How do you speed up your club car?

[notsoonenough]

I don't live in TV (Yet, hope to some day) but I bought a 05 Club Car and would like to speed it up a little. Not real fast but closer to 19 mph than it is now. It is electric.
Is it a governor that keeps the speed down or am I going to have to change a lot of things to get more speed.
EB

[GatbTester]

A governor refers to a cart powered by a gasoline motor. Your electric has very little that can be done unless you change gears and electric engine.

[ajbrown]

I don't live in TV (Yet, hope to some day) but I bought a 05 Club Car and would like to speed it up a little. Not real fast but closer to 19 mph than it is now. It is electric.
Is it a governor that keeps the speed down or am I going to have to change a lot of things to get more speed.
EB

//*** AJ is not a golf cart expert, but enjoys working on electric carts ***//

What kind of cart, i.e. model? Do you have the serial number?

How fast does it go now? Do you simply feel it is slow or have you used a GPS to measure the actual speed.

Need to assess if it plods along at 13 or it is 17-18? If it is 17-18 it could be battery strength, tire pressure, brake drag, etc.

If 13ish it could be a controller adjustment at the dealer...

[iaudit]

I don't live in TV (Yet, hope to some day) but I bought a 05 Club Car and would like to speed it up a little. Not real fast but closer to 19 mph than it is now. It is electric.
Is it a governor that keeps the speed down or am I going to have to change a lot of things to get more speed.
EB

Don't know about the DS model but the Precedent has four speed codes that can be set (by the dealer at about $100). The highest is speed code 4, which requires a clearance from Club Car because of the liability issue, that allows a speed of 19 MPH. If you want anything higher you have to buy an aftermarket motor such as Plum Quick which costs about $350, not including installation. This disables the regen on the motor, changes the internals of the motor and allows speeds in the mid 20's, depending on battery strength.

[Taltarzac]

Check this "golf cart" out. It reaches almost 90 m.p.h. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w5AYEa284w

[notsoonenough]

I can't tell you how fast it goes yet because I have not picked it up yet. I had it delivered to my daughters house and will pick it up this weekend. My daughter and son-in-law did kind of a test by driving next to it and it was going about 10 mph. That seems slow. The batteries were replace in 08 but I don't know what kind or voltage for that matter. The cart was at a golfcourse in Conn. before I bought it from Tomball golf carts in Texas. I guess they get them at aution. It looks new in the pictures and my daughter thought it was new when they delivered it.
I have a 90 warranty so if there is something wrong I have a little time.
I will report back after this weekend when I pick it to see if I jumped the gun on needing more speed or what.
Thanks
EB

UPDATED
I just got the ser# PQ0537548663 48V 2005 Club Car Precedent w/ 08 batteries.

[Whatever]

If you change the picus on the modat to interact with the joinder it will cause the gearat to spin at a higher gribal which in turn will give you additional spherocity causing the gearmode to turn at a greater ratio. If you do all of that, I can not be responsible for your speeding ticket.

[notsoonenough]

The problem is mine has one of the older disgronifracators and will not allow any extra spherocity without adding an additional modat module. And as we all know they don't give those modats away cheap!!
EB

[Barefoot]

The problem is mine has one of the older disgronifracators and will not allow any extra spherocity without adding an additional modat module. And as we all know they don't give those modats away cheap!! EB

You're in luck. My husband has some modat modules he removed from his motorcycle. Just PM me, they're free.

[EdV]

If you change the picus on the modat to interact with the joinder it will cause the gearat to spin at a higher gribal .......

I was able to compensate for that by installing Disraeli Gears.

[notsoonenough]

I thought about Disraeli Gears but I would like to use all american made parts.
EB

Side note: That was a good album!

[GatbTester]

There are some after market devices to make your electric cart go faster: an afterburner, solid fuel dehydrator, spent fuel rods, and a bottle of 151 Rum.:pepper2:

[macro]

:p Judging from the last several posts, somebody's bar bill at 'Happy Hour' last night was 'way too high. :loco: reminds me of 3 AM conversations after closing.

[k2at]

Someone has been smoking mushrooms!!

[notsoonenough]

I resemble that remark!

