Can you make your golf cart go faster? Yes, you can! Many people look for ways to make golf cart faster for use on large properties, in planned communities, or for specific tasks. However, it is very important to do this the right way. Making a golf cart faster needs careful steps and safety checks. We will show you how to speed up your golf cart safely.
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Why Make Your Golf Cart Faster?
Golf carts are great for getting around. They are small and quiet. But sometimes, their normal speed is not enough. You might need to cover more ground quickly. You might use your cart on a big farm or estate. Maybe you live in a community where carts are common. A little extra speed helps you keep up or save time.
But remember, golf carts are not cars. They are built for lower speeds. Making them faster changes how they handle. It changes how they stop. This is why safety is the most important part of making your cart faster.
Safety First!
Before you change anything, think about safety. More speed means more risk. Your cart needs to handle the new speed. It needs to stop well. It needs to be stable.
Checking Your Current Cart
Look at your golf cart now. Is it in good shape? Check the brakes. Are they strong? Check the tires. Are they worn out? Look at the steering. Does it feel loose? Check the suspension. Does it bounce too much?
If anything is not right, fix it first. A cart with problems will be dangerous at higher speeds.
Key Safety Upgrades Needed
When you add speed, you must add safety. Here are key parts to check or upgrade:
- Brakes: Better brakes are a must. The standard brakes might not stop you fast enough from higher speeds. You might need heavy-duty brake shoes or a full disc brake kit.
- Tires: Stock tires are for grass and slow speeds. Faster speeds need tires rated for that speed. They should have a good grip. They also need to be properly inflated.
- Suspension: A better suspension system helps the cart stay steady. It prevents tipping on turns. Heavy-duty leaf springs or upgraded shocks improve stability.
- Steering: Make sure the steering is tight. A loose steering wheel is dangerous at any speed.
- Frame: Is the cart’s frame strong enough? Most standard frames are okay, but extreme speed changes might stress older frames.
- Seat Belts: Always use seat belts if your cart has them. If not, think about adding them. They keep you safe if you hit something or turn sharply.
Do not just make the cart go faster. Make sure it can handle the speed. Safety upgrades are not just suggested. They are needed.
Methods to Increase Speed (Electric Golf Carts)
Electric golf carts are very popular. They are simple and need less upkeep than gas carts. There are several ways to make an electric golf cart faster. These methods often involve changing parts of the electric system.
How Speed Works for Electric Carts
An electric golf cart works using a few main parts. It has batteries that store power. It has a motor that uses the power to turn the wheels. It has a controller that tells the motor how much power to use. It also has a pedal or throttle that tells the controller what you want the cart to do.
Speed is mainly controlled by how much power goes to the motor and how fast the motor spins. We can change these things to get more speed.
The Role of a Speed Kit
A Golf cart speed kit is a common way to get more speed. What is in a speed kit? It often includes a new motor, a new controller, and sometimes other parts like heavy-duty wiring.
Why a kit? The parts in a kit are designed to work together. This makes the upgrade easier. It also helps make sure the system runs well. A good speed kit is a package of Golf cart performance parts meant to boost speed and power.
Buying a kit can simplify the process. It takes away some guesswork. But you still need to pick the right kit for your cart model.
Boosting Power with a New Motor
The motor is key to speed. The motor takes power from the batteries. It turns this power into movement. A stock motor is built for normal golf cart speeds.
To make the cart faster, you can Upgrade golf cart motor. A new motor is often built to spin faster than the old one. It might also be stronger. A stronger motor can use more power. This helps the cart go faster and climb hills better.
Picking a new motor needs care. It must match your cart’s voltage system. It must work with the controller you have or the one you plan to install. A motor upgrade is a big step in speed tuning your golf cart.
Controlling the Flow with a Controller
The controller is like the brain of the electric cart. It manages the power from the batteries to the motor. It gets signals from the gas pedal. Then it sends the right amount of power to the motor.
