Yes, you can definitely make your golf cart faster. Many simple and complex ways exist to increase your golf cart’s speed. These methods range from changing small parts to installing a whole new motor. This guide will show you the best ways to get more speed from your cart. We will look at many golf cart speed upgrades and performance changes.
Why Golf Carts Are Slow by Default
Stock golf carts are built for slow, steady travel. They are not meant for racing. Manufacturers set a low top speed for safety. They also need to make sure the cart runs well for many years without issues. The batteries and motor work together to keep speed down. This keeps wear and tear low.
If you want more speed, you need to change how the power flows. You need to push the system harder. This means looking at four main areas: the motor, the controller, the batteries, and the tires.
Enhancing Power: Motor and Controller Upgrades
The heart of your golf cart’s speed is its motor and the controller that manages it. Changing these parts gives the biggest speed boost.
Exploring Golf Cart Controller Upgrades
The controller is like the brain of your golf cart. It tells the motor how much power to use. A stock controller limits the current going to the motor. This limits speed and torque.
To go faster, you need an aftermarket, high-performance controller. These controllers allow more electricity (amps) to flow. More amps mean the motor spins faster.
What High-Performance Controllers Offer
- Higher Amperage: They handle more amps safely. More amps equal more power.
- Better Throttle Response: Your cart will feel quicker when you press the pedal.
- Programmability: Many modern controllers let you fine-tune settings. You can set your desired top speed.
When looking for one, check the amperage rating. A standard cart might have a 200-amp controller. Upgrading to a 300-amp or 400-amp controller is a key step for golf cart performance mods. Always make sure the new controller matches your motor type (AC or DC) and voltage.
Installing a High Speed Golf Cart Motor
If you upgrade the controller but keep the old motor, you hit a wall. The stock motor cannot handle the extra power. Installing a high speed golf cart motor is the next big step.
These motors are built differently. They use better magnets and windings. This lets them spin much faster without overheating.
Motor Types and Speed Gains
| Motor Type | Typical Stock Speed | Potential Speed After Upgrade | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC (Series Wound) | 12-15 mph | 20-25 mph | Cost-effective upgrade path. |
| AC (Induction) | 18-22 mph | 25-30+ mph | More efficient, higher performance ceiling. |
For the most significant speed increase, consider switching from a traditional DC system to a modern AC system. AC motors are more powerful and efficient. They handle more speed better than older DC motors.
Golf Cart Engine Tuning: Focusing on Efficiency
For gas-powered carts, golf cart engine tuning is vital. This is similar to tuning a small car engine for better performance.
- Air Flow: Ensure the air filter is clean. Consider an aftermarket high-flow air intake system. More clean air helps the engine burn fuel better.
- Fuel Mix: Adjust the carburetor slightly. This usually means tweaking the jets. This gives the engine a richer fuel mix for more power at higher speeds. Warning: Improper tuning can damage your engine. Consult a mechanic if you are unsure.
- Exhaust: A high-flow exhaust system lets the engine breathe out spent gases faster. This reduces back pressure, freeing up horsepower.
Powering the Speed: Battery and Electrical Systems
More power demands more energy. You can have the best motor and controller, but slow batteries will hold you back. You need to supply the system with enough voltage and current.
Faster Golf Cart Batteries: Voltage and Composition
Voltage directly controls top speed. A golf cart runs on 36V, 48V, or sometimes 72V systems. Increasing the system voltage is the easiest way to increase golf cart top speed, provided your motor and controller can handle it.
- From 36V to 48V: This is a common upgrade for older carts. You add two 6-volt batteries to a standard six 6-volt setup. This raises the system voltage, boosting speed instantly.
- From 48V to 72V: This is a major overhaul, usually done on high-performance AC carts. It requires a new 72V controller and motor, but the speed gains are substantial.
When discussing faster golf cart batteries, Lithium-ion batteries are the future. They offer several benefits over traditional lead-acid batteries:
- Lighter Weight: Less weight means less strain on the motor.
- Consistent Voltage: Lithium batteries hold their voltage much better under load. This means you maintain top speed longer, even as the battery drains.