[Whatever]

Hey K2, Someone plays third for the Sox and uses the cart driven by Who when hes not playing first. I don't care is the ss but Who Cares (I Don'ts cousin) drives the cart when he is not being used as a utility outfielder.
I forgot to bring it to everyones att. that you should remove the heimerfrizzle before raising the foosfuzzler otherwise you'll be spinning your wheels trying to get to the course.
Bottom line is that you are a VILLAGER, what's your hurry anyway. Don't confuse Anyway with the centerfielder by the same name. Good luck and don't forget to check the batteries. Trojans seem to stretch the useage a little longer as they are of a better quality according to the posters in this or another thread.

[notsoonenough]

At this point I am so confused that I don't think that the speed of my cart even matters to me anymore.
I just wish that I lived in TV now.
I don't wish my life away but I do look forward to that time.
When I finally pick up this cart I hope to put some of this wonderful knowledge to use.
EB

[jazzy48]

Our 2004 Club Car DS came with 8" tires and went around 17 MPH. Hubby put 10" tires on the back of the cart, leaving the 8" on the front. Cart now goes 20-21 MPH. Lots of people have done this. Cheap fix.

[notsoonenough]

Good info. I pick it up tomorrow. Then I get my first chance to drive it. My daughter, son-in-law, grand daughter and wife have driven it all with different views on how fast they think it goes. The only thing that I have is the picture of it and the bill so far. I will check back later with my opinion but the tire idea sounds like a easy and cheap way to get some extra mph.
Thanks
EB

[laryb]

The problem is mine has one of the older disgronifracators and will not allow any extra spherocity without adding an additional modat module. And as we all know they don't give those modats away cheap!!
EBIt's all in the transmission. The solution is a little pricey, but should give you all the speed you need! checkout this link:

http://sz0090.wc.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/turbo.wmv?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=307140&part=2&disp=a

[notsoonenough]

OK, I got the cart and it is very nice, well kept and I feel like I got a good deal. The batteries are Trojan/Club Car batteries and have E8 stamped on them so I guess that means they are 08 batteries. I put a GPS in it and it goes 15 MPH into the wind and 16 MPH down wind. Is that how fast they go? If I want 19 to 20 mph can I do it with 10 " tires. By the way it has 8" tires
.
Can the speed be adjusted with the codes in the controller? That one is for AJ

Also, how often do you need to add water? Is it just check it and see or should it be once a week or???
I also noticed that the charger goes on and off a few times when I first hook it up. Is that normal?
Are Trojan batteries good batteries?

OK, That's enough for now because I don't want to wear out my welcome.
Thanks
EB

[ajbrown]

OK, I got the cart and it is very nice, well kept and I feel like I got a good deal. The batteries are Trojan/Club Car batteries and have E8 stamped on them so I guess that means they are 08 batteries. I put a GPS in it and it goes 15 MPH into the wind and 16 MPH down wind. Is that how fast they go? If I want 19 to 20 mph can I do it with 10 " tires. By the way it has 8" tires
.
Can the speed be adjusted with the codes in the controller? That one is for AJ

Also, how often do you need to add water? Is it just check it and see or should it be once a week or???
I also noticed that the charger goes on and off a few times when I first hook it up. Is that normal?
Are Trojan batteries good batteries?

OK, That's enough for now because I don't want to wear out my welcome.
Thanks
EB

First thing I would do is call the local Club car dealer and get the speed code set to 4. This may be all you need. See iaudit's post also.

Tires size will get you 10-15% by increasing the diameter from 18 to 20.5 inches.

A CC charger when working is 3 steps, needle to the right for 30 secs, needle off, then needle to the right for charge.

Trojan batteries are a good name. Do you have 4-12v in your Precedent or 6-8v? If it is 4-12v CC had lots of issues, ask the dealer their thoughts. I cannot remember reading about a computer upgrade.

Here is a simple battery maint spec:
http://www.usbattery.com/usb_care_maint.html

I am a golf cart hobbyist and at the end of my knowledge, so good luck.... :)

[iaudit]

OK, I got the cart and it is very nice, well kept and I feel like I got a good deal. The batteries are Trojan/Club Car batteries and have E8 stamped on them so I guess that means they are 08 batteries. I put a GPS in it and it goes 15 MPH into the wind and 16 MPH down wind. Is that how fast they go? If I want 19 to 20 mph can I do it with 10 " tires. By the way it has 8" tires
.
Can the speed be adjusted with the codes in the controller? That one is for AJ

Also, how often do you need to add water? Is it just check it and see or should it be once a week or???
I also noticed that the charger goes on and off a few times when I first hook it up. Is that normal?
Are Trojan batteries good batteries?

