The best way to make a gas golf cart faster is to adjust its parts, change its components, or even replace the engine. This guide will show you many ways to get more speed from your cart. We will look at simple changes and big upgrades.
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The Ultimate Guide: How To Make A Gas Golf Cart Faster
Many golf cart owners want more speed. Maybe you use your cart for fun rides. Or you need it to keep up on a farm. Gas golf carts can go faster. You can start with small, free changes. Or you can make big, costly upgrades. Always think about safety and local laws first.
Easy Ways to Boost Speed
Start with simple steps. These ways often cost little or no money. They are a good first try for more speed.
Grasping the Governor
Every gas golf cart has a governor. It limits how fast the engine can spin. This stops the engine from working too hard. It keeps the cart at a safe speed. Adjusting the governor is often the first step to more speed.
What the Governor Does:
The governor uses a spring or a weight to sense engine speed. When the engine goes too fast, the governor pulls back the throttle. This slows the engine down.
Finding Your Governor:
Governors are usually near the engine. They connect to the throttle cable. You might see a small rod or spring near the carburetor.
How to Do a Golf Cart Governor Adjustment:
This is one of the easiest speed boosts.
1. Find the spring: Look for a small spring on the engine. It connects to a metal rod. This rod goes to the carburetor.
2. Loosen the nut: On many carts, you will see a nut on the rod. Loosen this nut a little bit.
3. Move the spring: Move the spring closer to the end of the rod. This makes the spring pull less.
4. Tighten the nut: Tighten the nut again.
5. Test the cart: Drive the cart. See if it goes faster.
6. Be careful: Do not make the engine rev too high. This can hurt the engine.
For carts with a fixed screw:
1. Find the screw: Some governors have a fixed screw. It stops the throttle from opening all the way.
2. Loosen the screw: You can loosen or remove this screw. This lets the throttle open more.
3. Test and be careful: Again, test carefully. Watch engine noise. Too much revving is bad.
Table: Governor Adjustment Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free or very low cost | Can hurt engine if done wrong |
| Easy to do | Small speed gain |
| No new parts needed | May make engine run hot |
- LSI Keyword: golf cart governor adjustment
Tire Talk
Your tires affect speed. Bigger tires can make your cart go faster. This is like changing gears.
How Tire Size Works:
A bigger tire covers more ground with one spin. So, if your engine spins the same number of times, larger tires will make the cart move faster.
Choosing Tires:
* Diameter: Go for tires with a larger overall diameter. Common sizes are 20-inch or 22-inch.
* Lift Kit: You might need a lift kit. This raises the cart body. It stops big tires from rubbing the frame.
* Wheel Size: You can use your old wheels. Or get new ones. Make sure new wheels fit the cart.
Things to Think About:
* Cost: New tires and a lift kit cost money.
* Ride: A lifted cart might feel different. It might not turn as easily.
* Power: Bigger tires make the engine work harder. Your cart might feel slower to start. It might struggle on hills.
Lightening the Load
Less weight means more speed. This is simple physics. A lighter cart needs less power to move.
Ways to Reduce Weight:
* Remove Back Seat: If you do not need it, take it off.
* Take Off Unused Parts: Remove anything heavy you do not use. This might be a cargo box.
* Use Lighter Materials: Some owners switch out heavy parts for lighter ones. This can be costly.
Benefits:
* Better acceleration.
* Higher top speed.
* Engine works less hard.
This is a free way to gain a little speed. It also helps with fuel use.
Part Upgrades for More Power
Once you have done the easy steps, think about upgrading parts. These changes cost money. But they offer bigger speed gains.
Boosting Air and Fuel Flow
Engines need air and fuel. More air and fuel mean more power. More power means more speed.
Air Filter:
* Clean or Replace: Start by cleaning your air filter. Or put in a new, clean one. A dirty filter chokes the engine.
* High-Flow Filter: Buy an aftermarket high-flow air filter. These let more air into the engine. They are designed to breathe better.