- Faster Charging: They recharge quicker than lead-acid types.
Wiring Upgrades for Better Current Flow
Even with powerful batteries, old, thin wires restrict the flow of electricity. Think of wires like pipes—if the pipe is too small, water flow is restricted, no matter how strong the pump is.
Upgrade to thicker gauge wires, especially the main battery cables and cables running from the controller to the motor. Thicker wires have lower resistance. Lower resistance means less power is lost as heat, and more power reaches the motor. Look for 2-gauge or 4-gauge cables for high-performance builds.
The Mechanical Side: Tires, Wheels, and Lift Kits
Speed isn’t just about how fast the motor spins. It’s about how fast the wheels turn compared to the motor speed. This involves gear ratios and tire size.
Golf Cart Tire Size Impact Speed
Tires are crucial for speed calculations. A larger tire spins slower for every rotation of the axle shaft than a smaller tire. If the motor spins at the same RPM, a larger tire will make the cart travel further, thus increasing top speed.
How Tire Size Affects Speed:
- If your stock tire is 18 inches tall, and you switch to a 22-inch tire, your effective top speed increases by about 22% (22/18 = 1.22).
- However, larger tires require more torque to turn. They put a massive strain on a stock motor and controller.
You must match your tire size to your motor/controller capabilities. If you install large tires without upgrading the motor, your cart will struggle to accelerate and may climb hills poorly. You might see a higher theoretical top speed on flat ground, but you won’t reach it.
Gearing Adjustments for Speed vs. Torque
Gears determine the trade-off between acceleration (torque) and top speed.
- Lower Gear Ratio (e.g., 4:1): Better torque, good for hills and acceleration. Slower top speed.
- Higher Gear Ratio (e.g., 6:1): Lower torque, slower acceleration. Allows for a much higher top speed because the axle spins faster for the same motor RPM.
Changing the differential gears is a serious modification. It usually requires taking the axle apart. For pure straight-line speed, you want a higher numerical ratio, but be ready to sacrifice hill-climbing ability.
Lift Kit Effect on Golf Cart Speed
A lift kit effect on golf cart speed is often indirect but significant. Lift kits themselves do not make the cart faster. They are required for two reasons:
- Clearance: To fit those larger, speed-boosting tires mentioned above.
- Aesthetics: People often want a lifted look along with speed.
However, a tall lift kit increases aerodynamic drag. It also raises the cart’s center of gravity, which can reduce stability at high speeds. If you lift your cart very high just for looks, you might slightly decrease overall real-world performance due to air resistance.
Advanced Modifications and Accessories
Once the core power systems are upgraded, you can look at smaller tricks to squeeze out extra miles per hour.
Utilizing Golf Cart Speed Chips
The term “best golf cart speed chips” is often used loosely online. For modern, complex electronic speed controllers (especially on newer AC carts), a “chip” might refer to a programming device or a speed magnet kit.
- For older carts with simple controllers: Sometimes, a speed magnet (often called a speed key) can trick the speed sensor into thinking the cart is moving slower than it is, overriding the factory speed limiter. This is a very basic, often unreliable method.
- For high-end controllers: The “chip” function is integrated into the programming software used to set parameters like speed limits and acceleration curves. You are not buying a physical chip; you are accessing the software settings.
Be cautious of cheap “speed chips” sold online. They rarely provide real performance gains on sophisticated modern systems and can sometimes confuse the electronics.
Aerodynamics and Weight Reduction
Every bit of weight your motor has to move slows you down. Every bit of wind resistance costs you speed.
- Weight Reduction: Remove any unnecessary weight. Take off heavy steel bumpers if you don’t need them for protection. If you only use the cart on a flat course, ditch the heavy golf bag racks. Lighter carts accelerate faster and have a higher top speed for the same power.
- Aerodynamics: While hard to fix completely, ensure your windshield is tilted back if possible, or consider a low-profile, aerodynamic windshield replacement. Carts are boxy, and drag fights you hard at speeds above 20 mph.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Before you start ordering parts, you must pause and think about where you plan to use your faster golf cart. Speed upgrades often void warranties and can create safety hazards.
