How To Take Out A Governor In A Car

The allure of unrestricted power. It’s a siren song that has drawn countless enthusiasts to modify their vehicles, pushing performance beyond factory limits. One common target for this pursuit is the governor, a component designed to limit a vehicle’s top speed or engine RPM. But before you reach for the toolbox, it's crucial to understand what a governor is, how it works, and the implications of its removal.

Understanding the Governor: A Necessary Evil?

Imagine a crowded dance floor. The DJ (your engine) has an unlimited playlist and wants everyone dancing at a fever pitch. But the venue owner (the manufacturer) knows that too much energy can lead to chaos – or, in the case of a car, accidents and excessive wear and tear. The governor is like a bouncer, politely but firmly telling the DJ to keep the tempo within safe limits.

Governors are implemented for several reasons, primarily safety and reliability. Manufacturers set speed limits to match tire ratings, braking capabilities, and overall vehicle stability. RPM limits, on the other hand, protect the engine from over-revving, which can cause catastrophic damage to internal components like pistons, connecting rods, and valves. They might also be tied to emissions regulations or fuel economy targets. Understanding *why* a governor is in place is the first step in deciding whether removing it is a good idea.

How Governors Work: A Deep Dive

The specific mechanism used to govern a vehicle varies depending on the type of engine, transmission, and the year of manufacture. Let's explore the most common types:

Mechanical Governors: The Old Guard

Found predominantly in older vehicles and some heavy-duty applications, mechanical governors are entirely mechanical in their operation. They typically use a system of spinning weights driven by the engine's crankshaft or camshaft. As the engine speed increases, centrifugal force causes these weights to swing outward.

This outward movement can be directly linked to the throttle linkage, effectively restricting the amount the throttle can open. As the engine approaches its governed speed, the weights push back against the driver's foot, making it harder to accelerate further. In some designs, the governor might also directly control the fuel supply to the engine, cutting it off when the limit is reached. Think of it as a physical arm wrestling match between the driver's desire for speed and the governor's unwavering control.

Pros: Relatively simple, reliable, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Cons: Can be less precise than electronic systems, and adjustments often require physical manipulation of the governor mechanism.

Example: Early diesel engines, farm tractors, and industrial equipment frequently used mechanical governors.

Electronic Governors: The Digital Age

Modern vehicles almost exclusively use electronic governors, which offer far greater precision and flexibility. These systems rely on sensors to monitor various engine parameters, most importantly engine speed (RPM) and vehicle speed (often using wheel speed sensors).

This data is fed to the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which acts as the brains of the operation. The ECU compares the actual speed or RPM to the programmed limits. When a limit is reached, the ECU intervenes by either:

• Cutting Fuel: The ECU can reduce the amount of fuel injected into the cylinders, slowing the engine down.
• Retarding Ignition Timing: By delaying the spark, the ECU reduces the efficiency of the combustion process, thus limiting power output.
• Closing the Electronic Throttle: In vehicles with electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire), the ECU can directly control the throttle plate, overriding the driver's input.

Pros: Highly accurate, easily adjustable (through reprogramming), and can be integrated with other vehicle systems.

Cons: Requires sophisticated electronic components, susceptible to software glitches, and removal often necessitates ECU reprogramming.

Example: Virtually all modern passenger cars and trucks use electronic governors, often controlled by the factory ECU.

The Process of Governor Removal: Proceed with Caution

Removing a governor is not a simple matter of snipping a wire. The method varies significantly depending on the type of governor.

Mechanical Governor Removal: A Hands-On Approach

With mechanical governors, removal typically involves physically disconnecting or disabling the governor mechanism. This might entail removing the spinning weights, disconnecting the linkage to the throttle, or blocking the fuel cutoff system. However, simply removing the governor without addressing the underlying reason for its existence can lead to serious engine damage. Without the governor, the engine can easily over-rev, potentially causing catastrophic failure.