OK, That's enough for now because I don't want to wear out my welcome.
Thanks
EB

Approximate values:

Speed Code 1 = 8 Mph
Speed Code 2 = 11 Mph
Speed Code 3 = 14.7 Mph
Speed Code 4 = 19.7 Mph

Looks like you have speed code 3 set for your cart. Also be advised that if you increase tire size you will probably lose torque going up a hill, meaning you will slow down.

Be sure to add DISTILLED water to the batteries, tap water will reduce the life of the batteries.

[notsoonenough]

Thank you.
I have the 4 battery system. Is there any body who can expand on the problem CC had with the 4 battery system.
I will check with a CC dealer for the code settings.
Thanks
EB

[ajbrown]

Thank you.
I have the 4 battery system. Is there any body who can expand on the problem CC had with the 4 battery system.
I will check with a CC dealer for the code settings.
Thanks
EB

My Dad takes care of a fleet of carts at a golf course in MA. When the fleet switched over to Precedent (4-12V) they began having premature battery failures, loss of range, etc. He has detailed statistics, I do not.

Trojan and CC always stood behind the warranty, but unclear where the issue resided. I believe both blamed the other to some degree (rumor alert).

Like I said, do not hesitate to ask the CC dealer. I thought I read on some forum that CC has a OBC issue that may have been related to the this, possibly battery overcharging (rumor alert).

[iaudit]

Thank you.
I have the 4 battery system. Is there any body who can expand on the problem CC had with the 4 battery system.
I will check with a CC dealer for the code settings.
Thanks
EB
Club Car had a problem with the On Board Computer (OBC) when they first introduced the Precedent in 2004. If you are handy you can check the version of the OBC by taking off the cover where the Run/Tow switch is located (after putting it in Tow position). There should be a rectangular looking plastic box with a wire running through it. It'll either say V2.05, V2.06, or V3.0. The 2.05 computers were replaced with 2.06 computers when the problem was diagnosed. Version 3.0 is used on later models so you probably won't have that version. If you have V2.05, you definitely want to get it replaced.

The OBC acts like a clamp on voltmeter in that it measures the amount of energy that runs through the wire to the motor, it retains this info and then controls the battery charger to recharge the batteries with the amount of energy that was used.

[notsoonenough]

Any idea what getting the code changed should cost?
EB

[dadspet]

You can get a brand new GE motor for Club cars without changing the controller. It will change your top speed from a high of 19.6 to the low to mid 20s. Cost is about $550 to $600 installed from Masters on 441 across from the Markets of Marion. The increased speed will eliminate the need to peddle when you go uphill and give you a bit more speed when you want to pass one of those 16.6 mph carts a little safer.

So if you just want a little extra ump and not trying to go crazy, I think you will be happy with the new GE motors Masters Carts installs.

While larger back tires might increase the top speed on the level I got a feeling you won't gain anything up hill and might even loss some speed. And BTW I don't believe there is a transmission or high speed gear option for an electric cart only for gas carts (ugh).

[ajbrown]

Any idea what getting the code changed should cost?
EB

iaudit said $100'ish in an earlier post. We were hoping you would tell us AFTER YOU called the CC dealer :)

[notsoonenough]

I did call and he told me $400. That sounded high to me. He said that he sends in my controller # and serial # and they send a new program that he downloads to my controller.
I am still looking for a second estimate.
EB

[TomOB67]

dont waste your money on a speed code change.
First check your batteries as suggested--08 batteries on an old fleet cart and in a Precedent may be very weak. One bad cell and you need all new batteries. this will cause slow speeds and dramatically reduced run times.
Next once you ares sure you have good batteries...call a company named "Plum Quick", google it. Also there is a company called EMP, google thyem as well, but I have had great luck with plumquick.Their motors do away with the whole speed code issue and will get you in the area of 23 - 24 mph. it costs about $250 if you buy it. If you dont want to install it, call or e-mail me and I will install it for you in about 15 minutes...its that easy.
Also as posted earlier. Tire pressure and brake adjustments are crusial. low tires will slow a cart as much as 5 mph. dragging brakes will slow a cart even more. My guess here from a bit of experience...I see 4 new batteries and a Plum Quick motor in your future---total cost about $850-$900. Then you are good for a few years.

for more info than you could ever want--go to www.buggiesgonewild.com

[ajbrown]

I did call and he told me $400. That sounded high to me. He said that he sends in my controller # and serial # and they send a new program that he downloads to my controller.
I am still looking for a second estimate.
EB

:agree: $400 seems way off for just a code change.