Street Legality and Insurance
In many communities, golf carts are allowed on public roads if they meet specific low-speed vehicle (LSV) requirements. An LSV must have safety gear like headlights, turn signals, seat belts, and usually cannot exceed 25 mph.
If you install golf cart speed upgrades that push your cart over 20-25 mph, it might no longer be legally classified as a golf cart. It might become an unregistered, uninsured vehicle, which is illegal to drive on public roads.
- Check Local Laws: Always verify the speed limits and required equipment in your area before modifying your cart for high speed.
Safety First: Brakes and Suspension
More speed demands better stopping power and handling.
- Brakes: Stock brakes are often adequate for 15 mph. They are usually not designed for emergency stops from 30 mph. Consider upgrading brake pads or even installing hydraulic disc brakes if you plan on major speed increases.
- Tires: Ensure your tires are rated for the speeds you plan to achieve. Cheap, low-quality tires can fail catastrophically at high RPMs.
- Suspension: If you install a lift kit and larger tires, your suspension needs attention. Worn shocks and leaf springs will lead to bouncing and poor control at higher speeds.
Summary of Speed Paths
To make your golf cart faster, you need a layered approach. You can choose a budget path or a full performance build.
Path 1: Budget Speed Boost (Simple Changes)
This path focuses on maximizing the existing system with minimal cost.
- Tire Pressure: Ensure tires are inflated to the maximum safe pressure listed on the sidewall. This reduces rolling resistance.
- Maintenance: Keep the cart clean and lubricate all moving parts.
- Controller Override (If available): Check if your controller has a simple speed key or jumper wire that bypasses the factory limiter.
- Weight Reduction: Remove unnecessary clutter.
Path 2: Performance Upgrade (Significant Speed Increase)
This path requires investment in replacement parts for serious performance.
- Install a High-Performance Controller: Aim for 300+ amps.
- Upgrade to a High Speed Golf Cart Motor: Choose one rated for your new controller’s voltage and amperage.
- Increase Voltage: Move from 36V to 48V, or 48V to 72V (this requires all new related components).
- Upgrade Wiring: Install thicker gauge wires to handle the extra current.
Path 3: Maximum Speed Build (Race Ready)
This is for carts used only on private property, like a large farm or private track.
- All Path 2 components.
- Gearing Change: Install high-ratio gears for top speed.
- Lithium Batteries: Invest in high-discharge lithium packs for sustained power.
- Performance Suspension and Brakes: Install heavy-duty stopping power.
By systematically addressing the controller, the motor, the power source (faster golf cart batteries), and the final drive system (tires and gears), you can achieve impressive golf cart speed upgrades. Remember to always prioritize safety as you increase golf cart top speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make my golf cart go 30 mph legally on the street?
It depends entirely on your local laws. To be street legal, most states require golf carts to be converted into Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs). LSVs typically have a maximum speed limit of 25 mph and require specific safety features (lights, mirrors, seat belts). If your modifications push the speed above this local limit, it is generally not street legal.
Will lifting my golf cart make it go faster?
No, a lift kit itself does not make the cart faster. It usually adds weight and increases aerodynamic drag, which can slow it down slightly. However, a lift kit is often necessary to install larger tires, and larger tires can increase top speed if the motor has enough power to turn them effectively.
What is the cheapest way to get more speed?
The cheapest way is often to check your tire pressure and ensure your batteries are fully charged and in good condition. If your cart is electronically limited, look into whether a speed key or simple controller reset will bypass the limiter. This costs almost nothing if you already have the cart.
Do speed chips actually work for golf carts?
For very basic, older golf carts, simple magnetic speed switches might work by fooling the speed sensor. However, for modern, sophisticated carts with programmable AC systems, a “chip” is usually just software access. Cheap, plug-in devices marketed as speed chips often do little or can cause electronic errors. The most reliable speed gain comes from upgrading the controller.
How much voltage do I need for a fast golf cart?
To see a noticeable difference, increasing voltage is key. Moving from 36V to 48V is a standard speed upgrade. For truly high speeds (over 25 mph), many enthusiasts move to 48V high-performance systems or jump straight to 72V, which requires nearly all new electrical components.