Ezgo conversion project, need opinions

dannytsaturday

Greetings! I'm new to this forum, but was a member on Buggiesunlimited for many years, many years ago ha! I've built 2 carts lately and just picked up a junker yesterday that I have big plans for. Its a 98ish TXT, 36v. I'm going to cut the frame and stretch it, lift kit, etc. I've been researching on here the last few days about all the options including lithium, the 36 to 48 volt conversion I think is the best bang for your buck without spending a few grand. My question is how much runtime/power would I give up by only using 4-big 12v batteries VS. 8-6 volt batteries? I know the price isn't much more to go with the 8 batteries but the 4-12's would weigh less and not cost as much. I'm going with a 500 amp SMP controller and stock 36v motor on 48v. I haven't decided if I just want to do a 6" with 14" and 23" combo or 9" with some 26" tires. I'm going to only be using this cart to drive around the neighborhood to the pool and maybe some dirt trails, no mudding or steep hill climbing. Looking for some opinions, Thanks!

BGW

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scottyb

Hi Danny- welcome to BGW>
Stay away from the monster tires. They reduce torque by as much as 30% and you will be adding weight and reducing battery capacity???
Take a look at how all these factors effect each other & the end result. Biggest mistake I see most people make is too much tire and too much weight. (6 passengers?)

dannytsaturday

Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll stick to the 23" tires. I'm going to make it a 6 seater but there's usually only going to be 2-3 people on it max. I was under the impression that 4 of the big 12volt batteries would be better than the original 6-6volt batteries? I'm talking about the type that are in a precedent.

Andy4639

dannytsaturday

I looked into the 72v idea. I liked it but by the time I bought everything I would end up having more in the cart than I really wanted. Don't want to buy a 72v motor and controller. The security guards in my neighborhood would have a field day with me with a cart that fast.

jfsegar

4 - 12 volts would essentially work; however, it would have a shorter run time and you'd be replacing the batteries sooner.

I have a 6 seater limo with the 36volt factory ezgo motor. It is running 48 volts through it and I have the bandit upgrade from PlumQuick. Currently, it has 8 - 6volt batteries from 2010. When I replace them I may just switch to 6 - 8volt batteries for cost savings. I only drive it around the neighborhood and am not worried about long run time. With my 20'' tires, I'm running over 20mph and have tons of torque. With new batteries, it should be closer to 23mph.

scottyb

The 6/8v weigh about 150#s LESS than the 6/8v. The weight savings are significant in terms of performance. Run time is not much different - I would opt for the weight savings since the more you weigh the more amperage the motor consumes to make the cart go.

dannytsaturday

Thanks for the input guys! If the run time really isn't that much better with the 8/6v I may just to that. Would you suggest the same if I was running a 400-500 amp controller?

scottyb

Yes, but I wouldn't recommend the stock motor for a stretched and lifted cart. It's 2.5 hp designed for 2 people to play golf on 18s. So you will be asking too much of it (even on 48v) in my opinion. Skip the stretch or go for a high torque motor

dannytsaturday

I'm probably going to do the PQ Bandit motor, 4ga cables , Bigger controller, still haven't decided on how many amps yet. Keep in mind this cart is never going to be off-road or up a hill steeper than an overpass, and probably never over 4 people on it.