The Ultimate Guide: How To Make Your Golf Cart Faster!

How To Make Your Golf Cart Faster
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The Ultimate Guide: How To Make Your Golf Cart Faster!

Yes, you can make your golf cart faster! Many people want more speed from their carts for various reasons. Whether you need to cover more ground on the golf course, keep up with traffic in your community, or simply want more fun, increasing golf cart top speed is possible. This guide will show you many ways to do it. We will look at both electric and gas carts. We will also cover important safety points. By the end, you will know how to pick the best golf cart speed upgrades for your ride.

Why Make Your Golf Cart Faster?

A faster golf cart offers many good points. Speed is not just for fun. It can make your cart more useful.

Daily Use Benefits

For many people, a golf cart is a main way to get around. In gated areas or large homes, faster carts help you move quicker. You can get to the clubhouse or neighbor’s house faster. A cart that goes faster keeps up better with other slow-moving vehicles. This makes your ride safer on shared roads. It cuts down on travel time for daily tasks.

Recreational Fun

If you use your cart for joyrides, speed adds to the fun. A quick cart makes driving more exciting. It is great for exploring trails or just cruising around. Many people enjoy the thrill of a faster ride. It can turn a simple cart into a fun vehicle.

Competitive Edge

Some people use golf carts for friendly races or events. A faster cart gives you an edge. Even if it’s just bragging rights, a speedier cart can be a winner. This is less common but shows another reason for upgrades.

Safety First: Before Any Upgrade

Making your golf cart faster is exciting. But safety must come first. A faster cart means more force. Your cart needs to handle this extra force safely.

Checking Your Cart’s Limits

Before you add speed, check your cart’s build. Is it old? Are the parts worn out? A very old or weak cart might not be safe at higher speeds. Look at the frame and main parts. They must be strong enough for more power.

Braking System Importance

Speed upgrades often need brake upgrades. If your cart goes faster, it needs more power to stop. Stock brakes might not be enough. You might need better brake shoes or even disc brakes. Never speed up a cart if you cannot stop it well. This is a very big safety rule.

Suspension Needs

A faster cart can bounce more. It might also feel less stable. Better suspension parts help keep the ride smooth and safe. New shocks or heavy-duty springs can make a big difference. They help your cart handle bumps better. They also keep the wheels on the ground.

Steering Stability

At high speeds, steering must be exact. Loose steering parts are dangerous. Check all steering links. Make sure they are tight and in good shape. A steering stabilizer can also help. It makes steering feel more solid. This helps you control the cart better at speed.

Grasping the Basics of Speed

To make a cart faster, you need to know how it moves. Golf carts work in simple ways. But small changes can make a big difference.

How Golf Carts Work

Electric Carts: These use batteries, a motor, and a controller. The batteries store power. The controller sends power to the motor. The motor turns the wheels. Speed depends on battery power, motor size, and how the controller works.
Gas Carts: These have a small engine, just like a car. They use fuel. The engine powers the wheels through a clutch system. Speed depends on engine power, how well the engine breathes, and clutch settings.

Factors That Limit Speed

Both types of carts have speed limits. Makers put these limits in place for safety.

For electric carts: The controller limits how much power goes to the motor. The motor’s own power limit also plays a part. Battery voltage and how fast gears spin also matter.
For gas carts: A governor limits the engine’s top speed. This tiny device stops the engine from revving too high. Clutch settings also affect how power gets to the wheels.

Now, let’s look at specific ways to add speed.

Boosting Electric Golf Cart Performance

Electric carts are popular for upgrades. Many electric golf cart performance mods are available. They often focus on power delivery.

Golf Cart Controller Upgrade: The Brain Power

The controller is like your cart’s brain. It takes power from the batteries. Then it sends it to the motor. A stock controller limits how much power goes through. This limits speed.