Golf Cart Carburetor Upgrade:
The carburetor mixes air and fuel. A bigger carburetor can send more mix to the engine. This makes more power.
* What to Look For: Choose a carburetor designed for performance. It will have a larger opening.
* Installation: This can be tricky. You might need to change the fuel lines. You might also need to adjust the fuel mix.
* Jets: A bigger carb might need new jets. These control how much fuel goes in. You want the right mix of air and fuel. Too much or too little fuel hurts power.
- LSI Keyword: golf cart carburetor upgrade
Letting It Breathe Out
Just as an engine needs to breathe in well, it needs to breathe out well. The exhaust system lets burnt gases leave the engine. A better exhaust lets them leave faster. This makes more power.
Golf Cart Exhaust System Modification:
* Aftermarket Exhaust: Replace your stock exhaust with a performance exhaust. These are often less restrictive. They have wider pipes. They have less baffling inside.
* Header: Some systems include a new header. This is the part that connects to the engine. A good header helps gases flow out smoothly.
* Installation: This can be a simple bolt-on job. But some systems need more work.
* Sound: A performance exhaust will likely be louder. Check local noise laws.
Table: Exhaust System Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More horsepower | Can be loud |
| Better engine breathing | Costly |
| Can add a sporty sound | Might need re-jetting the carb |
- LSI Keyword: golf cart exhaust system modification
Better Power Transfer
The clutch system transfers power from the engine to the wheels. A stock clutch is fine for normal use. But for more speed, a performance clutch helps.
Performance Golf Cart Clutch:
* What it Does: A performance clutch can engage faster. It can also hold the power better. This means less power is lost. All the engine’s power gets to the wheels.
* Clutch Springs: You can often just change the springs in your clutch. Stiffer springs make the clutch engage at higher RPMs. This gives you more power off the start. It also helps keep the engine in its power band.
* Primary and Secondary Clutches: Golf carts have two clutches. The primary clutch is on the engine. The secondary clutch is on the rear axle. Upgrading both helps a lot.
* Installation: This can be a bit complex. You need special tools to remove and install clutches. It is best to have someone with experience do this.
- LSI Keyword: performance golf cart clutch
Gearing Up for Speed
Your golf cart’s gears determine how fast it goes. Changing the gears is a great way to add speed.
High Speed Golf Cart Gears:
* How They Work: Golf carts have a gear ratio. This is how many times the engine spins for one wheel spin. Stock gears are made for torque (pulling power). High-speed gears change this ratio. They make the engine spin fewer times for each wheel spin. This means higher top speed.
* The Trade-off: With high-speed gears, you gain top speed. But you lose torque. Your cart might feel slower to accelerate. It might also struggle more on hills.
* Installation: This is a complex job. It means opening up the rear axle. You need special tools and skills. It is often best left to a professional.
Table: Stock vs. High-Speed Gear Ratios (Example)
| Gear Type | Ratio (Example) | Speed Gain | Torque Loss | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | 12.47:1 | Low | High | Hauling, Hills |
| High-Speed | 8.1:1 | High | Low | Flat Ground, Speed |
- LSI Keyword: high speed golf cart gears
Buying a Speed Kit
You can buy kits that have many performance parts. These are called golf cart speed kit installation packages. They make it easier to upgrade many parts at once.
What’s in a Kit?
A typical speed kit might include:
* Clutch springs (for performance golf cart clutch)
* Carburetor jets (for golf cart carburetor upgrade)
* High-flow air filter
* Sometimes a new exhaust part (for golf cart exhaust system modification)
* Sometimes a new CDI box (for increasing golf cart RPMs)
Benefits of a Kit:
* Matched Parts: The parts in a kit are made to work together. This means better overall performance.
* Easier Choice: You do not have to pick each part. The kit does it for you.
* Cost Savings: Kits can sometimes be cheaper than buying each part alone.
- LSI Keyword: golf cart speed kit installation
Aftermarket Performance Parts
Beyond kits, many other aftermarket golf cart performance parts exist. These parts help boost speed and power.
