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The Ultimate Guide: How To Increase Speed On A Golf Cart
Can you make your golf cart faster? Yes, you certainly can! Many golf cart owners want more speed. They wish their cart could go faster on the course or around the neighborhood. What makes a golf cart go faster? It depends on many things. These include the power source, the motor, and even the size of the tires. We will show you how to boost your golf cart’s speed safely and effectively. This guide covers both electric and gas carts. We will look at different ways to get more speed.
Grasping Your Golf Cart’s Speed Limit
Every golf cart has a set speed. Factories build them for safety and normal use. Most carts go about 12 to 15 miles per hour (mph). This speed works well for golf courses. But sometimes, you want more. You might use your cart for errands or fun rides. Then, a faster speed is a plus.
Speed limits come from how the cart is built. For electric carts, it’s about the battery, motor, and controller. For gas carts, it’s about the engine’s power and how it gets that power. Knowing these basics helps you pick the right upgrades.
Boosting Electric Golf Cart Performance
Electric golf carts are popular. They are quiet and clean. Making them faster often means giving them more power. This can be done in a few key ways.
Power Source Enhancement
The power source is key for electric carts. More power usually means more speed.
Golf Cart Battery Voltage Boost
This is one of the best ways to get more speed. Most golf carts run on 36-volt (36V) or 48-volt (48V) systems. Going from 36V to 48V, or 48V to 72V, adds a lot of power. This extra power directly increases your cart’s top speed.
- 36V Systems: These are common in older carts. They offer basic speed.
- 48V Systems: Many newer carts use 48V. They give better speed and power.
- 72V Systems: These are for high-performance carts. They offer the most speed.
When you raise the voltage, you must change other parts too. The motor and controller need to handle the new power. If not, they can get damaged. Always check what your cart can handle.
Here is a simple look at voltage and speed:
| Current Voltage | New Voltage | Expected Speed Increase | Other Parts Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36V | 48V | Moderate (3-5 mph) | Controller, Solenoid |
| 48V | 72V | Significant (5-10+ mph) | Motor, Controller, Solenoid, Charger |
Choosing the Right Batteries
More than just voltage matters. The quality and type of batteries also count. Deep cycle batteries are best for golf carts. They release power slowly over time. The “amp-hours” (Ah) rating shows how much power they store. A higher Ah rating means longer run times. It does not directly mean more speed. But, it helps keep the speed up for longer.
- Lead-acid batteries: These are common. They cost less. They need more upkeep.
- Lithium-ion batteries: These cost more. They last longer. They are lighter. They also hold their power better as they drain. This can help maintain speed.
Lithium batteries are a great electric golf cart performance upgrade. They are lighter than lead-acid. This weight saving also helps increase speed a little.
Drivetrain Component Upgrades
After batteries, the next step is often parts that use that power.
Golf Cart Motor Upgrade
The motor turns power into movement. A better motor means more speed and strength. When you talk about an electric golf cart performance boost, a golf cart motor upgrade is key.
Golf cart motors are usually one of two types:
* Series motors: These are strong. They offer good torque. They are great for hills and heavy loads. They are often found in older carts. You can upgrade them for more speed.
* Shunt (or Sepex) motors: These are common in newer carts. They offer good speed. You can often adjust their speed with a programmer.
A high-speed motor is built to spin faster. This directly increases your cart’s top speed. But remember, a bigger motor needs more power. So, you might need a battery and controller upgrade too. Make sure the new motor matches your cart’s system.
Golf Cart Controller Upgrade
Think of the controller as the brain of your electric cart. It takes power from the batteries. It sends it to the motor. It tells the motor how much power to use. It controls speed and torque. A factory controller has limits. It stops too much power from going to the motor.
A golf cart controller upgrade means installing a controller that can handle more amps. More amps mean more power to the motor. This makes the cart go faster. Controllers come in different amp ratings (e.g., 400A, 500A, 600A). A higher amp controller helps your motor use its full potential.
