Yes, you can take the governor off a golf cart to increase its speed, but the process varies depending on the cart’s make and model. Golf cart speed limiter removal is a popular modification for owners wanting more pep from their electric or gas carts. Disabling the golf cart governor allows the engine or motor to spin faster than its factory limit. This guide will walk you through the steps for increasing golf cart top speed safely and effectively.
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Why Do Golf Carts Have Governors?
Golf carts come with governors installed for a few key reasons. First, it keeps the cart within safe operating limits for its original design. Stock components like tires, brakes, and suspension are meant for a specific speed. Second, many golf courses have rules about cart speed. The governor helps enforce these rules. Finally, it helps protect the motor and drivetrain from excessive wear.
When you decide to go for golf cart speed limiter removal, you are overriding these built-in safety and operational restrictions. This means you might need to upgrade other parts later for better performance and safety.
Basic Concepts of Governor Systems
A governor acts like a speed control device. It limits how fast the engine (gas carts) or motor (electric carts) can turn.
Gas Cart Governors
Gas cart governors often use a mechanical linkage or a centrifugal flyweight system connected to the throttle cable. When the engine reaches a certain RPM (revolutions per minute), the governor physically restricts the throttle from opening further.
Electric Cart Governors
Electric carts use the controller to set the speed limit. There is no physical governor in the old sense. Instead, the speed limit is programmed into the electronic speed controller. To speed up an electric cart, you usually need to change the programming or replace the controller entirely. Sometimes, owners opt for a golf cart performance chip or a specialized device to adjust these settings.
Methods for Increasing Speed: Electric Carts
For modern electric golf carts, disabling golf cart governor often means adjusting the electronics. This is where things get specific to the brand, like removing governor on EZGO golf cart or modifying a Club Car.
Adjusting the Controller Settings
Many newer controllers allow for speed adjustments via programming. You might need a specialized handheld programmer, often called a “handset” or “controller programmer,” sold by the cart manufacturer or aftermarket companies.
- Accessing the Program Mode: Consult your cart’s manual for the correct sequence to enter programming mode. This often involves specific key cycles or button presses on the pedal switch.
- Changing Speed Settings: Inside the program mode, look for “Maximum Speed,” “Tow/Run Speed,” or “Speed Setting.” Increase this value cautiously. Be mindful of the setting limits; pushing it too high might cause the motor to overheat or the controller to fail.
Installing a Golf Cart Performance Chip
If programming isn’t detailed enough, some aftermarket solutions exist. A golf cart performance chip installation involves plugging a small electronic device into a diagnostic port or directly into the wiring harness connected to the controller.
| Chip Type | Function | Ideal Use Case | Cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Chip | Increases the top speed limit slightly. | Moderate speed boost without major component changes. | Compatibility issues can arise. |
| High-Performance Controller | Replaces the stock controller entirely. | Significant speed and torque increase needed. | Requires more complex installation; voids some warranties. |
This chip essentially tricks the existing controller into allowing higher speeds or unlocks hidden factory settings.
Bypassing Golf Cart Speed Control with a Speed Sensor Magnet
Some older or specific models of electric carts use a speed sensor (often a magnetic reed switch) that tells the controller how fast the wheels are turning. By moving or removing the magnet, or by shielding the sensor, you can confuse the controller into thinking the cart is moving slower than it actually is.
For example, when lifting governor on Club Car golf cart, sometimes changing the location of the speed magnet is the quickest electronic trick. Always mark the original position before moving anything!
Methods for Increasing Speed: Gas Carts
Gas cart governors are usually mechanical. Golf cart throttle adjustment is key here, but you must deal with the physical governor mechanism first.
Locating the Governor
The governor is typically found near the carburetor or connected directly to the engine block, often mounted high up. It usually involves a linkage rod connected to the throttle plate in the carburetor.
Adjusting the Mechanical Governor
This procedure requires mechanical know-how. Proceed slowly and verify the linkage.
- Safety First: Disconnect the spark plug wire. Never work on a running engine.
- Identify the Linkage: Trace the cable from the gas pedal to the carburetor. Find the rod connecting this cable to the governor mechanism.
- Adjusting the Stop Bolt: Many mechanical governors have a stop screw or bolt that physically limits how far the throttle linkage can move.