I figured a simple change for $100 and you would have what you needed.

At $400 it makes no sense, at that price point you may as well consider getting some new components.

[tamike]

all this silly talk....really now. Just go get yourself a Yamaha gas cart and set the governor/cart speed where you want to(takes about 30 seconds) and you will never have all this nonsense again. Engines last forever, with all the speed and hill climbing torque you will ever need. :)

[notsoonenough]

When I retire and live in TV I will consider a gas cart but for now my use is to drive to my office which is only about 1 mile from my house and I can do it on back roads out of harms way.
I thought that $400 was way out of line.
I restore muscle cars for a hobby and do all, and I mean all, my own work so it sounds like buying a new motor from some place like Plum Quick is the way to go.
It is no suprise to anybody that a guy who builds muscle cars wants his cart to go faster!
I will check the batteries for strength and I know the tires are OK. The brakes seem to be fine but I will make sure they are not dragging.
Let you know how it goes.
Also I sent for some catalogs but none came. How long does it take. Where do you get yours or do you just look on line? I like to sit down with a cold one and thumb thru to see what is available.
Thanks
EB

[ajbrown]

Also I sent for some catalogs but none came. How long does it take. Where do you get yours or do you just look on line? I like to sit down with a cold one and thumb thru to see what is available.
Thanks
EB

http://www.buggiesunlimited.com/

http://www.ddmotorsystems.com/contact.shtml (See if you can speak with Vic about your goals.) I have used them.

http://www.plumquick.com/contact-us/ (I have read that Rob is very good). I have personally never used Plum Quick, but read good things in golf cart forums.

I would call both and ask how they would address your goals.

I wonder (means I do not know :)) if you will have to drop in a new controller in addition to a motor to get the performance you are looking for?

I am interested what you learn....

Good luck and have fun!

[champion6]

Also I sent for some catalogs but none came. How long does it take? Where do you get yours or do you just look on line? I like to sit down with a cold one and thumb thru to see what is availableWhen I retire in TV, I'd like to join you sometime :smiley:

Here are some more sites:
www.cartpartsplus.com

www.everythingcarts.com

www.golfcarttirestore.com

www.tiresunlimited.com

Enjoy!

[notsoonenough]

Boy! thanks for all the websites. Lots of info to read.
I am leaning towards another motor like the ones on Plum Quick. I am going to research before taking mine out. I don't want to ruin a perfectly good cart just trying to pick up a few mph. I need to call them and ask some questions before getting the wrenches out.
For now I get to my office about 1 min. slower than I could with the upgrade so there is no hurry.
Maybe I need to slow down instead of speed up!
EB

[TomOB67]

I wonder (means I do not know ) if you will have to drop in a new controller in addition to a motor to get the performance you are looking for?



NO..is the answer. I have installed more than a few of the Plum Quick motors in precedents with the stock controllers with no problems. The bigger controller is not for top end speed, but for more torque, as in turning oversized tires or for climbing hills with a 4 passenger loaded cart....but then you would need to change out all the battery cables as well. Just do the motor, you will be very happy. And Rob at PQ is very very nice and easy to talk with....just make sure you have a few extra minutes to talk...because he will LOL

[snowbird1898]

I too have had hotrods all my life and currently have a Twin Turbocharged Dodge Viper and after buying both a Yamaha Gas and my wige a Club Car which is electric I checked on speeding it up. After being told by more than one person that I could change out motor in 20 minutes I started researching on how I could save a few hundred $$$ by doing it myself. Anyway to make a long story short I found out that "Club Car" (Cart World on Hwy 441) would get the speed code for $70 if I would get serial # of cart and serial # on controller or they would come out and charge $75 to read it off the cart. Then once I paid and got code I could get them to "program" code from 14 mph (GPS redaing) to 19 mph for $75.

I also checked around and found some High Speed motors ($325) that I could pay someone to change out ( $150 labor ) or I could (attempt) to do it in 20 mins. ( Is it worth $150 for aggreviation?) and use my stock controller and run 24 mph - 25 mph which is sure better than my present 14 mph.

I read the above post and appreciate all the WebSites and opinions but would like to know if anyone knows someone that could "program" codes being cheaper than $75? and maybe someone (local or close) that sells rewound high speed motors.

Just learning my way around here in The Villages and have learned more than once that the people here in this forum as well as SHOPPING FOR PRICES can save you a bundle.

Any suggestions appreciated.




