1989 DS Torque upgrade Questions
 

Hello, I am new to this board as well as the Golf Cart restoration world.
I have a 1989 36V DS with the resistors back by the motor (no electronic speed controller). The batteries are bad so I am going to be replacing them. My sole purpose for this cart is to get me to my hunting spot which is up a fairly steep incline for about 1/2 mile. My question is, what can I do to increase the torque on this cart? I don't care how slow the cart goes, I just want to increase my torque so I can get to the top of the Mtn. As I have been studying the posts on here and other sites, I have come up with some questions:
1. Can I replace the 6 volt batteries with 8 volt ones to get 48 volts? will the stock motor, and other parts handle this?
2. should I upgrade the battery cables to bigger cables? If so, do I replace just the battery cables or other ones too?
3. can I change the gears in it to increase torque?

Mechanically and electronically I can handle just about anything. My only limiting factor would be cost somewhat.
Any suggestions you guys have would be great.
Thanks in advance for your patience and help,
DJ

Re: 1989 DS Torque upgrade Questions
 

The only safe way to increase performance in this cart is to upgrade to a solid state speed controller and while you are at it just go 48v...... the old coils and V-glide CAN NOT handle 48v ~ I don't care who says it can ~ it will melt ~ especially on a 1/2 mile hill .... Good thing you came here and got the real scoop :thumbup: The motor will handle it just fine.

Re: 1989 DS Torque upgrade Questions
 

To increase your torque for a 1/2 mile hill do as SCOTTYB says and I would add the following
#1 instead of going with 8 volt batterys I would just add 2 EXTRA 6 volt batterys ( to make your 48 volt pack ) this will give you more amp hour rating "POWER" than 6- 8 volt batterys. NOTE GO WITH HIGHEST AMP HOUR RATED BATTERYS AVAILABLE EXAMPLE "TROJAN 6 volt T-145 260 Amp Hour" WHILE A "8 Volt Trojan T-890 is only 190 Amp Hour".
#2 replace ( ALL 6 guage cables battery and to F&R and to Motor ) with 4 gauge minimum or better yet 2 gauge welding cable depending on how high a amp rated solid state controller you purchase ( highest strand count you can find at local welding supply store ) Be sure and install a HD F&R switch as this is a point where heat builds up the most on heavy loads like you will have.
I think if you do the previous that you wont need to change gear ratio's because the 36 volt motor will give you more than a stock 48 volt motor does. If you feel that this isn't enough for you I would go to a torque motor ( rebuilt or new ) some even use a multi speed but usually they are for speed more than torque? Check with our sponsors for controller size etc, but be ready with tire size, possible lift etc and possible later updates to get correct combination.
Good luck and keep us posted with rebuild and of course with any questions you might have. PICTURES WE LOVE.

Re: 1989 DS Torque upgrade Questions
 

Thanks guys for the help. Can you tell me from your experience approx. how many feet of welding cable I should get in order to replace everything needed on the cart?
Also do you have a controller that you would recommend for my situation?
One last question. What and where do I need to look for in a charger for a 48v system that does not have an onboard computer?
Thanks for all the help.
DJ

Re: 1989 DS Torque upgrade Questions
 

25' roll will work with about 18" left over.

Re: 1989 DS Torque upgrade Questions
 

If you have lots of time and luck you can hunt around your local craigslists for a used 48v Lester or Yamaha charger.... the 48v club Car chargers will not work for this application. New 48v chargers are also available