What it does: A new, higher-amp controller sends more power to the motor. This makes the motor work harder and faster. It lets your cart reach higher speeds. It also gives you more torque, or pulling power.
Benefits:
- Higher top speed.
- Faster acceleration.
- More power for hills.
- Better overall driving feel.
Types: Many aftermarket golf cart speed chips are part of these controller upgrades. Some chips simply override the factory limits. Other kits replace the whole controller unit. Look for controllers with higher amp ratings (e.g., 400A or 500A).
Key Point: When you put in a stronger controller, your motor will use more power. This might make your batteries run out faster. It also puts more stress on the motor. Make sure your motor can handle the extra power.

Golf Cart Motor Upgrade Kit: More Muscle

The motor is the heart of your electric cart. A stock motor might not have enough power for high speeds. A golf cart motor upgrade kit gives your cart more muscle.

Why upgrade: A new motor can handle more power from a stronger controller. It is built to run hotter and faster. This leads to much higher speeds and better pulling power.
Motor types:
- Series Motors: These are simple and very strong for hills. They are good for high torque. But they can be less efficient at very high speeds.
- Shunt (or Sepex) Motors: These are more complex. They offer better speed control and can be more efficient. They are often found in newer carts. They usually give better high-speed results.
Installation tips: Replacing a motor can be hard. Make sure to get the right motor for your cart’s voltage and type. You might need new wires too. The wires must be thick enough to handle more power.

Golf Cart Battery Voltage Increase: More Juice

One direct way to get more speed is to give your cart more power. This means a golf cart battery voltage increase. Many carts come with 36-volt systems. Upgrading to 48 volts, or even 72 volts, boosts speed a lot.

How it works: Higher voltage pushes more electricity through the system. This makes the motor spin faster.
What you need:
- New Batteries: You will need more batteries or bigger ones. For example, six 8-volt batteries make 48 volts. (Six times eight equals forty-eight).
- New Controller: Your old controller likely cannot handle the higher voltage. You must get a new controller that matches the higher voltage.
- New Charger: Your old charger will not work. It needs to match the new battery voltage.
- Wiring: Check your wiring. Old wires might not be strong enough for more volts. New, thicker wires are often a must.
Safety notes: Working with high voltage is risky. If you are not sure, get help from a pro. Always turn off power before working on batteries. Wear safety gear.

Golf Cart Gear Ratio Change: High Speed Gears

Gears control how fast your wheels spin for a given motor speed. Changing the golf cart gear ratio change can greatly increase increasing golf cart top speed. This often means installing golf cart high speed gears.

Explaining high speed gears: Stock golf carts have gears that give lots of torque for starting and climbing. High speed gears change this. They let the wheels spin more times for each turn of the motor.
How they change speed: Imagine a bicycle. A low gear makes it easy to pedal uphill but slow. A high gear makes it hard to start, but you go fast once you get moving. High speed gears are like the high gear on a bike. They make your cart go faster at the top end.
Pros and cons:
- Pros: Very effective for top speed.
- Cons: You might lose some power for climbing hills. Acceleration might be slower. The motor might work harder, leading to more heat. You might need a stronger motor and controller to make up for lost torque.

Tire and Wheel Adjustments

The size of your tires also affects speed.

Larger diameter tires: Putting on bigger tires is like a small gear change. A larger tire covers more ground with each spin. This can add a few miles per hour (MPH) to your speed.
Proper inflation: Always keep tires filled to the right air pressure. Low pressure makes more drag. This slows you down. Correct pressure also helps with safety and handling.
Considerations: Bigger tires might need a lift kit. This is a kit that raises your cart’s body. Make sure bigger tires do not rub against the cart’s frame.

Other Electric Efficiency Tips

Small things can add up to more speed.

Clean connections: Make sure all battery and motor wires are clean and tight. Loose or dirty connections waste power.
Weight reduction: Less weight means less work for the motor. Remove extra seats or heavy items if you don’t need them.
Aerodynamics: A tall windshield can create a lot of drag. Consider a shorter one or none if not needed.

Electric Golf Cart Upgrade	What It Does	Pros	Cons
Controller Upgrade	Sends more power to motor	Faster speed, better acceleration	Drains battery faster, stresses motor
Motor Upgrade	More powerful motor	Much faster speed, more torque	Can be costly, needs controller match
Battery Voltage Increase	More electrical push	Significant speed gain	Needs new batteries, controller, charger
High Speed Gears	Changes gear ratio	Good top speed increase	Less torque for hills, slower start
Larger Tires	Covers more ground	Small speed boost, better looks	May need lift kit, less hill power

Tuning Gas Golf Carts for More Speed

Gas carts work differently. Gas golf cart engine tuning focuses on the engine and power delivery.

