Can I make my golf cart go faster? Yes, you absolutely can make your golf cart go faster! There are many ways to increase speed on a golf cart, ranging from simple adjustments to major component swaps. This guide will show you the best ways to get max power from your cart.
Deciphering Golf Cart Speed Limits
Most golf carts come from the factory set at a slower speed. This is often for safety on the course or because local laws limit street use. Electric carts usually top out around 12–15 mph. Gas carts might go a bit faster, maybe 18–25 mph. If you want more speed, you need to make changes.
Why Carts Are Slow
Carts are set to be slow for a few key reasons:
- Safety: Slow speeds keep riders safe on paths and crowded areas.
- Battery Life (Electric Carts): Pushing the cart too fast drains the batteries very quickly.
- Motor Limits: Stock motors are not built for high speed.
- Controller Settings: The computer (controller) limits how fast the motor can spin.
Simple Steps to Increase Speed (Easy First Mods)
You can start with easy changes. These are great first steps before spending big money on new parts. These steps focus on golf cart speed modifications that don’t require major tear-downs.
Checking Tire Pressure
This is the easiest fix. Low tire pressure makes the cart drag more. This slows you down and hurts battery life.
- Check the side of your tires for the correct PSI (Pounds per Square Inch).
- Keep them at the right level. Properly inflated tires mean less rolling resistance. This gives a small, instant speed boost.
Removing Restrictors
Many manufacturers put in simple speed limiters. Removing these is often the first step in a golf cart tuning guide.
Electric Carts
For many modern electric carts, the speed limit is set in the electronic controller.
- Looking for the Jumper Wire: Some older models have a small switch or jumper wire in the controller housing. Moving this jumper can unlock a higher speed setting. Check your cart’s manual for specifics.
- Key Switch Settings: Some carts use a multi-setting key switch (e.g., Tow/Run, or different speed settings). Make sure it is set to the highest performance mode.
Gas Carts
Gas carts often have a simple throttle stop screw or a governor that limits engine RPM.
- Governor Adjustment: The governor physically limits how fast the engine can spin. Adjusting or bypassing the governor will increase golf cart top speed. Be warned: This can void warranties and cause engine damage if not done right.
Tire and Wheel Changes
The size of your tires greatly affects speed. Bigger tires make the cart go faster at the same motor RPM, but they also make the cart feel sluggish when starting.
- Larger Diameter Tires: Taller tires cover more ground with each rotation. This is a direct way to achieve a golf cart acceleration boost in terms of distance traveled per wheel turn.
- Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Look for tires designed for pavement, not rugged off-road use. They roll easier.
| Tire Size Change | Effect on Speed | Effect on Torque (Acceleration) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larger Diameter | Increase | Decrease | Requires more power to turn. |
| Smaller Diameter | Decrease | Increase | Faster initial take-off. |
Intermediate Upgrades: Boosting Power
Once simple steps are done, it’s time for a real golf cart performance upgrade. These changes focus on getting more power to the wheels.
The Role of the Controller
The speed controller is the brain of an electric cart. It tells the motor how much power to send and how fast to spin. Upgrading this is key to a faster golf cart mods list.
Golf Cart Speed Controller Upgrade
Stock controllers are usually set to limit current (Amps) to protect the motor and battery.
- Higher Amperage Controller: Switching to a controller rated for higher amps (e.g., moving from a 250-amp controller to a 350-amp one) sends more juice to the motor. This usually results in better acceleration and higher top speed.
- Compatibility Check: Always check that the new controller matches your motor type (Series or AC/PDS) and voltage.
Improving the Electrical System
More speed requires more electricity flowing efficiently. This means looking at the golf cart battery voltage increase.
Golf Cart Battery Voltage Increase
This is one of the most effective ways to increase electric cart speed, but it requires careful component matching.
- Moving from 36V to 48V: If your cart is 36V, upgrading to a 48V system (by adding two 6V batteries or swapping six 6V batteries for eight 6V batteries) is a significant boost. Higher voltage pushes the motor faster.
- Moving from 48V to 72V: This is a major upgrade, often requiring a new controller and motor, but it yields the highest potential speeds.
Important Note on Voltage: When you golf cart battery voltage increase, you MUST ensure your existing controller and motor can handle the higher voltage. Putting 48V through a 36V controller will likely burn it out instantly. This upgrade often goes hand-in-hand with a controller upgrade.
The Motor Component
The motor is what creates the power. The stock motor might be adequate for light use, but not for high speed.
Golf Cart Motor Upgrade
To truly increase golf cart top speed, you often need a motor built for speed over torque.
- High-Speed Motors: These motors are designed to spin faster at the same input voltage. They usually have a higher RPM rating.
- Torque vs. Speed Trade-off: Faster motors often have less low-end torque. This means your cart might accelerate slower uphill or from a dead stop, even if the top speed is higher. It is a balancing act.
| Motor Type | Typical Use | Speed Potential | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (Standard) | Course use | Low to Medium | High |
| High RPM Speed Motor | Pavement/Racing | High | Medium to Low |
| High Torque Motor | Hauling/Off-Road | Low | Very High |
Advanced Performance Tuning
These steps delve deep into the mechanics and electronics for maximum results. This is where true experts focus on golf cart tuning guide specifics.
Mastering the Controller Settings
Modern controllers often have programming tools. This is essential for fine-tuning your golf cart acceleration boost and top speed.
Golf Cart Speed Limiter Removal
Many high-end aftermarket controllers allow you to digitally lift the speed limiter.
- Programming Cards: You use a special handheld device or laptop software provided by the controller manufacturer (like Alltrax or Navitas).
- Adjustable Parameters: You can adjust fields like:
- Maximum Voltage/Amperage
- Acceleration Curve Slope
- Regen Braking Strength
By carefully increasing the Amps and reducing braking regen (which consumes power), you can push the limits safely—as long as your other components can handle it.