Furthermore, removing a mechanical governor can dramatically alter the engine's behavior. The engine might become more responsive but also more difficult to control, especially at high RPMs. Tuning the engine after removal is often necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Electronic Governor Removal: A Digital Challenge

Removing an electronic governor almost always requires reprogramming the ECU. This can be accomplished through several methods:

• ECU Tuning: Specialty tuning shops can reprogram the ECU to remove the speed or RPM limits. This often involves using aftermarket software and hardware to flash new firmware onto the ECU.
• ECU Replacement: Replacing the factory ECU with an aftermarket unit that does not have a governor is another option. These aftermarket ECUs often offer greater tuning flexibility but can be expensive and require extensive knowledge of engine management systems.
• Using a bypass module: Some manufacturers and vendors provide modules that intercept the speed sensor signals and "lie" to the ECU, keeping the vehicle speed reading below the governed threshold. These are less common and can be unreliable.

Reprogramming the ECU is not a task for the faint of heart. Incorrectly flashing the ECU can render it unusable, potentially bricking the entire vehicle. It's highly recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified tuning professional who has experience with your specific vehicle model. Additionally, manipulating the ECU may void the vehicle's warranty.

Pros and Cons of Governor Removal: A Balanced Perspective

Before making the decision to remove a governor, carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks.

Pros:

• Increased Top Speed: The most obvious benefit is the ability to exceed the factory-imposed speed limit.
• Potentially Improved Acceleration: In some cases, removing the governor can improve acceleration, particularly at higher speeds.
• Performance Customization: Removing the governor opens the door to further performance modifications, such as increasing boost pressure or installing performance camshafts.

Cons:

• Increased Risk of Engine Damage: Over-revving the engine can cause catastrophic failure.
• Reduced Fuel Economy: Driving at higher speeds typically results in lower fuel economy.
• Increased Risk of Accidents: Exceeding the vehicle's designed speed limits can increase the risk of accidents, especially in adverse conditions.
• Warranty Voidance: Modifying the ECU or engine can void the vehicle's warranty.
• Legality: Removing speed governors may be illegal in some jurisdictions.

Use Cases: Where Governor Removal Might Be Considered

While governor removal is generally discouraged for street-driven vehicles, there are some specific scenarios where it might be considered acceptable:

• Racing: On closed-course racing tracks, speed limits are often irrelevant, and the removal of the governor can allow racers to extract maximum performance from their vehicles.
• Off-Road Applications: In certain off-road situations, such as climbing steep hills, the extra power provided by removing the RPM limiter might be beneficial.
• Tractor Pulling: Similar to racing, tractor pulling events often require engines to operate at their maximum potential.

Manufacturer Examples: Varying Philosophies on Speed Limits

Different manufacturers take different approaches to setting speed limits. Some manufacturers impose relatively low speed limits, while others allow their vehicles to reach considerably higher speeds before intervening.

• European Manufacturers (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi): Many European manufacturers electronically limit their vehicles to 155 mph (250 km/h). This is often referred to as a "gentleman's agreement" within the industry.
• Japanese Manufacturers (e.g., Nissan, Toyota, Honda): Historically, many Japanese manufacturers limited their vehicles to 112 mph (180 km/h) due to voluntary industry agreements. However, this practice has become less common in recent years.
• American Manufacturers (e.g., Ford, GM, Chrysler): American manufacturers typically set speed limits based on factors such as tire ratings and vehicle stability. The speed limits can vary considerably depending on the model.

Real-World Insights and Recommendations

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to remove a governor is a personal one. However, it's crucial to approach this modification with a thorough understanding of the risks and potential consequences. If you are considering governor removal, it's highly recommended to consult with a qualified tuning professional who can assess your specific needs and provide expert guidance.

Furthermore, ensure that you have taken appropriate steps to mitigate the risks associated with higher speeds, such as upgrading your tires, brakes, and suspension. Always prioritize safety and drive responsibly.

Finally, be aware of the legal implications of removing a speed governor in your jurisdiction. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and you could face fines or other penalties if you are caught exceeding the legal speed limit.