Modifying a golf cart for higher speeds is common for owners using them beyond the golf course, such as on large properties or in planned communities. Increased speed improves transportation efficiency and the overall driving experience. The method for increasing velocity depends fundamentally on the cart’s power source. Electric carts require adjusting the flow of electrical power to the motor, while gas-powered models focus on overriding mechanical limitations on the engine. Specific components and technical considerations must be addressed to safely and effectively increase the cart’s top speed.
Electric Cart Power System Upgrades
The most direct way to increase an electric cart’s speed is to enhance the electrical system. The stock speed controller is the primary limiting factor, programmed to cap the current supplied to the motor and restrict maximum RPM. Replacing this component with a high-amperage, aftermarket controller allows significantly more current to flow, translating directly into higher speeds and improved acceleration. Controllers are rated by amperage, with upgrades commonly moving from 250-300 Amps to 400-600 Amps or higher.
The motor can also be upgraded to one designed for speed rather than torque. Standard motors prioritize hill-climbing ability and heavy loads, operating at a lower RPM. High-speed motors are engineered to handle the increased current from an upgraded controller, optimizing power delivery for maximum rotational speed. Combining a high-amperage controller and a high-speed motor offers a substantial increase in the cart’s overall velocity.
Increasing the system’s battery voltage is another strategy, typically moving from 36V to 48V, or 48V to 72V. Higher voltage directly correlates with the motor’s potential top speed, causing the motor to spin faster. This upgrade requires a complete overhaul of supporting hardware, including a new high-voltage solenoid, thicker gauge wiring, and a compatible charging port and charger. The entire electrical system must be rated to manage the new voltage to prevent component failure and ensure safe operation.
Mechanical and Drivetrain Modifications
Modifications to the drivetrain’s mechanical ratio significantly affect final speed in both electric and gas carts. Installing high-speed gears in the differential alters the final gear ratio. This change means the wheels rotate more times for every revolution of the motor or engine, directly increasing the cart’s top speed.
The factory gear ratio in many carts is numerically high (e.g., 12.44:1), prioritizing torque for climbing and hauling. High-speed gear sets reduce this ratio, often down to 8:1 or 6:1. This is a trade-off where top-end speed is gained at the expense of low-end torque and hill-climbing capability. This modification is highly effective for owners who primarily drive on flat terrain.
Increasing the diameter of the tires also modifies the final drive ratio. A larger tire covers more ground per rotation, effectively gearing the cart “taller.” Moving from a standard 18-inch tire to a 23-inch tire, for example, can result in a theoretical speed increase of approximately 27%. This simple, bolt-on modification may require a lift kit for proper clearance. It must also be considered alongside the motor’s torque output to prevent undue strain or loss of acceleration.
Optimizing Gas Cart Performance
For gas-powered golf carts, the primary speed restriction is the mechanical governor, which limits the engine’s maximum RPM. The governor is typically a physical mechanism linked to the throttle cable and the engine’s clutch system. Adjusting the governor involves locating the mechanism, often near the transaxle, and increasing the tension on the spring or cable.
Increasing the tension forces the governor to work harder to pull back the throttle plate, allowing the engine to reach a higher RPM before the speed limiter engages. A small adjustment can increase the top speed by 3 to 7 miles per hour from the factory-set 12 to 15 mph. Care must be taken not to over-tighten the governor, as this can lead to excessive engine wear and poor performance at slower speeds.
Tuning the clutch system, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), is another modification specific to gas carts. Replacing the stock clutch spring with a stiffer aftermarket spring raises the engine RPM at which the primary clutch engages. This allows the engine to rev higher before the cart moves, improving off-the-line acceleration and maintaining power through the shifting process. Minor performance gains can also be achieved through basic engine tuning, such as installing a high-flow air filter or upgrading the exhaust system to improve air intake and exhaust scavenging.
Important Safety and Maintenance Considerations
Significantly increasing a golf cart’s speed introduces new safety and maintenance demands. The braking system, designed for a maximum speed of 15 to 20 mph, becomes inadequate when the cart’s velocity is doubled. Upgrading to high-performance brake shoes or a full disc brake conversion kit is necessary to ensure reliable stopping power and prevent brake fade.
Higher speeds compromise the cart’s stability due to its narrow track width and high center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollover during sharp turns. Installing wider wheel spacers or a lift kit with a wider stance helps mitigate this risk by lowering the roll center and increasing lateral stability. Any modification to the powertrain typically voids the manufacturer’s warranty and may affect local registration or insurance policies, especially if the cart is operated on public roads.
For electric carts, the increased power draw from higher speeds dramatically reduces the overall battery range. Pushing the motor and controller harder consumes energy much faster than cruising at stock speeds, requiring more frequent charging. Regular inspections of the motor, controller, and battery terminals for signs of overheating are necessary after performance upgrades to prevent component damage.