Yes, you can absolutely make a 36v golf cart faster, but it involves changing several key parts. To see a real speed boost, you often need to look at the speed controller, the motor, and sometimes even the batteries.
Making your 36v golf cart faster is a popular goal for many owners. Whether you use it for short neighborhood trips or just want a bit more zip, boosting performance is possible. A 36-volt system is the older standard, often found in EZ-GO, Club Car, and Yamaha models from a few decades ago. While these carts are reliable, their stock speed is often limited by design. Increasing speed requires smart upgrades focusing on electrical flow and motor power.
This guide walks you step-by-step through the best ways to increase golf cart top speed safely and effectively. We will cover everything from simple tire changes to major electrical swaps.
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The Basics: What Limits Your 36v Cart Speed?
A golf cart’s top speed is set by three main factors:
- The Controller: This part acts like the brain. It limits how much power (amperage) can go to the motor.
- The Motor: This determines how much work it can actually do with the power it receives.
- The Tires: Larger tires make the cart travel farther with each rotation, increasing speed, but they also require more torque to turn.
To get more speed, you must improve all three areas, or at least the controller and the motor.
Phase 1: Essential First Steps for Speed
Before spending big money on motors, check these foundational elements. These are often the cheapest ways to see small gains.
Adjusting Tire Size and Pressure
The best tires for a faster golf cart are often slightly larger than stock, but this is a trade-off.
Tire Size Swap
Your cart’s speed is calculated by how many times the wheels turn in a minute. Taller tires spin fewer times to cover the same distance as shorter tires.
- Pros of Taller Tires: Higher potential top speed.
- Cons of Taller Tires: You lose low-end power (torque). Your 36v system might struggle to get the bigger tires rolling uphill or from a stop.
If you go this route, ensure your current 36v golf cart performance parts can handle the extra load. A small increase (like going from 18-inch to 20-inch tires) is usually safe. Going much larger requires a motor upgrade.
Proper Tire Inflation
Always check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance. This means the motor has to work harder just to move the cart, wasting precious battery power and slowing you down. Inflate them to the pressure listed on the tire’s sidewall.
Checking the Towing System and Differential
While less common, a worn-out differential or gear set can rob you of speed. If your cart has worn gears, it might lose efficiency. Some aftermarket kits allow you to change the gear ratio.
- Lower Gear Ratio (Higher Number): Better for torque (uphill climbing), slower top speed.
- Higher Gear Ratio (Lower Number): Better for top speed, worse for torque.
For pure speed on flat ground, you might look for a gear set that favors speed over climbing ability.
Phase 2: Electrical Upgrades for More Power
The heart of your speed problem in a 36v system is often how much electricity flows. You need better paths for the power.
The Importance of the Solenoid
The solenoid is a heavy-duty switch. It connects the batteries to the rest of the system when you hit the gas pedal. A stock solenoid might only handle a set amount of power safely.
Upgrading to a heavy duty golf cart solenoid is crucial if you plan on installing a high-performance controller or motor. A better solenoid reduces resistance, allowing more current to flow cleanly to the controller and motor when you demand full throttle. This is a necessary safety step when increasing overall power output.
Upgrading the Speed Controller
The golf cart speed controller upgrade is perhaps the most effective single step for increasing speed on any cart, including 36v models. The stock controller is programmed to limit both speed and acceleration to protect the original motor and batteries.
When you install a higher amperage controller (e.g., upgrading from a 250-amp controller to a 350-amp or 400-amp unit):
- It sends more current (amperage) to the motor.
- More amperage equals more power output from the motor, resulting in higher speed.
Crucial Note: You must ensure your existing motor can handle the increased amperage from the new controller. Pushing too much current through a stock motor will cause it to overheat and fail quickly. Always match the controller to the motor’s rating.
Modifying the Speed Limiter (If Applicable)
Some modern 36v carts have speed limits programmed directly into the controller’s software. Modifying golf cart speed limiter settings often requires specialized tools or software specific to your controller brand (like Curtis or Navitas).
If your controller allows field programming, a technician can often access the settings and raise the maximum programmed speed limit directly. This is often done without replacing the hardware itself, provided the existing controller is powerful enough.
Considering an Aftermarket Chip
For certain controller types, especially older models, an aftermarket golf cart speed chip or programmer box can trick the system into thinking it needs to deliver more power or ignore certain safety cutoffs. Use these with caution. They can void warranties and potentially damage your electrical system if not used correctly. They work by manipulating the signals sent to the controller.
Phase 3: Motor and Battery Power
Once the electrical pathways are clear (solenoid and controller), the motor and battery need to match the new power flow.
Installing a High Speed Golf Cart Motor
If you want significant speed gains, you must replace the motor. A high speed golf cart motor is specifically wound and constructed to handle higher RPMs and greater amperage draw from an upgraded controller.