When you get a golf cart speed kit, it often includes a new controller. It might also include a new solenoid and wires. This ensures all parts work well together. A bigger controller needs thicker wires. This is important for safety.
High Speed Golf Cart Gears
Changing the gears in your cart’s rear axle is another way to gain speed. This is a common high speed golf cart gears change. Gears change how much the wheels spin compared to the motor.
- Low speed gears: Make your cart strong. Good for climbing hills or carrying heavy loads. They give less top speed.
- High speed gears: Make your cart faster. The motor turns less times for each wheel spin. This gives you more speed. But, it can make the cart feel weaker on hills.
Typical golf cart gear ratios are around 12.44:1. This means the motor spins 12.44 times for the wheels to spin once. High-speed gears might change this to 8:1 or 6:1. This makes the wheels spin faster for the same motor speed. Changing gears needs some skill. It often involves opening the rear axle.
Golf Cart Solenoid Upgrade
The solenoid is like a big switch. It lets the main power flow from the batteries to the controller and motor. When you upgrade your motor or controller, you add more power. The old solenoid might not handle this. It can get too hot. It might even fail.
A golf cart solenoid upgrade means getting a solenoid that can handle more amps. This is a must when you boost voltage or controller amps. It makes sure power flows smoothly and safely. A bigger solenoid prevents power loss and keeps your system safe.
Electronic Tuning for Speed
Newer electric golf carts sometimes use computer controls.
Golf Cart Programmer Speed Adjustment
Many modern AC electric golf carts have computer brains. These can be adjusted. A golf cart programmer speed adjustment changes the cart’s settings. You can use a handheld programmer tool for this. This tool connects to the cart’s system. It can change settings like top speed, acceleration, and how the cart feels.
This method is quick and easy. But, not all carts can do this. Older DC carts usually cannot. Also, programmed changes have limits. They work within the motor and controller’s safe ranges. It’s often best to combine programming with hardware upgrades for big speed gains.
Enhancing Gas Golf Cart Speed Adjustments
Gas golf carts work differently than electric ones. They use an engine like a small car. Boosting their speed often means tuning the engine.
Basic Engine Tuning
Small changes can make a difference in a gas cart.
Carburetor and Governor Adjustments
- Carburetor: This mixes air and fuel for the engine. Adjusting it can make the engine run better. This can give a little more speed. It also helps with fuel use.
- Governor: This is a part that limits how fast the engine can spin. It’s there for safety. Adjusting or bypassing the governor can add a lot of speed. But, be very careful. Removing the governor can harm your engine. It can make it spin too fast. This can lead to engine damage. Only make small changes to the governor. Many people just do a simple tweak. This can add 3-5 mph.
Air Filter and Spark Plugs
Make sure your engine gets enough clean air. A clean air filter helps. Also, good spark plugs make the engine run well. Replacing old plugs with new ones can make the engine more efficient. These are small changes but help with overall gas golf cart speed adjustments.
Engine Performance Kits
For bigger speed gains, you can get engine parts.
- Clutch Tuning: The clutch connects the engine to the wheels. A performance clutch can change how power gets to the wheels. This can help with speed or how fast it takes off.
- Exhaust Systems: A better exhaust system can help the engine “breathe” better. This can lead to a small boost in power and speed.
- Engine Rebuilds or Swaps: This is for serious speed seekers. You can rebuild your engine for more power. Or, you can swap it for a bigger, stronger engine. This is a big job. It costs a lot. It also needs expert help.
External Factors Affecting Speed
Beyond the engine and power parts, other things affect speed.
Golf Cart Tire Size Speed Impact
The size of your tires plays a role in speed. This is a simple upgrade that can add a little speed.
- Larger Tires: If you put on bigger tires, your cart will go faster. Why? Each time the wheel turns, a larger tire covers more ground. It’s like changing the gear ratio slightly. For every turn of the axle, a bigger tire rolls further. This means more speed.
- Speed vs. Torque: But there’s a trade-off. Bigger tires also make the cart feel weaker. It has less torque. This means it’s harder to go up hills. It also takes longer to get going. You might need a motor or controller upgrade to handle the bigger tires. If you only put on bigger tires, you might lose power.
