Speed Chip or Upgrade Kit
Some manufacturers offer specific speed chips or upgrade kits designed to alter the controller’s output signals.
- What it Does: A golf cart speed chip installation often fools the controller into thinking the motor is running slower than it actually is, allowing it to draw more power or maintain higher speeds longer.
- Benefit: This is a straightforward way to achieve a golf cart speed upgrade without deep programming knowledge.
Upgrading the Controller
For the most significant speed increase, replacing the existing speed controller with a higher amperage, high-speed model is the best route.
- Trade-off: Higher amperage means more power but significantly reduces your battery range unless you also upgrade your battery bank.
Methods for Speed Increase: Gas Carts
Gas golf carts present two primary ways to increase speed: mechanical governor manipulation or replacement of internal engine parts.
Method 1: Adjusting the Mechanical Governor
This method seeks to keep the governor mechanism in place but tells it to allow the throttle to open wider before it kicks in to slow things down.
How to Adjust the Governor on a Gas Cart
This involves adjusting the linkage connecting the throttle pedal to the carburetor via the governor arm.
- Access the Engine: Open the engine compartment. Locate the governor assembly attached to the engine block.
- Identify Linkage: Trace the rods connecting the throttle cable, the governor arm, and the carburetor butterfly valve.
- Adjust Tension (If Applicable): Some older governors have an adjustment screw that changes the tension on the internal weights. Tightening this might delay the governor’s action.
- Altering Linkage Length: This is the most common technique to disengage golf cart governor action slightly. You need to shorten the distance the governor arm moves before it restricts the throttle.
- Warning: Do this very carefully. If you shorten the rod too much, the governor might not be able to intervene at all, leading to engine over-speeding and potential catastrophic failure.
Method 2: Physically Removing or Disabling the Governor
To completely bypass golf cart speed restriction mechanically, you can disable the linkage entirely.
How to Remove Governor from EZGO (Gas Models)
For many older EZGO models with Robin engines, the goal is often to isolate the governor arm from the carburetor linkage.
- Step 1: Locate and Stabilize: Find the governor arm connected to the engine. Mark its current resting position.
- Step 2: Disconnect Linkage: Carefully disconnect the rod that runs from the governor assembly to the throttle linkage on the carburetor.
- Step 3: Lock the Throttle: Once disconnected, you must manually set the throttle to the fully open position (WOT – Wide Open Throttle) and secure the linkage there. You can use a simple clamp or a custom-made bracket. The governor unit itself remains bolted to the engine, but its influence is removed.
- Step 4: Reconnect Throttle Cable: Reattach the main throttle cable from the gas pedal to the now-fixed throttle plate, ensuring it opens fully when you press the pedal.
How to Remove Club Car Golf Cart Governor (Gas Models)
Club Car systems often use a slightly different linkage setup, but the principle remains the same: stop the governor from controlling the carburetor plate.
- Identify the Governor Shaft: Find where the governor assembly shaft enters the engine case.
- Bypass: The goal is to ensure that the throttle cable directly controls the carburetor butterfly valve, bypassing the governor arm completely. Some owners weld the governor arm linkage solid in the ‘open’ position or remove the governor flyweights entirely if the unit must remain installed.
- Important Note: If you fully remove the governor assembly, you must ensure the internal engine components that rely on it for lubrication or positioning are properly capped or secured. This is generally more complex than simply locking the linkage.
Yamaha Golf Cart Throttle Adjustment
Yamaha carts also rely on a mechanical system. Yamaha golf cart throttle adjustment often involves similar linkage manipulation.
- Focus Area: Look at the linkage connecting the governor assembly to the throttle plate. You need to create slack in the governor’s control rod so that the throttle cable has full authority over the carburetor opening, regardless of what the governor weights are doing.
Risks and Consequences of Governor Removal
Removing the governor is a significant modification. It is crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential problems.
Engine Over-Revving and Damage
This is the most serious risk, particularly with gas engines.
- The Problem: Governors prevent the engine from spinning faster than its safe operating limit. Without it, pressing the pedal to the floor on a downhill slope can cause the engine RPMs to skyrocket.
- Result: Bent valves, damaged pistons, or catastrophic engine failure. This is why professional golf cart performance tuning usually involves internal engine upgrades (like stronger springs or lighter components) to handle the added speed.
Tire and Suspension Stress
Increased speed puts huge stress on components not designed for highway speeds.
- Tires: Standard golf cart tires are not speed-rated. High speeds can cause them to overheat and fail suddenly.
- Brakes: Drum brakes, common on golf carts, are insufficient for stopping reliably from 20+ mph.
Legal Ramifications
If you drive your modified cart on public streets where local ordinances exist, you could face fines or have the vehicle impounded if it exceeds the legal speed limit for low-speed vehicles (LSVs).
Performance Tuning Beyond the Governor
If your goal is just speed, you might find that simply removing the governor isn’t enough, especially on electric carts. True golf cart performance tuning involves a coordinated upgrade path.
Electric Cart Upgrades for Speed
- Motor Upgrade: Swapping to a higher torque or higher RPM motor designed for faster speeds is necessary to match controller upgrades.