Governor Removal or Adjustment: Unleash the Power

Almost all gas golf carts have a governor. This is a device that limits how fast the engine can run. It stops the engine from spinning too fast. This protects the engine. Removing or adjusting it is a common first step for more speed.

Where it is: The governor is usually a small box or lever near the engine. It is linked to the throttle or clutch.
How to adjust/remove: You can often loosen a nut or change a spring to adjust it. This lets the engine spin faster before the governor kicks in. Fully removing it lets the engine run as fast as it can.
Risks: This is a big risk. Without a governor, your engine can “overspeed.” This means it spins too fast. It can cause serious engine damage. Parts can break or explode. It can also make your cart unstable at high speeds. Only do this if you know the risks and accept them. You should also upgrade other parts to handle the new speed.

Clutch Adjustments: Better Power Delivery

The clutch system in a gas cart connects the engine to the wheels. It helps the engine give power smoothly. There are two main clutches: the primary (driven) and secondary (drive).

Primary Clutch: This one is on the engine. Changing its parts (like weights or springs) can affect how fast the engine revs up. It can make acceleration faster.
Secondary Clutch: This one is on the rear axle. Changing its spring can affect top speed and power transfer. A stiffer spring might give more top speed.
Aftermarket Clutches: Some people install full aftermarket clutch kits. These are designed for performance. They help the engine put its power to the ground better. This means faster starts and higher top speeds.

Air Intake and Exhaust System Mods

Just like a car, a golf cart engine needs to breathe. More air in and more exhaust out means more power.

Better airflow: Replacing the stock air filter with a high-flow one lets more air into the engine. This makes the engine run better.
Performance filters: K&N-style filters are common. They let in more air.
Exhaust pipes: A less restrictive exhaust system lets engine gases out faster. This can add a few horsepower. Many companies make performance exhaust pipes for golf carts. They also make the cart sound louder.

Carburetor Tuning: Fueling the Beast

The carburetor mixes air and fuel for the engine. Tuning it means changing how much fuel gets mixed with the air.

Jets and settings: Carburetors have small parts called “jets.” Changing these jets can give the engine more fuel. This often makes more power.
Fuel mixture: A richer fuel mixture (more fuel) can add power. But too rich can waste fuel or make the engine run poorly. It needs careful tuning. This is often done along with air intake and exhaust changes. Getting the right mix needs skill.

Engine Swaps (Brief Mention)

For extreme speed, some people replace the entire golf cart engine with a bigger one. This is a very complex and costly mod. It often needs a lot of custom work. This is usually only for racing or very serious enthusiasts. It is not for the average user.

Gas Golf Cart Upgrade	What It Does	Pros	Cons
Governor Adjustment	Allows higher engine RPM	Free or cheap, quick speed boost	Engine damage risk, voids warranty
Clutch Tuning	Better power transfer	Faster acceleration, slight speed	Can be complex to tune
Air Intake/Exhaust	Improves engine breathing	Modest power gain	Can be noisy, may need carburetor tune
Carburetor Tuning	Optimizes fuel/air mix	More power, better response	Requires skill, can waste fuel

General Speed Enhancements for Any Golf Cart

Some tips work for both electric and gas carts. These focus on making the cart more efficient.

Weight Reduction: Lighter Means Faster

Every extra pound slows a cart down. Removing weight makes a big difference.

Removing seats: If you don’t need the rear seats, take them out. This can save a lot of weight.
Using lighter materials: Some people replace heavy parts with lighter ones. This might be hard and costly. But it can make a big impact.
Emptying storage: Take out anything you don’t need. Tools, old junk, even heavy floor mats. Every little bit helps.

Aerodynamic Improvements

Air resistance is a big speed killer. At higher speeds, air pushes back hard.