Gearing Changes for Speed
Gearing ratios determine how the motor’s rotational power translates to the axle. This is vital for both speed and torque.
- Changing the Differential Gears: By installing different gears in the differential, you change the final drive ratio.
- To go faster, you install a lower gear ratio (numerically smaller ratio, e.g., going from 6:1 to 4:1). This is like shifting into a higher gear on a car.
- The downside: This drastically reduces torque. Your cart will struggle to get going or climb hills. This modification is best suited for very flat surfaces where high top speed is the only goal.
AC Conversion Systems
For gas-powered carts or older electric carts, switching to a modern AC system offers huge gains.
- AC (Alternating Current) Systems: These systems are far more efficient than older DC (Direct Current) motors. They use less power to generate more speed and torque.
- Benefits: Better hill climbing, more responsive throttle, and often higher overall top speeds possible with the right motor and controller pairing. This is one of the priciest but most effective golf cart performance upgrade options.
Gas Cart Specific Speed Hacks
Gas carts rely on internal combustion, so the path to speed is different but equally effective.
Carburetor Adjustments
The carburetor mixes air and fuel. More fuel and air mean more power.
- Jetting: Installing slightly larger jets in the carburetor allows more fuel flow. This must be balanced with airflow improvements.
- Air Filter: Installing a high-flow air filter lets the engine breathe easier.
Exhaust System Optimization
A less restrictive exhaust lets the burned gases leave the engine faster.
- Performance Mufflers: Swapping the stock muffler for a performance unit improves exhaust scavenging, which boosts power across the RPM range.
Governor Modification (Revisited)
While dangerous if overdone, smart governor adjustment is a common step. The governor is mechanically tied to the engine speed. If you can safely increase the RPM limit slightly, you increase top speed. Always check the engine’s redline before making major adjustments here.
Safety and Legal Considerations for Faster Carts
When you increase golf cart top speed, safety becomes a major concern. A stock cart is designed to stop well at 15 mph, but not necessarily at 30 mph.
Braking System Upgrades
If you increase speed, you must increase stopping power.
- Hydraulic Brakes: Many high-speed golf cart mods require upgrading from mechanical drum brakes to a full hydraulic disc brake system on all four wheels.
- Tires Matter: Ensure your tires have good tread, as they are the only thing connecting your speed to the road.
Suspension and Tires
High speeds put stress on the suspension.
- If you lift the cart for large tires, you must also upgrade shocks and springs.
- Ensure all bushings and bearings are in top shape to handle the increased stress.
Legality Check
In many areas, increasing a golf cart’s speed beyond 20 mph changes its legal classification.
- Carts over a certain speed might legally need to be registered as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs).
- LSVs require features like seat belts, mirrors, turn signals, and often specific insurance. Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules before hitting the street at high velocity.
Component Compatibility Matrix
When planning your golf cart speed modifications, you must ensure all parts work together. Mismatching parts is the fastest way to costly failure.
| Component Upgraded | Necessary Accompanying Upgrade | Potential Risk if Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Golf Cart Battery Voltage Increase (e.g., 36V to 48V) | Controller, potentially Motor | Controller/Motor failure (burnout) |
| Golf Cart Motor Upgrade (High RPM) | Controller (must match motor type) | Inefficient operation or motor overheating |
| Golf Cart Speed Controller Upgrade (High Amps) | Batteries (must sustain high draw) | Battery sagging, overheating wires |
| Larger Tires | Gearing/Motor (to compensate for lost torque) | Extremely slow acceleration, blown belts/axles |
Summary of Max Power Strategies
To achieve maximum speed, you need a synergistic approach involving all major systems: Power Source, Power Management, and Power Delivery.
Power Source (Batteries/Gas Tank)
- For electric: Maximize voltage (e.g., 72V if possible) using high-quality, deep-cycle, low-resistance batteries.
Power Management (Controller/Gearing)
- Install the highest amperage controller your system can safely support.
- Use programming tools to remove software limits and tailor the acceleration curve for speed over raw launch force.
- Adjust gearing for the intended environment (lower ratio for top speed on flat ground).
Power Delivery (Motor/Tires)
- Install a golf cart motor upgrade rated for the higher voltage and speed goals.
- Use tires with the largest practical diameter that your suspension allows, minimizing rolling resistance.
By following these steps, from simple controller adjustments to full electrical system overhauls, you can achieve impressive results in your quest for a faster golf cart mods setup and true max power. Remember, increased speed means increased risk—upgrade your brakes first!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much speed can I safely add to a stock electric golf cart?
You can usually add 3–5 mph safely with basic golf cart speed modifications like tire pressure checks and controller speed limiter removal, provided your cart is 48V. Major increases (10+ mph) require component replacement.
Will upgrading my batteries alone make my cart faster?
Not significantly, unless you are switching from a much lower voltage system (like 36V to 48V). New, healthy batteries provide better sustained power, but they do not increase the potential top speed dictated by the controller and motor.
What is the cheapest way to increase golf cart speed?
The cheapest way is usually golf cart speed limiter removal via factory settings or adjusting the governor on gas models. After that, ensuring tires are perfectly inflated is free and helps efficiency.
Can I just swap the motor for a faster one?
You can, but it often leads to poor results unless you also upgrade the golf cart speed controller upgrade. The controller limits how much current the motor receives. A fast motor paired with a weak controller will not perform well.
Does a golf cart battery voltage increase void my warranty?
Yes, almost certainly. Any modification beyond factory settings or basic maintenance, especially involving electrical system changes like a golf cart battery voltage increase, will void the manufacturer’s warranty on the affected components (controller, motor, batteries).