- Controller Upgrade: Installing a higher amperage controller (e.g., upgrading from a 300A controller to a 400A or 500A unit).
- Tire Size: Using larger diameter tires increases top speed because the wheels rotate the same amount, but they cover more ground per rotation. Note: Larger tires change the effective gear ratio, reducing low-end torque.
Gas Cart Upgrades for Speed
- Exhaust System: Installing a high-flow exhaust system allows the engine to “breathe” better.
- Air Intake: A performance air filter setup helps the engine take in more air.
- Carburetor Tuning: After removing the governor, you may need to adjust the carburetor jets to deliver the correct fuel mixture for the higher RPMs. This often requires specialized knowledge.
- Clutch/Torque Converter: Upgrading the primary (drive) clutch can affect how quickly the cart accelerates and at what engine speed the maximum ratio is achieved.
Table: Comparison of Speed Limiter Removal Methods
| Cart Type | Method | Complexity | Typical Speed Gain | Primary Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Controller Programming | Medium | Moderate (5-8 mph) | Controller Overheating |
| Electric | Speed Chip Installation | Low | Moderate (4-6 mph) | Chip Incompatibility |
| Gas (Adjustment) | Linkage Tensioning | Medium | Low to Moderate (2-5 mph) | Governor Engagement Issues |
| Gas (Removal) | Locking Throttle Linkage | High | High (10+ mph) | Engine Over-Revving/Failure |
| Both | Tire/Wheel Change | Low | Moderate (Varies by tire size) | Suspension/Braking Strain |
Detailed Steps for Disengaging the Governor (Gas Cart Focus)
For those committed to mechanical modification, precision is key to achieving a successful golf cart speed limiter removal without destroying the engine.
Safety Precautions Before You Start
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Ensure the engine is completely cool.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Have the correct tools ready (wrenches, screwdrivers, locking clamps).
Step-by-Step Guide to Locking the Throttle Linkage
This guide assumes you are locking the linkage to achieve full throttle capability.
1. Map the System
You need to see how three things connect:
- The throttle cable (from the pedal).
- The governor arm (attached to the governor unit).
- The carburetor arm (controls the fuel flow).
2. Establish Full Throttle Position
Have an assistant gently press the accelerator pedal all the way down, or use a clamp to hold the pedal down. Observe where the carburetor arm moves to its farthest point. This is the position you want to lock the system into when the pedal is down.
3. Disconnect the Governor Rod
Carefully remove the small rod connecting the governor arm to the carburetor arm. Leave the governor unit bolted to the engine for stability, unless you plan a full removal (which is much harder).
4. Secure the Carburetor Arm
With the pedal still held down (or having confirmed the maximum throttle position), secure the carburetor arm firmly in that “fully open” position.
- Use a sturdy metal zip tie, hose clamp, or a custom metal bracket to physically stop the carburetor arm from moving towards the idle position, even if the governor tries to pull it there.
5. Reconnect the Throttle Cable
Attach the main throttle cable (the one coming from the pedal) to the carburetor arm. Test the pedal movement. When you press the pedal, the cable should move the carburetor arm to the locked-open position. When you release the pedal, the return spring on the carburetor should pull the arm back to the closed/idle position.
- Critical Check: If the governor linkage was still connected, it would fight the pedal cable. By disconnecting it and locking the throttle plate, the governor is effectively bypassed.
6. Test Run Gently
Start the engine and drive slowly. Listen carefully for any knocking, sputtering, or unusual noises. If the engine sounds smooth, try gradually increasing speed. If the engine sounds like it’s going to explode, back off immediately—you may have improperly tuned the carburetor or are over-revving beyond safe limits for the stock engine internals.
FAQ on Governor Removal
Can I remove the governor chip instead of the physical governor?
For electric carts, yes. Removing or disabling a golf cart speed chip installation usually involves simply unplugging the chip or reinstalling the original programming. If you are referring to gas carts, there is no “chip,” only mechanical parts.
Is it legal to remove the governor?
Generally, it is legal to modify your private property (your golf cart). However, it becomes illegal if you use the modified cart on public streets or roads where speed laws apply, as the increased speed violates local vehicle codes.
How much faster will my cart go after removing the governor?
This varies widely. An electric cart might see a 15-25% increase in top speed with a full controller upgrade. A gas cart where the governor was the absolute limiting factor might gain 30% or more, but this risks major engine damage if the engine isn’t prepared.
What if I have a modern, high-end electric cart (like a Lithium-powered model)?
These carts almost never have a physical governor. Speed limiting is deeply embedded in the software of the specialized controller. To increase speed, you will almost certainly need specialized diagnostic software and factory passwords, or you must purchase an aftermarket controller designed for high performance. This is advanced golf cart performance tuning.
Do I need to adjust the carburetor after I remove governor from EZGO?
Yes, usually. Once you remove the mechanical restriction that kept the throttle partially closed, the engine will run lean (too much air, not enough fuel) at the new higher RPMs unless you adjust the carburetor jets. Running too lean can quickly destroy a small engine.
Can I just cut the governor wire on an electric cart?
There is no single “governor wire” on most modern electric carts. The speed signal is managed by the controller communicating with the throttle sensor. Cutting random wires will likely cause the cart to stop working entirely, not speed up.