Stock controllers limit speed. They do this to save battery power and keep the cart safe at lower speeds. To go faster, you need to Install high speed golf cart controller.
A high-speed controller can handle more power. It lets more power flow to the motor. This makes the motor spin faster. A new controller often works with the stock motor to add some speed. But it works best with a matched high-speed motor.
Choosing a controller needs attention. It must be rated for the right voltage. It should also be rated for the power output needed by the new motor. A bigger controller often means more speed and power.
Pushing the Voltage Higher
Most golf carts run on 36 volts or 48 volts. This voltage comes from the batteries linked together. You can sometimes Increase golf cart voltage. This gives the motor and controller more power to work with.
To increase voltage, you usually add more batteries. For example, going from 36 volts to 48 volts often means adding two more 6-volt batteries. Or it might mean changing to 8-volt batteries.
More voltage means more power. This can make the cart go faster. It can also help it go up hills better. But increasing voltage is a big change.
You cannot just add batteries. The motor and controller must handle the higher voltage. If they cannot, they will get too hot and break. So, increasing voltage often means upgrading the motor and controller too.
Also, adding batteries adds weight. This can affect the cart’s handling. It can also take up space. You need to make sure there is room for the extra batteries.
This method provides a strong boost. But it is more complex and costly than just changing one part.
Changing the Gears
The cart’s axle has gears inside. These gears connect the motor’s spinning to the wheels’ turning. The Golf cart gear ratio speed increase is a way to make the wheels spin faster for the same motor speed.
A common gear ratio might be around 12.5:1. This means the motor spins 12.5 times for the wheels to spin once. To get more speed, you change to gears with a lower ratio, like 8:1. Now the motor only spins 8 times for the wheels to spin once. The wheels turn faster.
Changing the gears gives you more speed at the top end. But it can make the cart slower when starting. It can also make it harder to climb hills. The motor has to work harder to get the wheels turning.
This upgrade is inside the rear axle. It can be a bit tricky to install. It is a good way to add speed without changing the electric system much. But it works best with a stronger motor to handle the extra load.
Handling the Speed Limiter
Many electric golf carts have a speed limiter. This limits the top speed. It might be a simple wire or setting. The Electric golf cart speed limiter removal is often the first step people try.
On some carts, removing the limiter is easy. It might just mean changing a setting on the controller. On others, it might be a physical wire loop (like on some EZ-Go models). On newer carts, it might need a special tool or software to change the controller’s settings.
Removing the limiter can add a few miles per hour (mph) to the top speed. It is often the cheapest or free way to get a little more speed.
However, removing the limiter alone has limits. The stock motor and controller can only go so fast. Removing the limiter just lets them reach their full factory speed. It does not add power. It also puts more stress on the stock parts. They were built for lower speeds.
Combining Performance Parts
Getting a big speed boost often means doing more than one thing. You might combine parts from a Golf cart speed kit. You might Upgrade golf cart motor, Install high speed golf cart controller, and maybe Increase golf cart voltage.
Using matched Golf cart performance parts is key. A powerful motor needs a controller that can feed it enough power. If you raise the voltage, both the motor and controller must handle it. Changing the gear ratio works better with a stronger motor that can turn the higher ratio gears.
Thinking about Golf cart speed tuning means looking at the whole system. How do the batteries, controller, motor, and gears work together? Changing one part might need changes to others for the best results and safety.
Here is a simple look at electric cart speed methods:
| Method | How it Works | Speed Boost (Est.) | Cost (Est.) | Complexity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Limiter Removal | Removes factory limit | 2-5 mph | Low to Free | Low | Might stress stock parts. |
| Upgrade Motor | Stronger motor spins faster | 5-8 mph | Medium | Medium | Needs compatible controller. |
| High Speed Controller | Allows more power to motor | 5-8 mph | Medium | Medium | Needs compatible motor. |
| Speed Kit (Motor + Controller) | Matched parts work together | 8-15 mph | Medium to High | Medium | Good balance of power and speed. |
| Increase Voltage | More power to the system | 5-10 mph | High | High | Requires matching motor & controller. |
| Change Gear Ratio | Axle gears make wheels spin faster per motor turn | 3-6 mph | Medium | High | Can reduce low-end power. Works best with motor upgrade. |
Estimates vary greatly based on cart type, brand, and specific parts.
