You can make a golf cart go faster by changing its parts or settings. This often means upgrading key components. For electric carts, you might boost the battery, change the controller, or get a new motor. For gas carts, you can adjust the governor or improve the engine. These golf cart speed upgrade steps work for most carts. Getting more electric golf cart performance needs different steps than gas golf cart speed modifications.
Let’s look at how to get more speed. We will cover both electric and gas carts. Safety is always first. Always know what you are doing before you start.
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Grasping Golf Cart Speed
Before we speed up a golf cart, let’s learn how it works. A golf cart’s speed comes from its power system. Electric carts use batteries, a controller, and a motor. Gas carts use an engine, a governor, and a clutch. Each part plays a role in how fast your cart can go.
How Electric Golf Carts Get Speed
Electric golf carts get power from batteries. This power goes through a controller. The controller tells the motor how much power to use. The motor then spins the wheels. More power often means more speed.
How Gas Golf Carts Get Speed
Gas golf carts use an engine. The engine burns fuel to make power. A part called a governor limits the engine’s speed. This keeps the cart from going too fast. The clutch helps send power from the engine to the wheels.
Boosting Electric Golf Cart Performance
Making an electric golf cart faster involves several steps. Each step can add a little more speed. Doing a few steps together can make a big difference.
Enhancing the Battery System
Batteries are the power source. More power from batteries can mean more speed.
Golf Cart Battery Upgrades for Speed
Changing your batteries is a big step. Most golf carts use 36-volt or 48-volt systems. Going to a higher voltage often makes the cart faster.
- Move to 48 Volts from 36 Volts: If your cart is 36 volts, changing to 48 volts helps a lot. You will need new 8-volt batteries (six of them) instead of 6-volt batteries (six of them). You may also need a new charger and controller. This change brings more power to the motor.
- Move to Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium batteries are lighter. They also hold a steady voltage longer. This can give your cart more zip and a better top speed. They cost more upfront. But they last longer and need less care. They are a good golf cart battery upgrades for speed choice.
Checking Battery Cables
Thin or old battery cables can stop power flow. Thick cables carry power better. Upgrading to thicker cables (like 4-gauge or 2-gauge) helps more power reach the motor. This makes the cart run better and can add a little speed.
Golf Cart Controller Upgrade
The controller is like the cart’s brain. It controls how much power the motor gets.
Installing a Higher-Amp Controller
Factory controllers often limit power. A higher-amp controller sends more power to the motor. This makes the motor spin faster and with more force. This is one of the best golf cart controller upgrade steps.
- Choosing a Controller: Look for controllers rated at 400 amps or more. Brands like Alltrax or Curtis make good ones. Make sure the controller matches your motor and battery voltage.
- What It Does: A new controller can give a big speed boost. It can add 5-10 mph to your top speed. It also makes the cart accelerate faster.
Golf Cart Motor Upgrade
The motor turns power into movement. A better motor means more speed.
Getting a High-Performance Motor
The standard motor might not be strong enough for higher speeds. A new, more powerful motor helps a lot. This is a key golf cart motor upgrade.
- Types of Motors:
- High-Speed Motors: These motors spin faster. They are great for open areas where you want top speed.
- High-Torque Motors: These motors offer more pulling power. They are good for hills or heavy loads. Some motors offer a mix of both.
- What to Look For: Check the motor’s RPM (revolutions per minute) and horsepower. Higher numbers mean more speed and power. Always match the motor to your controller and battery system. A stronger motor will use more power, so good batteries are important.
High Speed Golf Cart Gears
Changing the gears in your golf cart’s rear axle can also boost speed.
Swapping for High-Speed Gears
The gears control how many times the wheels turn for each motor turn. High-speed gears make the wheels turn more times per motor turn. This makes the cart go faster. These are called high speed golf cart gears.
- How They Work: Stock golf cart gears might have a ratio like 12.44:1. This means the motor turns 12.44 times for every one turn of the wheels. High-speed gears might have a ratio like 8:1. This makes the wheels spin faster at the same motor RPM.
- Pros and Cons: High-speed gears give you more top speed. But they can make the cart feel a little weaker on hills. They also put more stress on the motor and controller.
Tire and Wheel Adjustments
Larger tires can make your cart go faster, but there’s a trade-off.
Using Taller Tires
Taller tires cover more ground with each spin. This means your cart goes faster without the motor spinning faster.
- Measure First: Make sure taller tires will fit your cart without rubbing.
- Impact: A 20-inch tire versus an 18-inch tire can add a few mph. But taller tires can also make your cart less stable. They can also make the motor work harder. This can drain batteries faster or make the motor run hotter.
Mastering Gas Golf Cart Speed Modifications
Gas golf carts have different ways to go faster. Most involve changing the engine’s limits.
Adjust Golf Cart Governor
The governor is a speed limit for gas carts. It stops the engine from revving too high.
How to Adjust Golf Cart Governor
This is often the first step for a faster gas cart. It is a simple change.
- Finding the Governor: On most gas carts, the governor is a small arm or rod. It connects to the carburetor. It might be near the air filter.
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Making the Change:
- Loosen the Nut: Find the governor spring or cable. There is often a nut that holds it tight. Loosen this nut a little.
- Adjust the Arm: Move the governor arm. This lets the throttle open more.
- Test and Tighten: Test the cart’s speed. If it’s good, tighten the nut. Do not remove the governor completely. This can damage the engine.
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Important Note: Adjusting the governor too much can harm your engine. It can cause it to over-rev. This can lead to costly repairs. Be careful.
Enhancing Engine Performance
Beyond the governor, you can make the engine itself more powerful.
Upgrading Air and Fuel Flow
The engine needs good air and fuel to make power.
- Better Air Filter: A high-flow air filter lets more air into the engine. More air means more power.