- Safety: Always check tire load ratings. Make sure the tires can hold your cart’s weight. Also, bigger tires might rub on your cart’s body. You might need a lift kit.
Here is a look at how golf cart tire size speed can change:
| Original Tire Size | New Tire Size | Speed Change (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 inches | 20 inches | +1-2 mph | Minor change |
| 18 inches | 22 inches | +2-4 mph | May need a lift kit |
| 18 inches | 23 inches+ | +4-6+ mph | Likely needs a lift kit, may lose torque |
Reducing Cart Weight
A lighter cart always goes faster. It also uses less power. Look for ways to shed weight.
- Remove extra seats if not needed.
- Use lighter body parts.
- Take out tools or items you don’t use.
These small changes add up. They improve speed and range.
Aerodynamics
This is a minor point for golf carts. But less wind drag helps. Keeping your cart clean and smooth can help a tiny bit. Windshields and tops can affect drag. But, this is not a main way to gain speed.
Safety First: Essential Considerations
Boosting your cart’s speed is fun. But safety must come first. A faster cart needs better parts to stop and handle.
- Brakes: Your cart’s brakes are made for its original speed. If you go faster, you need stronger brakes. Upgrade to disc brakes if possible. Make sure they can stop your cart safely.
- Suspension: Faster speeds mean rougher rides. Your cart’s suspension needs to handle this. Upgrade shocks and springs for a smoother, safer ride.
- Steering: At higher speeds, steering must be precise. Check your steering system. Make sure it’s tight and strong.
- Tires: Beyond size, check the tire’s speed rating. Make sure they are safe for faster speeds.
- Local Laws: Check laws where you live. Some areas have speed limits for golf carts. Also, faster carts may need turn signals, brake lights, or seat belts.
Do not ignore safety. It is very important.
The Ultimate Golf Cart Speed Kit: A Summary
To get the most speed, you often need a mix of upgrades. A complete golf cart speed kit will combine several parts.
For electric carts, the best speed kit often includes:
1. High-voltage battery system: Going from 36V to 48V, or 48V to 72V.
2. High-amp controller: Matching the new battery voltage. This is a big golf cart controller upgrade.
3. High-speed motor: A strong golf cart motor upgrade that works with the new power.
4. Heavy-duty solenoid: A golf cart solenoid upgrade to handle more power.
5. Thicker wires: To carry the extra current safely.
6. High speed golf cart gears: To make the wheels spin faster.
7. Larger tires: A good golf cart tire size speed boost.
For gas carts, a speed kit might include:
1. Governor adjustment or removal.
2. Carburetor tuning.
3. Performance exhaust.
4. Clutch upgrade.
5. Larger tires.
Always make sure all parts work well together. Buy from trusted brands. If you are not sure, get help from a pro. Building a fast cart is a big job. It needs care and planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Cart Speed
Can I make my old golf cart faster?
Yes, you can make an old golf cart faster. Both old electric and gas carts can get speed boosts. Older electric carts often use 36V. Upgrading to 48V and getting a new motor and controller makes a big change. Old gas carts can be tuned. Adjusting the governor helps. You can also upgrade engine parts.
Is it safe to make my golf cart faster?
It can be safe if you do it right. You must upgrade safety parts too. This means better brakes, suspension, and tires. Never just make it faster without thinking about stopping and handling. Always check local laws.
How much does it cost to make a golf cart faster?
Costs can vary a lot. Small changes like bigger tires or governor tweaks might cost a few hundred dollars. A full golf cart speed kit with new batteries, motor, and controller can cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Gas engine swaps can be even more. It depends on how fast you want to go and how much work you want to do.
What is the fastest golf cart?
Some custom-built golf carts can go over 60 mph. They use very powerful motors or engines. These are not typical golf carts. They are often built for racing or showing off. A fast modified street golf cart might go 30-40 mph. This is much faster than a standard cart.