Methods to Increase Speed (Gas Golf Carts)
Gas golf carts work like small cars. They have an engine that burns fuel. This engine powers the wheels. Making a gas golf cart faster is different from an electric cart. It focuses on the engine.
How Speed Works for Gas Carts
A gas golf cart has a small engine. It has a fuel system (carburetor or fuel injection) that mixes air and fuel. It has a clutch system (like a simple automatic transmission) that links the engine to the wheels. Speed is set by how fast the engine runs and the clutch system.
To make a gas cart faster, we need the engine to make more power or run faster.
Tuning the Engine
The simplest way to get a little more speed is engine tuning. This means making small changes to how the engine works. You might adjust the carburetor. This changes the mix of air and fuel. A slightly leaner mix can sometimes give a bit more power.
You might also adjust the engine’s governor.
Handling the Governor
Most gas golf carts have a governor. This is a device that limits the engine’s top speed. It stops the engine from spinning too fast. This protects the engine.
You can adjust the governor setting. This lets the engine spin faster. This will make the cart go faster. On some carts, this is a simple screw or cable adjustment.
Be careful when adjusting the governor. Letting the engine spin too fast can cause damage. It can wear out parts faster. It can even blow up the engine if pushed too hard. Do not just remove the governor. Adjust it carefully.
Using a Speed Chip
Some newer gas carts might have electronic limits. Like car engines, they might have a computer (ECU). You might use a Gas golf cart speed chip or tuner. This chip plugs into the computer. It changes settings like fuel mix or speed limits.
A speed chip can change engine timing or fuel flow. This can give a bit more power and speed. It is usually easy to install.
However, speed chips are less common for gas golf carts than electronic upgrades for electric carts. They are more for specific models. Check if your cart model has an ECU that can be tuned this way.
Upgrading Engine Parts
For more speed, you can upgrade engine parts. This is like tuning up a car engine. You can put in a better air filter. You can put in a better exhaust system. These help the engine breathe better. This can give a little more power.
You can also work inside the engine. This includes changing parts like the camshaft or pistons. You might increase the engine’s size (bore it out). These are major changes. They make the engine produce much more power.
These engine upgrades are serious Golf cart performance parts. They can give a big speed boost. But they are costly and need special skills to install. They also put more stress on the engine and the clutch system. You might need to upgrade the clutch too.
Here is a simple look at gas cart speed methods:
| Method | How it Works | Speed Boost (Est.) | Cost (Est.) | Complexity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust Governor | Lets engine spin faster | 3-8 mph | Low to Free | Low | Can damage engine if set too high. |
| Tune Carburetor | Changes air/fuel mix | 1-3 mph | Low | Medium | Needs some skill. |
| Add Speed Chip | Changes ECU settings (if applicable) | 2-5 mph | Medium | Low | Less common than electric tuners. |
| Upgrade Air/Exhaust | Helps engine breathe better | 2-4 mph | Medium | Medium | Good first engine step. |
| Internal Engine Mods | Change engine parts (cam, pistons, etc.) | 10+ mph | High | High | Needs expertise. Can stress drivetrain. |
Estimates vary greatly based on cart type, brand, and specific parts.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Common Upgrade (Example: Controller/Motor Swap – Electric)
Upgrading the controller and motor is a common way to get more speed in an electric cart. This is often part of a Golf cart speed kit. Here is a basic idea of the steps. Always follow the specific steps that come with your new parts.
Planning Your Project
- Know your cart: What is the brand? What year is it? What is the model name? What is the voltage (36V or 48V)? Look at the motor and controller labels.
- Choose your kit/parts: Pick a motor and controller made for your cart model and voltage. Decide how much speed you want. Talk to experts or read reviews.
