ONYX Power Builds (What Actually Makes a Difference)

This page is part of the ONYX Performance Guide

This post is the main performance and power build hub for ONYX 72V and 80V platforms. Instead of mixing controllers, motors, batteries, and cooling into one large article, this page organizes performance topics into focused guides that are easier to understand and build from.

Use this page as the starting point for increasing power, upgrading components, or planning a full ONYX performance build.

• Start here if you are planning upgrades
• Use the guide table to navigate specific components
• Each linked post covers one part of the system in detail

Performance Guide Overview

ONYX performance upgrades typically fall into four main categories.

For most builds, the important areas are:

• increasing controller output and tuning behavior
• upgrading motors for higher torque and thermal capacity
• using higher-discharge batteries to support increased load
• managing heat under sustained power

This page organizes those areas into a single index.

Controller Upgrades

Controller configuration determines how power is delivered.

ONYX 72V Kelly SICKO MODE

This guide explains how to safely increase output on the stock Kelly controller, including battery current, phase current, field weakening, and regenerative braking configuration.

• Read: ONYX 72V Kelly SICKO MODE

ONYX FarDriver JAWS MODE

JAWS MODE is a complete ONYX performance system built around FarDriver controllers, QS motors, and high-discharge battery setups.

It is no longer a single guide. It is a structured set of documents covering setup, wiring, tuning, and full system behavior.

• Wiring Harness
• AutoLearn
• Tune
• Parameters
• Calibration

Motor Upgrades

Motor choice determines torque output, thermal limits, and overall durability under load.

ONYX Bigger Motors

This guide explains QS motor options including QS205, QS260, and QS273, along with fitment requirements, wiring considerations, and common issues.

• Read: ONYX Bigger Motors

Battery Upgrades

Higher power requires batteries that can deliver higher current safely.

ONYX AMORGE Batteries

This guide explains aftermarket battery options, including cell selection, voltage configurations, discharge capability, and fitment considerations.

• Read: ONYX AMORGE Batteries

Thermal Management

As power increases, heat becomes the limiting factor.

ONYX Cooling Guide

This guide explains how motor heat develops, how regenerative braking affects temperature, and how upgrades like Statorade and Hubsinks improve sustained performance.

• Read: ONYX Cooling Guide

Build Strategy Overview

A balanced ONYX performance build typically follows this order:

1. Confirm battery capability and condition
2. Increase controller output within safe limits
3. Upgrade motor if higher torque or thermal capacity is needed
4. Add cooling if sustained power causes heat buildup

Each component depends on the others. Increasing controller output without upgrading battery or cooling can create instability or long-term damage.

Where To Start

If you are new to ONYX performance upgrades, this order works best:

1. ONYX 72V Kelly SICKO MODE
2. ONYX Bigger Motors
3. ONYX AMORGE Batteries
4. ONYX Cooling Guide
5. ONYX FarDriver JAWS MODE

This moves from moderate upgrades into full high-power builds.

Quick Reference