- If you loosen this bolt (turn counter-clockwise): The throttle can open wider, allowing more fuel and air in, thus increasing engine RPM and speed.
- If you tighten this bolt (turn clockwise): You restrict the throttle more, lowering the top speed.
- Tuning the Engine: Once you free up the throttle, you must ensure the engine runs well at higher speeds. This means tuning golf cart motor settings, which might involve adjusting the carburetor mixture slightly (usually a small screw near the throttle plate). Too rich (too much fuel) will bog down the engine; too lean (too little fuel) can cause overheating.
Warning: Adjusting a mechanical governor too far can cause the engine to over-rev, leading to catastrophic engine failure (bent valves, broken pistons). Always test run slowly after adjustment.
Throttle Adjustment and Pedal Stop Modifications
Even without touching the governor, you can often gain a bit of speed through simple golf cart throttle adjustment.
Pedal Stops
On both gas and electric carts, the physical distance the accelerator pedal travels might be limited.
- Full Throttle Stop: Look for a small block or bumper the pedal hits when pressed fully down. Moving this stop slightly further away from the pedal allows the linkage (or the electronic switch in electric carts) to engage fully or even push past its normal limit (for advanced modifications).
- Return Spring Adjustment: Ensure the throttle linkage or pedal assembly returns freely without sticking. A stiff spring can prevent full throttle engagement.
Performance Upgrades to Support Higher Speeds
Simply removing the governor or chipping the controller is only half the battle if you want sustainable higher speeds. If you are increasing golf cart top speed, you must consider these supporting upgrades.
Tire and Wheel Selection
Stock golf cart tires are often designed for low-speed cruising.
- Tire Diameter: Larger diameter tires effectively change the gear ratio. If the cart’s controller assumes a smaller tire size, installing larger ones will inherently make the cart go faster at the same motor RPM. This is crucial for both gas and electric carts. Always recalibrate speedometers or controllers if you change tire size significantly.
- Tire Pressure: Ensure tires are inflated to the correct PSI listed on the sidewall. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, slowing you down.
Controller and Motor Upgrades (Electric Carts)
If you are serious about speed, a simple chip won’t cut it. You need more power delivery.
- High-Amperage Controller: Stock controllers are amperage-limited (often 250-300 amps). Upgrading to a 400A or 500A controller allows the motor to draw more current, translating directly into more torque and higher top speed, provided the motor can handle it.
- High-Speed Motor: Stock motors are designed for torque and longevity at moderate speeds. A high-speed motor is wound differently (fewer wire wraps) to spin faster. This is necessary to utilize the extra amperage from a new controller.
Fuel System and Exhaust (Gas Carts)
To support the increased airflow from removing the governor, gas engines need better breathing.
- Exhaust System: Installing a performance exhaust (often called a “header” or “muffler upgrade”) helps the engine expel spent gases faster, allowing the new air/fuel mix to enter more efficiently.
- Carburetor Tuning: As mentioned, once the governor is off, you must re-jet or adjust the carburetor to match the increased airflow demand at high RPMs.
Brand-Specific Notes on Speed Modification
The exact method changes drastically between major manufacturers.
Removing Governor on EZGO Golf Cart (Electric)
EZGO carts (like the TXT or RXV models) rely heavily on proprietary controllers.
- Older Models (DCS/PDS): These often have jumpers or simple speed setting switches accessible under the seat or near the controller cover that can be flipped to select “High Speed” mode.
- Newer Models (TXT, RXV): These usually require a specialized handheld programmer specific to the controller type (e.g., Curtis or Danaher controller). Look for programming instructions online specific to your year and model to find the “Towing/Maintenance” speed settings and raise them.
Lifting Governor on Club Car Golf Cart (Electric)
Club Car controllers (like the Delta-Q chargers often pair with) are notoriously locked down.
- Speed Magnet Relocation: This is the most common “hack” for older Club Cars (DS models). The speed sensor magnet is attached to the differential/axle housing. By moving this magnet further away from the sensor pickup point, the controller registers a slower speed, allowing you to go faster before it intervenes.
- Advanced Controllers: For modern Club Cars, installing an aftermarket controller (like those from Alltrax or Navitas) is the most reliable way to bypass the factory speed restrictions and implement golf cart performance chip functionality natively.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Increasing golf cart top speed comes with responsibility.