- Check compatibility: Make sure the motor, controller, and your batteries work together. Do you need new wires?
- Read the instructions: Get the instructions for the new parts. Read them fully before you start.
Gathering Your Tools
You will need tools like:
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Screwdrivers
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Crimping tool for new wire connectors
- Safety glasses (must wear!)
- Gloves
- Battery terminal puller (helpful)
- A way to lift the cart safely (jack and stands)
Doing the Work
Safety Step 1: Disconnect Batteries! This is the most important step. Find the main negative (-) terminal on your battery pack. Remove the wire from it. Put a cover over the terminal so the wire cannot touch it again. This stops the power flow.
Safety Step 2: Work Safely: Make sure the cart is on a flat, hard surface. Set the parking brake. Block the wheels. Use jack stands if you need to lift the cart. Never work under a cart held only by a jack.
- Access the parts: Find the controller and motor. They are usually under the seat or in the back of the cart. You might need to remove covers.
- Take pictures: Before you unhook wires, take clear pictures of how everything is connected. This helps you put the new parts back correctly. Label wires if needed.
- Unhook old parts: Disconnect all wires from the old controller and motor. There will be large power wires and smaller control wires.
- Remove old parts: Unbolt the old controller and motor. They can be heavy. Be careful.
- Install new parts: Bolt the new motor and controller into place. Make sure they fit well.
- Connect wires: Use your pictures and the new instructions. Connect all the wires to the new controller and motor. Use new, heavy-duty wires if the kit came with them or if recommended. Make sure connections are tight.
- Check connections: Double-check all wire connections. Make sure they are on the right terminals. Make sure they are tight and safe.
Testing Safely
Safety Step 3: Reconnect Batteries: Connect the main negative (-) wire back to the battery pack.
- Initial check: Turn the key on. Listen for any strange sounds. Look for smoke or bad smells. If anything seems wrong, turn the key off and disconnect the battery again. Check your work.
- Low-speed test: With the cart on level ground, gently press the pedal. See if the cart moves smoothly at low speed. Test the brakes.
- Gradual speed increase: Find a safe, open area away from people or obstacles. Slowly increase speed. Feel how the cart handles. Test the brakes at higher speeds. Make sure the steering feels good.
- Check for heat: After a short test run, feel the motor and controller. Are they getting too hot? Some warmth is normal, but they should not be burning hot. Check wire connections for heat too.
This is a basic guide. Each cart model and speed kit is different. Always follow the maker’s steps. If you are not sure about any step, ask for help or hire a professional. Making mistakes with electricity can be very dangerous.
Considering Your Cart’s Limits
Making a cart faster does more than just spin the wheels quicker. It puts more stress on the whole cart. Think about these things:
- Chassis and Frame: Is the main structure strong enough for higher speeds and potential bumps?
- Suspension System: The parts that connect the wheels to the frame (shocks, springs) need to handle more force.
- Steering Components: The tie rods, ball joints, and steering box feel more stress at speed.
- Axle and Drivetrain: The gears and shafts in the rear axle work harder. The clutch system in gas carts works harder.
- Battery Life (Electric): Going faster uses much more power. Your battery range will drop significantly.
- Engine Wear (Gas): Running the engine faster causes more wear over time.
Just adding speed parts is not enough. You might need to upgrade other parts to handle the new performance. This is part of using Golf cart performance parts as a system.
Comparing Upgrade Options
Let’s look at the main ways to get more speed for electric carts again, thinking about cost, effort, and results.
| Method | Effort Level | Expected Result | Cost Level | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Limiter Removal | Easy | Small speed gain | Very Low | First step for a little extra speed. |
| High Speed Controller | Medium | Good speed gain | Medium | Good on stock motor or as part of kit. |
| Upgrade Motor | Medium | Good speed and power | Medium | Best when matched with a controller. |
| Speed Kit (Motor+Controller) | Medium | Best overall gain | Medium to High | Most balanced and reliable major speed boost. |
| Increase Voltage | Hard | Big speed and power | High | For maximum performance, needs full system match. |
| Change Gear Ratio | Hard | Moderate speed gain | Medium | Good for top speed, less for hills/start. |
For most people wanting a good speed boost safely, a matched motor and controller (like a Golf cart speed kit) is often the best choice. It gives a good increase without the major changes needed for voltage or gear swaps.