Common Performance Parts:
* CDI Box (Ignition Module): Some stock CDI boxes limit engine RPMs. An aftermarket CDI can remove this limit. This allows higher engine speeds.
* Performance Spark Plugs: These can give a hotter, more consistent spark. This helps the engine burn fuel better.
* Upgraded Ignition Coil: A stronger coil gives more power to the spark plugs. This makes the spark even better.
* Camshaft: A performance camshaft changes how the engine’s valves open and close. This can let more air and fuel in. It can also let more exhaust out. This boosts power at higher RPMs. This often means increasing golf cart RPMs.
* High-Compression Piston: A piston that creates higher compression in the engine. This makes more power from each fuel burn.
* Valvetrain Upgrades: Stronger valve springs and retainers. These are needed if you run higher RPMs. They stop valves from floating.
Table: Examples of Aftermarket Parts
| Part Type | Benefit for Speed |
|---|---|
| CDI Box | Removes RPM limit, increases RPMs |
| Performance Spark Plugs | Better fuel burn, more power |
| Upgraded Ignition Coil | Stronger spark, more consistent burn |
| Performance Camshaft | More airflow, higher RPM power |
| High-Compression Piston | More power from fuel burn |
- LSI Keyword: aftermarket golf cart performance parts
Major Power Boosts
For serious speed, you might need big changes. These options cost a lot of money and time. They also need more skill to install.
Cranking Up RPMs
Engines make power by spinning. The faster they spin, the more power they make. Increasing golf cart RPMs is key to more speed. But there is a limit.
How to Increase RPMs:
* Governor Removal/Adjustment: As noted before, this is the first step.
* CDI Box: Many stock CDI boxes have an RPM limiter. Replacing it with a performance CDI box can remove this limit. This lets the engine spin faster.
* Valve Train: If you want very high RPMs, you need stronger valve springs. This stops the valves from floating. Valve float can damage the engine.
Dangers of High RPMs:
* Engine Wear: Higher RPMs mean more wear and tear. Your engine will not last as long.
* Engine Damage: Too many RPMs can cause serious engine damage. Rods can break. Valves can hit pistons.
* Safety: A cart at very high RPMs might be hard to control.
- LSI Keyword: increasing golf cart RPMs
Engine Replacement
For the ultimate speed gain, you can put a new engine in your cart. This is a golf cart engine swap.
Why Do an Engine Swap?
Stock golf cart engines are small. They are made for light duty. A bigger engine offers much more power. This means much higher speeds.
Types of Engines for Swaps:
* V-twin Engines: Common choices are Honda GX630/GX690 or similar V-twin engines. These are industrial engines. They have a lot more horsepower.
* Motorcycle Engines: Some people use motorcycle engines. These are very powerful. But they are much harder to install. They often need a complex transmission setup.
What an Engine Swap Involves:
* Engine Mounts: You will need to build new mounts for the engine.
* Exhaust: A new exhaust system will be needed.
* Fuel System: You will need a new fuel tank, fuel lines, and pump.
* Clutch/Drivetrain: The stock clutch might not handle the new power. You might need a stronger clutch and drivetrain.
* Cooling: Larger engines need good cooling.
* Wiring: New wiring will be needed for the new engine.
This is a big job. It needs good mechanical skills. It is also quite costly.
- LSI Keyword: golf cart engine swap
Going Big Block
A big block golf cart conversion is a type of engine swap. It means putting a large, powerful engine into your golf cart. This is usually a V-twin engine from 18 to 30 horsepower or more.
Benefits of Big Block:
* Huge Power Increase: Your cart will go much faster. It will also have great pulling power.
* Reliability (of engine): These industrial engines are often built tough.
Challenges of Big Block Conversion:
* Space: A big engine might not fit easily. You might need to cut the frame.
* Weight: The cart will be much heavier. This affects handling and braking.
* Drivetrain: The stock drivetrain (clutch, rear axle) might break. It cannot handle the extra power. You will need stronger parts.
* Brakes: The stock brakes will not be enough. You will need to upgrade them.
* Suspension: The suspension needs to handle more weight and speed.
