Is a governor delete really worth it?

[Squiddy202]

For some context I have a Subaru EX-21 on a off-roadish frame I got on marketplace. I am in an area somewhere between urban & suburban. I enjoy drifting it so I need torque as well. I normally don't have much more space than a parking lot, so I can't really go ripping around. My dad also doesn't want me going over ~25mph. I am not sure if the work to delete my governor is worth it. I am soon going to put a smaller drive sprocket on the axle as it only goes around 12-15 currently. For context, the EX-21 claims to have 7hp. I know a definite answer is impossible, but what would you do in your situation? What are the pros & cons?

Thanks,
Squid

 

[Edwin Spangler]

Youre looking at it the wrong way, I think. Gov delete doesnt automatically make it faster and it doesnt give it any more power. It allows the engine to rev higher IF you have enough power. The gov job is to maintain an RPM of 3600(industry standard for equipment)at full throttle.

In your case, it sounds like a Gov delete would get you a few more MPH. Does it sound like the engine gets to full speed as is?

Its surely worth it just to learn what you learn, opening the engine. Youll be more familiar later when you are allowed to modify it more and go faster.

EDIT: Also, things break and go boom (and hurt people sometimes) when spun faster than there were designed to........

ANOTHER EDIT: If your dad doesnt want you going over 25MPH, he probably doesnt want you to do something potentially much more dangerous.

There are still plenty of ways to add power without removing the GOV.

 

[Squiddy202]

Youre looking at it the wrong way, I think. Gov delete doesnt automatically make it faster and it doesnt give it any more power. It allows the engine to rev higher IF you have enough power. The gov job is to maintain an RPM of 3600(industry standard for equipment)at full throttle.

In your case, it sounds like a Gov delete would get you a few more MPH. Does it sound like the engine gets to full speed as is?

Its surely worth it just to learn what you learn, opening the engine. Youll be more familiar later when you are allowed to modify it more and go faster.

EDIT: Also, things break and go boom (and hurt people sometimes) when spun faster than there were designed to........

ANOTHER EDIT: If your dad doesnt want you going over 25MPH, he probably doesnt want you to do something potentially much more dangerous.

There are still plenty of ways to add power without removing the GOV.

Thanks, that all makes sense!

 

[Hellion]

The gov job is to maintain an RPM of 3600(industry standard for equipment)at full throttle.

Well, the governor can be adjusted for a higher RPM, it's just that people don't or don't know how (it's a different process for different engines). I think you need a tachometer to do it properly too.

This is good reading.... if you have the attention span!

Governors, Flywheels, And An Internet Full Of Crap

Reposting this superb article written by Doc Sprocket, from this thread. (edited for spelling ~Hellion) "This has come up recently, again, so I'm going to post this here. What you are about to read is a couple of articles I wrote sometime back, that address the function of the governor, the...

www.diygokarts.com

 

[Denny]

Do you have a CVT or a centrifugal clutch? If it’s a centrifugal clutch it might be a bad idea to go monkeying with gear ratios.

 

[Squiddy202]

Do you have a CVT or a centrifugal clutch? If it’s a centrifugal clutch it might be a bad idea to go monkeying with gear ratios.

Centrifugal, why would that be problematic?

 

[Minimichael]

What size sprockets are you currently running, and how does the engine sound at top speed? Like it's running fast? I'd say look at your gearing for the power you seek.

 

[Denny]

Because higher gearing and your taller tires will not play nice together with a centrifugal clutch. Especially off road or in hilly areas. For that you need a CVT.

 

[Squiddy202]

Because higher gearing and your taller tires will not play nice together with a centrifugal clutch. Especially off road or in hilly areas. For that you need a CVT.

Is that just because of lower power? Currently I have 7hp, only go like 14mph, and my kart is relatively light. I feel like power would be plenty. The kart weighs ~200 lbs. ~300 with me on board. Theoretically it would change when the clutch grabs, but currently it sometimes wants to start rolling when I’m working on it with the engine running. Is there any way to adjust a clutch? Do they make different rated ones?

 

[Edwin Spangler]

Is that just because of lower power? Currently I have 7hp, only go like 14mph, and my kart is relatively light. I feel like power would be plenty. The kart weighs ~200 lbs. ~300 with me on board. Theoretically it would change when the clutch grabs, but currently it sometimes wants to start rolling when I’m working on it with the engine running. Is there any way to adjust a clutch? Do they make different rated ones?

I feel like the numbers youre giving us could be a little higher. A 7hp engine should get that kart going faster than 14mph (I think). Have you made sure the engine is in good condition before going ahead with all the work?

 

[Squiddy202]

I feel like the numbers youre giving us could be a little higher. A 7hp engine should get that kart going faster than 14mph (I think). Have you made sure the engine is in good condition before going ahead with all the work?

Runs beautifully once it warms up. I think I will try and go for the hearing, thanks!

 

[Edwin Spangler]

Runs beautifully once it warms up. I think I will try and go for the hearing, thanks!

What about until it gets to temp? Have you ever had to raise the idle to compensate for the engine dying when cold?

The "wanting to creep away" thing points towards this as you should be able to lower the idle enough so that the clutch doesnt engage.

The clutch shouldnt engage at idle rpm and you shouldnt have to give it gas to keep it running until warm. <- Just a couple things I wish I was told early on....

 

[Squiddy202]

What about until it gets to temp? Have you ever had to raise the idle to compensate for the engine dying when cold?

The "wanting to creep away" thing points towards this as you should be able to lower the idle enough so that the clutch doesnt engage.

The clutch shouldnt engage at idle rpm and you shouldnt have to give it gas to keep it running until warm. <- Just a couple things I wish I was told early on....

I just give it some choke until it gets to temp. It does want to stall out a little when cold every so often. I never screwed with the idle after I brought it. It was used so it is how it was from the previous owner.