Costs Involved
Making a golf cart faster can cost anywhere from very little to a lot.
- Speed limiter adjustment/removal: Often free or low cost (if needing a tool or software).
- Individual performance parts (motor, controller, gears): Can range from $300 to over $800 per part, sometimes more.
- Golf cart speed kit: Typically costs $800 to $1500 or more, depending on how powerful it is. Kits offer matched parts, often saving some money over buying separately.
- Increasing voltage: Batteries are expensive. Adding batteries and needing a new controller and motor can cost well over $1000, often $2000+.
- Gas cart engine tuning/parts: Simple adjustments are low cost. Internal engine work or new engine parts can be $500 to $2000+.
- Safety upgrades (brakes, suspension, tires): These are extra costs on top of the speed parts. Good brakes can be $200-$500+. Heavy-duty suspension can be $100-$400+. High-speed tires vary greatly.
Plan your budget for both speed parts and safety parts. Do not skip safety to save money.
Legality and Rules
Making your golf cart faster might affect where you can drive it. Golf carts have speed limits for certain places.
- Golf Courses: Most courses have rules about cart speed. A modified, faster cart might not be allowed.
- Planned Communities: Some communities allow golf carts on roads. They often have speed limits (e.g., 20 mph or 25 mph). A faster cart might break these rules. This could lead to fines.
- Public Roads: In most places, golf carts are not legal on public roads, especially if they go over a certain speed (like 20 or 25 mph). Making it faster makes it less likely to be road legal, even in places that allow low-speed vehicles. A faster cart might even be seen as a homemade vehicle which has different rules.
Check your local and state laws. Check the rules where you plan to use the cart. Making it faster might limit where you can drive it legally.
Choosing the Right Parts
Picking the right Golf cart performance parts is important.
- Match your cart: Make sure parts are made for your exact golf cart brand, model, and year.
- Match your system: If you are changing one part, make sure it works with the parts you keep. For example, a 400-amp controller works best with a motor that can handle that power.
- Consider your use: Do you need top speed on flat ground? Or do you need more power for hills with heavy loads? Some parts are better for speed, some for torque (hill climbing power).
- Buy from good sources: Get parts from trusted dealers or websites that specialize in golf cart parts. Read reviews.
- Ask questions: If you are not sure, contact the seller or a golf cart mechanic.
Good parts are more likely to work well and last longer. They are safer too.
Testing and Adjusting Your Faster Cart
After installing new parts, careful testing is needed.
- Start slow: Do not just floor it. Test at low speeds first.
- Find a safe area: Test in a large, open space without traffic or people.
- Test braking: See how much longer it takes to stop. Make sure your brake upgrades work.
- Test handling: See how the cart feels in turns. Is it stable? Does the steering feel right?
- Listen: Pay attention to any strange noises from the motor, axle, or other parts.
- Check heat: After a test run, feel the motor, controller, batteries, and wiring. Are they getting too hot? This can mean something is wrong or overloaded.
- Make small adjustments: Some controllers can be adjusted. You might use software to fine-tune the settings.
Golf cart speed tuning is not just about installing parts. It is also about testing and making sure everything works correctly and safely at the new speed.
Maintaining Your Upgraded Cart
A faster cart needs more care.
- Check batteries: Higher speed uses more battery power. Keep your batteries charged and checked. Make sure connections are clean and tight.
- Check brakes: Inspect your brake pads or shoes often. They will wear faster. Keep the brake system working perfectly.
- Check tires: Check tire pressure and wear often. Make sure they are in good condition.
- Inspect suspension and steering: Look for worn or loose parts more often.