Brake System Limitations
Stock brakes (usually drum brakes on the rear axle) are designed for 12-15 MPH operation. Pushing the cart to 20, 25, or even 30 MPH severely reduces your stopping distance and puts huge strain on the braking system.
- Recommendation: If you plan to go over 20 MPH, strongly consider upgrading to hydraulic disc brakes or at least heavy-duty brake shoes designed for higher thermal loads.
Tire Load Ratings
Ensure your tires have a sufficient load rating for the speeds you intend to reach. High speeds on low-speed-rated tires increase the risk of blowouts.
Legal Status
Most local jurisdictions classify golf carts differently once their speed exceeds 15-20 MPH.
- If your cart exceeds the local limit, it may legally be classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV).
- LSVs/NEVs require specific safety equipment: seat belts, mirrors, turn signals, VIN numbers, and sometimes windshields. Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules before making speed modifications. Modifying a standard golf cart to exceed local limits and driving it on public roads can result in tickets or fines.
Tuning Golf Cart Motor for Longevity After Speed Increase
When you increase speed, you increase heat generation, which is the primary killer of electric motors and controllers. Effective tuning golf cart motor components is vital.
- Heat Management: Install heat sinks on your motor and controller if they do not have adequate factory cooling. For heavy use, consider adding a small cooling fan directed at the controller compartment.
- Battery Health: Faster speeds mean quicker battery drain and potentially higher current spikes. Use high-quality, deep-cycle batteries (preferably Lithium-Ion for high-performance applications) and ensure your charger is rated correctly for the battery type. Poor batteries cannot deliver the high amperage needed for quick acceleration at high speeds.
Summary Table of Speed Modification Techniques
| Cart Type | Primary Method | Key Component Affected | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (Newer) | Controller Programming/Handset | Speed Limiter (Software) | Low to Moderate |
| Electric (Older/Club Car) | Speed Magnet Relocation/Shimming | Speed Sensor Feedback | Low |
| Electric (High Performance) | Controller & Motor Replacement | Motor Output & Amperage | Moderate to High |
| Gas Cart | Governor Linkage Adjustment | Throttle Stop Bolt | Moderate (Engine Damage Risk) |
| Both Types | Larger Tires | Effective Gearing Ratio | Low (If balanced with speed adjustment) |
Final Thoughts on Modifying Speed Limits
Bypassing golf cart speed control can transform your vehicle’s usefulness, especially if you use it off-road or on private property. Whether you are attempting golf cart throttle adjustment on a gas engine or installing a golf cart speed chip installation on an electric unit, remember that speed equals stress. Invest in supporting components like better tires and brakes if you significantly increase the cart’s velocity beyond 15 MPH. Always start small, test thoroughly, and prioritize safety over sheer speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can removing the governor void my golf cart warranty?
Yes, almost certainly. Manufacturers view governor removal or electronic modification as altering the factory specifications. If any powertrain component fails after the modification, the manufacturer will likely deny warranty claims related to that failure.
Will taking off the governor affect my golf cart’s torque?
For electric carts, if you only increase the speed setting without increasing the amperage supplied by the controller, you will likely lose low-end torque. The motor has to spin faster, using the same power budget, which results in a weaker “pull” from a stop. For gas carts, freeing up the throttle can sometimes slightly improve performance if the stock governor was causing excessive throttling fluctuation, but significant speed gains usually require further engine tuning.
Is it hard to find instructions for removing the governor on my specific model?
It can be challenging. You must know the exact year, make, and model of your cart, as well as the brand of the speed controller (for electric carts, e.g., Curtis, Danaher, Navitas). Search forums dedicated to your specific model (e.g., “EZGO TXT 2018 controller programming”) rather than general terms.
What is the typical top speed increase after modifications?
Stock electric carts usually run 12-15 MPH. Simple reprogramming or magnet adjustments can push this to 18-22 MPH. Full performance upgrades (motor, controller, tires) can achieve sustained speeds of 25-30+ MPH, depending on the cart’s frame strength and battery system. Gas carts can often achieve 25-35 MPH by fully removing governor restrictions and tuning the carburetor.