- Exhaust System: A less restrictive exhaust lets engine gases flow out easier. This helps the engine breathe better. It can add a little power.
- Carburetor Adjustments: The carburetor mixes air and fuel. Adjusting it can give the engine more fuel. This can make it run stronger. Some people replace the carburetor with a bigger one.
Clutch Tuning
The clutch sends power from the engine to the wheels.
- Stiffer Springs: Adding stiffer springs to the clutch can change when it fully engages. This can make the cart launch faster. It can also help maintain speed on hills.
- Driven Clutch Spring: A stiffer spring in the driven clutch (on the rear axle) helps the cart shift better. It can give more top end speed.
Golf Cart Motor Upgrade (for Gas Carts)
Yes, you can upgrade the “motor” in a gas cart too. This refers to the engine itself.
Swapping or Modifying the Engine
For big speed gains, some people swap the whole engine.
- Performance Engine Swap: You can replace the stock engine with a more powerful one. Common swaps include higher horsepower engines from motorcycles or small cars. This is a big job. It needs much mechanical skill.
- Engine Performance Parts: You can also add performance parts to your existing engine. This might include:
- Performance Camshaft: Changes valve timing for more power.
- Boring the Cylinder: Makes the engine bigger, adding power.
- High-Compression Piston: Creates more force in the engine.
These are major golf cart motor upgrade steps for gas carts. They are expensive and complex.
Assembling Aftermarket Golf Cart Speed Kits
Many companies sell complete kits to make your cart faster. These aftermarket golf cart speed kits often combine several upgrades.
What’s in a Kit?
- Electric Kits: These often include a new controller, a new motor, and sometimes heavy-duty wiring. Some kits also offer battery upgrades or gear sets.
- Gas Kits: These might have parts for governor bypass, carburetor mods, and exhaust upgrades. Some even include clutch parts.
Benefits of Kits
- Easy to Install: Kits often come with all needed parts. They usually have good instructions. This makes them easier to install than buying parts separately.
- Matched Parts: Parts in a kit are made to work together. This means better performance and less chance of issues.
- Guaranteed Performance: Many kits promise a certain speed increase.
Before buying a kit, know your cart’s make and model. Make sure the kit fits.
Boosting Golf Cart Top Speed Increase: General Tips
Beyond specific part changes, other things can help your cart go faster.
Reduce Overall Weight
Lighter carts are faster carts.
- Remove Unneeded Items: Take out back seats if you do not use them. Remove heavy tools or accessories.
- Lightweight Parts: Consider lighter wheels or aluminum parts if you are building a custom cart.
Improve Aerodynamics
Air drag slows carts down. Making your cart more aerodynamic helps.
- Windshields: A full, well-fitted windshield can reduce drag.
- Body Kits: Some carts have body kits that improve airflow.
Tire Pressure Matters
Proper tire pressure is key. Too low pressure makes the tires squish. This creates more drag. Keep your tires filled to the correct PSI. This helps the cart roll easier.
Regular Maintenance
A well-kept cart runs its best.
- Electric Carts: Keep batteries clean and charged. Check cable connections. Make sure the motor is not dirty.
- Gas Carts: Change oil, air filter, and spark plugs as needed. Keep the engine tuned.
Good maintenance helps your cart run at its fastest without upgrades.
Safety First: Before You Speed Up
Making a golf cart faster changes how it handles. Always think about safety.
- Braking: Can your brakes handle the higher speed? You might need better brakes.
- Suspension: A faster cart needs a good suspension. It helps keep control.
- Steering: Fast carts can be harder to steer. Check your steering system.
- Tires: Ensure your tires are rated for higher speeds. Golf cart tires are often low-speed rated.
- Local Laws: Check your local laws. Some places have speed limits for golf carts. Going too fast can be illegal.
- Experience: If you are new to driving, do not push the cart too fast. Get used to it first.
Common Questions About Golf Cart Speed
Can I make any golf cart go faster?
Yes, most golf carts can go faster. But how much faster depends on the cart. It also depends on how much you want to spend. Electric and gas carts need different steps.
Is it safe to make a golf cart go faster?
It can be safe if done right. Always upgrade brakes and suspension too. Know your local laws. Do not make the cart too fast for its design.
How much speed can I gain from upgrades?
It varies a lot. A simple governor adjust might add 5 mph. A full aftermarket golf cart speed kit with motor and controller upgrades could add 10-20 mph. Some very custom builds can go even faster.
Will making my golf cart faster cost a lot?
It can range from very little to a lot. Adjusting a gas governor is free. Full battery, motor, and controller upgrades can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. High speed golf cart gears are usually a few hundred dollars.
Does speed affect range for electric carts?
Yes, going faster uses more battery power. Your cart will not go as far on a single charge if you drive fast all the time. Golf cart battery upgrades for speed can help with this.
Will speeding up my gas cart hurt the engine?
If you remove the governor or push the engine too hard, yes. It can cause parts to wear out faster. It can also lead to engine failure. Use caution with gas golf cart speed modifications.
What is the best single upgrade for speed?
For electric carts, a new controller and motor often give the biggest boost. For gas carts, adjusting the governor is the simplest first step. But a full golf cart top speed increase often needs several changes.
Where can I buy speed parts?
You can buy parts online from golf cart stores. Many local golf cart shops also sell and install speed parts. Look for reputable sellers.
Should I try to do these upgrades myself?
Some changes are easy, like adjusting a governor. Others are complex, like engine swaps or full electrical system upgrades. If you are not sure, get help from a pro. This keeps you safe and saves money in the long run.
Making a golf cart faster can be fun. It lets you get more out of your cart. Remember to plan carefully. Choose the right upgrades for your cart. And always put safety first. Enjoy your faster ride!