When I retire and live in TV I will consider a gas cart but for now my use is to drive to my office which is only about 1 mile from my house and I can do it on back roads out of harms way.
I thought that $400 was way out of line.
I restore muscle cars for a hobby and do all, and I mean all, my own work so it sounds like buying a new motor from some place like Plum Quick is the way to go.
It is no suprise to anybody that a guy who builds muscle cars wants his cart to go faster!
I will check the batteries for strength and I know the tires are OK. The brakes seem to be fine but I will make sure they are not dragging.
Let you know how it goes.
Also I sent for some catalogs but none came. How long does it take. Where do you get yours or do you just look on line? I like to sit down with a cold one and thumb thru to see what is available.
Thanks
EB

[meridana]

All club cars are not the same. Look up the model # (it's right under the dash) Take this info to a service guy. He can tell you what can be done. Some cars are truly "golf carts" and are very difficult to speed up.
Keep us posted

[Yoda]

A governor refers to a cart powered by a gasoline motor. Your electric has very little that can be done unless you change gears and electric engine.

Engine developes power within. Motor gets power from without.

Yoda

[notsoonenough]

I am having a local guy come out this week to read the codes and, he says, optimize the settings. He is going to get new codes and set it to 19.5 mph and look the cart over to make sure it is all working fine...$100.
Sounds fair to me.
He said he can change the way it excelerates and braking and stuff like that, still learning.
I will let you know how it turns out.
EB

[GolfCart]

Well ????:cus:

[mygpprogolfcarts]

We usually just do the speed magnet, it's the most inexpensive and quickest modification you can do to get another 5 to 7 mph out of your Golf Cart. Especialy if you have a lifted golf cart with the taller rotating mass of the tires it seems to be faster than a cart on Lo Pro's.Weve been selling these for years.



:spoken:

[RayMan]

Interested in the speed magnet...please call me at (786) 326-9375 or please provide me a number I can contact you at. Look forward to hearing from you soon.... Ray

[2Speed]

Do a google search for speed code 5 there is a YouTube video on installing one.

[TexaninVA]

I don't live in TV (Yet, hope to some day) but I bought a 05 Club Car and would like to speed it up a little. Not real fast but closer to 19 mph than it is now. It is electric.
Is it a governor that keeps the speed down or am I going to have to change a lot of things to get more speed.
EB

When I first moved to TV in 2011 I, like you, wanted to jazz up my cart to "go faster." I then attended the Golf Cart Safety Clinic that the VCDD puts on periodically. Various people spoke ... including the Deputy Sheriff, an Insurance Agent and an Attorney. Here's the gist of what they said:

If you modify your non-street legal cart to exceed 20 mph, and you are involved in an accident with property damage or personal injuries, the very first thing law enforcement checks is whether you've illegally modified the cart. If that is the case, several things then happen.

1. Your warranty on the cart is voided.
2. Your liability insurance (if you were smart enough to carry some) is also voided by most companies
3. You are now a juicy target for the numerous personal injury lawyers that practice in FL, and the chances very high that you will lose the lawsuit

In addition, if there's evidence you were speeding (ie > 20mph)at the time, you will get a citation for driving an unregistered vehicle and then get to personally explain why you did this to the judge in Bushnell. He has heard this story numerous times and is reputed to be most unsympathetic.

After I thought about these factors, the financial risk in particular, I decided to stick with my 19.5 mph cart.

[Bizdoc]

You could mount JATO bottles on the back. When you are late for your tee time or otherwise feel the need for speed, hit the button... <tongue firmly in cheek>

[Barefoot]

Interested in the speed magnet...please call me at (786) 326-9375 or please provide me a number I can contact you at. Look forward to hearing from you soon.... Ray

Click on his name which then will give you a link to his homepage. All the information is there.

[OldManTime]

If I'm not mistaken, more than 25 could get you in trouble with the law if there were an accident.

[Barefoot]

If I'm not mistaken, more than 25 could get you in trouble with the law if there were an accident.


Various people spoke ... including the Deputy Sheriff, an Insurance Agent and an Attorney. Here's the gist of what they said: If you modify your non-street legal cart to exceed 20 mph, and you are involved in an accident with property damage or personal injuries, the very first thing law enforcement checks is whether you've illegally modified the cart.

As TexaninVA explained, there are many negative implications associated with "jazzing up your cart".

[DougB]

I was able to compensate for that by installing Disraeli Gears.

Would you need a SWLABR to install correctly?