Windshields, bodies: A tall, flat windshield creates much drag. A lower, sloped one helps. Some custom bodies are made to cut through the air better.
Keep it clean: A dirty cart with mud stuck to it can be heavier and less aerodynamic. Keep it clean.

Proper Maintenance: Keep it Running Smooth

A well-kept cart always runs better.

Lubrication: Keep all moving parts oiled. Axles, bearings, and steering parts need grease. This reduces friction. Less friction means less wasted power.
Cleanliness: A clean engine (for gas carts) or clean battery area (for electric carts) works better. Dirt can cause problems.
Check tire pressure: Always keep your tires aired up correctly. Low pressure increases drag. This makes the cart slower.

Assembling Your Speed Upgrade Plan

Now you know many ways to make your golf cart faster. But how do you pick the right ones?

Setting a Budget

Speed upgrades can range from cheap to very costly.

Low Cost (under $100-$300): Governor adjustment (gas), larger tires, simple aftermarket speed chips (electric), better air filters.
Mid Cost ($300-$1000): Controller upgrade (electric), high speed gears, clutch kit (gas), performance exhaust.
High Cost ($1000+): Motor upgrade kit (electric), battery voltage increase (electric), engine swap (gas).

Decide how much you want to spend first. This will narrow down your choices.

Choosing the Right Parts

Match your needs: Do you need more top speed or better acceleration? Do you climb many hills? Choose parts that fit your main goal.
Research: Look up parts made for your exact cart model. Read reviews. Talk to other golf cart owners.
Buy from good brands: Quality parts last longer and work better. Cheap parts can fail fast or cause problems.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Some upgrades are easy for a do-it-yourselfer. Others are very hard.

DIY friendly: Tire changes, governor adjustment, air filter changes.
Needs skill: Controller swap, motor install, gear changes, carburetor tuning.
Professional help: Battery voltage increase (due to high voltage risk), engine swaps.

If you are not sure, get help from a golf cart shop. It is better to pay a pro than to damage your cart or get hurt.

Testing and Adjusting

After any upgrade, test your cart carefully.

Start slow: Test in a safe, open area. Drive slowly at first.
Check everything: Listen for strange noises. Feel for odd vibrations. Check brakes often.
Adjust: Some parts, like clutches or carburetors, need fine-tuning. You might need to make small changes to get the best results.

Final Thoughts on Your Faster Cart

Making your golf cart faster can be a fun project. It can greatly improve your cart’s use and enjoyment. Always remember to put safety first. Plan your upgrades carefully. Use good quality parts. If you are not sure, get help from an expert. A faster cart is a better cart, but only if it is safe and reliable. Enjoy your upgraded ride!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will making my electric golf cart faster hurt my battery life?
A1: Yes, usually. When you increase speed, your motor uses more power. This means your batteries will drain faster. You might get less range on a single charge. If you upgrade to a higher voltage system, you’ll have more power but still need to match battery capacity to your use.

Q2: Is it illegal to make a golf cart go faster?
A2: It depends on where you drive. Many communities or golf courses have speed limits for carts. Driving too fast can be unsafe and might break local rules. Check your local laws before making major speed changes. On private property, rules are usually more relaxed.

Q3: Can I just remove the speed limiter on my electric golf cart?
A3: Some electric carts have a simple “speed chip” or plug that limits speed. Removing or changing it can add a few MPH. However, this often only unlocks the cart’s full factory speed. For bigger gains, you need more serious upgrades like a new controller or motor.

Q4: How much speed can I really gain?
A4: This varies greatly. Simple changes might add 3-5 MPH. Major upgrades like a motor, controller, and battery voltage increase can add 10-20 MPH or more. Some highly modified carts can reach 40-50 MPH, but these are rare and unsafe for most uses.

Q5: Will these upgrades void my golf cart’s warranty?
A5: Yes, almost certainly. Any aftermarket modification to your golf cart’s power system will likely void its factory warranty. Be aware of this before you start making changes.

Q6: What is the most important safety upgrade to do when increasing speed?
A6: Upgrading your brakes is the most important safety step. A cart that goes faster must be able to stop faster. Stock brakes are not designed for high speeds. Consider heavier duty brake shoes or a disc brake kit.