- Check motor and controller: Make sure cooling fans (if any) work. Keep them clean. Listen for strange sounds.
- Check wiring: Look at all power wires. Make sure they are not rubbing or getting damaged. Check that connections are tight.
More speed means more stress on all parts. Regular checks help find problems before they cause a breakdown or a safety issue.
Expert Advice for Best Results
- Prioritize safety: Always put safety upgrades first. Faster means you need better control and stopping power.
- Do your homework: Research the parts you plan to buy. Know your cart’s limits.
- Buy matched parts: If possible, buy a complete Golf cart speed kit. Parts designed to work together give better results and less trouble.
- Start small: If you are new to this, start with a smaller upgrade like a controller before going to a full motor swap or voltage increase.
- Get help if needed: If you are not comfortable with the work, especially with electrical parts or engine internals, find a qualified golf cart mechanic.
- Test thoroughly: Never assume everything is okay after installing parts. Test carefully and completely in a safe place.
- Understand battery life: Going faster drains batteries much quicker. Be prepared for less driving range.
- Know the rules: Be aware of local laws and community rules about cart speed.
Making your golf cart faster can be fun and useful. But it must be done with care and attention to safety.
FAQ Section
h3: Frequently Asked Questions
h4: Is it safe to make my golf cart faster?
It can be safe if you also upgrade safety parts like brakes, tires, and suspension. Just adding speed parts without safety upgrades is dangerous.
h4: What is the cheapest way to make an electric golf cart faster?
Often, adjusting or removing the speed limiter is the cheapest way, sometimes even free. However, the speed gain is small, and it puts more stress on stock parts.
h4: Will a new controller make my golf cart much faster?
Yes, installing a high speed golf cart controller can add noticeable speed. It works best when matched with a motor that can use the extra power the controller provides.
h4: Do I need a new motor if I install a high speed controller?
Not always, but it is often recommended for the best results and system health. A high-speed controller can push a stock motor harder, but a motor designed for higher speeds will perform better and handle the power safely.
h4: How much speed can I get from a golf cart speed kit?
A good golf cart speed kit (motor and controller) can often add 8 mph to 15 mph or more to your cart’s top speed, depending on the kit and your cart.
h4: Does increasing voltage make the cart faster?
Yes, increasing golf cart voltage provides more power, which can make the cart faster and stronger. However, this requires that the motor and controller can handle the higher voltage, often needing upgrades to those parts too.
h4: What does changing the gear ratio do?
Changing the golf cart gear ratio speed increase means the wheels spin faster for each turn of the motor/engine shaft. This adds top speed but can reduce power for starting or climbing hills.
h4: Can I just remove the speed limiter on my gas cart?
You can adjust the governor on a gas cart to allow higher engine speed, which increases cart speed. However, removing it entirely or setting it too high can seriously damage the engine.
h4: What are golf cart performance parts?
Golf cart performance parts are upgraded components like motors, controllers, gears, clutches, or engine parts designed to increase the cart’s speed, power, or handling beyond its factory setup.
h4: Is speed tuning hard?
Golf cart speed tuning can range from simple adjustments (like a governor) to complex work (like internal engine or electrical system swaps). Some methods are easy, others require skill and tools.
h4: Will making my cart faster reduce its range (electric) or fuel efficiency (gas)?
Yes, going faster uses significantly more energy or fuel. Expect less range on an electric cart and lower fuel efficiency on a gas cart.
h4: Will making my cart faster void the warranty?
Almost certainly. Most manufacturers’ warranties do not cover damage caused by installing aftermarket performance parts or modifying the cart’s speed.
h4: Do I need stronger brakes if I make my cart faster?
Absolutely yes. Faster speeds require significantly more braking power to stop safely. Upgrading brakes is a crucial safety step.
Making a golf cart faster is possible and can be rewarding. But it must be done with care. Always put safety first. Choose the right parts. If in doubt, get help from an expert. Enjoy your faster cart safely!