* Cost: This is the most expensive option. It costs thousands of dollars.
Table: Engine Swap vs. Big Block Conversion
| Feature | Golf Cart Engine Swap (General) | Big Block Golf Cart Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Power Increase | Moderate to High | Very High |
| Engine Size | Can be similar or larger | Always a significantly larger engine |
| Complexity | High | Very High |
| Cost | High | Very High |
| Frame Mods Needed | Sometimes | Often |
| Other Upgrades | Usually clutch, exhaust, fuel | Always clutch, brakes, suspension, frame |
- LSI Keyword: big block golf cart conversion
Keep it Fast: Maintenance
No matter how you make your cart faster, good upkeep is key. Regular care keeps your cart running its best. It also helps it last longer.
- Oil Changes: Change the engine oil often. Use the right type of oil. Clean oil keeps the engine running smooth.
- Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter regularly. A dirty filter makes the engine work harder. It reduces power.
- Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure weekly. Proper pressure makes tires last longer. It also helps with speed and handling.
- Fuel System: Use fresh fuel. Keep the fuel filter clean. Dirty fuel can clog the carburetor.
- Spark Plugs: Check spark plugs. Replace them if they are dirty or worn. A good spark means better burning of fuel.
- Clutch Cleaning: Keep your clutches clean. Dust and dirt can make them slip. This means lost power.
Play It Safe: Important Warnings
Making a golf cart faster changes how it works. Speed means more risk. Always think about safety.
- Brakes: Your cart will go faster. It will need to stop faster too. Stock brakes might not be enough. Upgrade your brakes for more stopping power. This is very important for engine swaps.
- Suspension and Steering: At higher speeds, carts can be shaky. The stock suspension might not handle it well. You might need stronger springs or shocks. Better steering parts also help.
- Frame Strength: Faster carts put more stress on the frame. Check your frame for cracks.
- Tire Ratings: Make sure your tires can handle the new speed. Tires have a speed rating. Do not go over it.
- Roll-Over Risk: Golf carts are not cars. They can flip over if turned too fast. A lifted cart is even more likely to roll. Drive carefully.
- Seat Belts: Install seat belts. Use them. If the cart rolls, you will be safer.
- Passenger Safety: Warn passengers about the changes. Drive extra carefully when others are in the cart.
Know the Rules: Legal Stuff
Speeding up your golf cart can have legal effects. Check your local laws.
- Speed Limits: Many areas have speed limits for golf carts. This is true for gated communities and public roads. Your faster cart might break these rules.
- Road Use: Some places allow golf carts on public roads. But there might be speed limits. You might also need lights, turn signals, and a windshield. Check if your cart still meets these rules after changes.
- Insurance: Tell your insurance company about any major changes. A highly modified cart might need different insurance. If you have an accident, unlisted mods could void your policy.
- Property Rules: If you use your cart on private property, like a golf course, they might have their own speed rules.
Always be a responsible driver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to make a golf cart faster?
It can be safe if you do it right. You must upgrade other parts too, like brakes and suspension. Without these changes, a faster golf cart is dangerous. Always drive carefully.
How fast can a gas golf cart go after changes?
A stock gas golf cart goes about 12-15 mph. With simple changes like governor adjustment and bigger tires, you might get 20-25 mph. With major upgrades like engine swaps, carts can go 40 mph or more. But this is rare and needs serious safety upgrades.
Will making it faster cost a lot?
It depends on how much faster you want it to go. Simple changes like governor adjustment are free. Bigger tires cost a few hundred dollars. Performance parts like clutches and exhausts can be several hundred each. Engine swaps and big block conversions can cost thousands of dollars.
Does making it faster hurt the engine life?
Yes, often it does. Pushing an engine to higher RPMs or making it work harder shortens its life. This is especially true if you do not do proper maintenance. A stock engine is built for a certain stress level. Going beyond that stress will cause more wear.
Making your gas golf cart faster is an exciting project. But it needs thought and planning. Start small. Learn as you go. Most importantly, stay safe.