Motors are rated by their torque and speed characteristics:
| Motor Type | Primary Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| High Speed Motor | Higher RPMs, better top speed. | Flat terrain, speed runs. |
| High Torque Motor | More pulling power. | Hills, carrying heavy loads, bigger tires. |
For making a 36v cart faster, look for a high-speed replacement motor designed for 36v systems, ensuring it matches the voltage and can safely handle the amperage of your new speed controller. This combination is the key to unlocking true speed potential.
Battery System Enhancements
The batteries are the fuel tank. A standard lead-acid setup struggles to deliver high bursts of current for long when you push the system hard.
Getting More Amperage from Lead-Acid
To support a faster motor and controller, you need batteries capable of high discharge rates. Ensure your existing 36V bank (six 6V batteries or three 12V batteries) is in excellent condition. If any battery is weak, the whole system suffers.
The Golf Cart Lithium Battery Upgrade Speed Advantage
Switching to a modern 36V golf cart lithium battery upgrade speed offers massive benefits beyond just lifespan:
- Consistent Voltage: Lithium batteries maintain a high voltage output until they are almost fully depleted. Lead-acid voltage drops significantly as you drive, which causes your top speed to drop quickly too.
- Higher Discharge Rate (C-Rating): Lithium packs can safely deliver much higher instantaneous current (amperage) than traditional lead-acid batteries. This is what allows your upgraded controller and motor to actually use their full potential, leading to sustained higher speeds.
While the initial cost is higher, lithium provides the best platform for maximizing 36v golf cart torque enhancement and top speed simultaneously.
Addressing 36v Torque Enhancement
Speed often comes at the cost of torque. When you prioritize high RPM motors, you reduce the cart’s ability to push heavy loads or climb inclines. To counteract this and achieve 36v golf cart torque enhancement alongside speed, you need to:
- Install a controller capable of a high amperage setting (e.g., 400A).
- Use high-quality, low-resistance wiring (8-gauge or thicker) throughout the cart to minimize power loss between the batteries, controller, and motor.
- If you are using significantly taller tires, consider a motor designed with a balanced speed/torque curve, or be prepared to sacrifice some climbing power.
Phase 4: Wiring and Maintenance for Peak Performance
Even the best parts won’t work if the electrical connections are poor. Poor wiring creates resistance, which wastes power as heat—power that should be turning your wheels!
Using Heavy Gauge Wiring
Stock golf carts often use thin wires (10-gauge or 12-gauge). When you significantly increase the current draw by upgrading the controller, these thin wires get hot and restrict the flow of power.
- Recommendation: For controllers over 300 amps on a 36V system, upgrade the main positive and negative cables running between the batteries, solenoid, controller, and motor to 8-gauge wire at minimum. Some high-power setups benefit from 6-gauge. Thicker wire means less resistance and more available power reaching the motor.
Fusing and Safety Checks
When modifying speed, safety is paramount. Ensure all fuses and circuit breakers are correctly rated for the new maximum amperage the system can draw. An undersized fuse will blow prematurely, but an oversized fuse won’t protect your expensive new controller if a short circuit occurs. Always install a main fuse between the battery pack’s positive terminal and the solenoid.
Summary of Speed Increase Methods
Here is a quick comparison of popular upgrades and their expected impact on a typical 36v cart:
| Upgrade Path | Estimated Speed Increase (MPH over Stock 12-15 MPH) | Cost Range | Required Component Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taller Tires Only | 1-3 MPH | Low | None (but torque suffers) |
| High Amperage Controller | 3-5 MPH | Medium | Must match motor rating |
| Controller + Motor Upgrade | 5-10+ MPH | High | Lithium batteries highly recommended |
| Lithium Battery Upgrade | Improved acceleration/sustained speed | Very High | Supports high-amperage controller |
Final Considerations Before You Start
Speed costs money and reduces efficiency. Keep these points in mind:
- Range Reduction: More speed means your batteries drain much faster. Expect your travel distance (range) to decrease, especially with lead-acid batteries.
- Heat Management: Higher speeds generate more heat in the motor and controller. Ensure your new components are high-quality and properly ventilated.
- Braking System: Faster carts need better stopping power. Ensure your brakes (especially if you have drum brakes) are in perfect condition.
- Legality: Check local regulations regarding golf cart speeds on public roads if you plan on driving anywhere outside of private property.
By systematically replacing or enhancing the controller, motor, and power source, you can successfully transform your 36v golf cart from a slow cruiser into a surprisingly zippy machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make a 36v golf cart faster without changing the motor?
A: Yes, you can see a noticeable speed increase by installing a golf cart speed controller upgrade that allows a higher amperage output, provided your stock motor can handle the extra current without overheating immediately. You might also gain a little speed from slightly taller tires.
Q: What gauge wire do I need for a faster 36v golf cart?
A: For significant upgrades pushing 300 amps or more, you should use at least 8-gauge wire for all primary electrical runs (battery to solenoid, solenoid to controller, controller to motor). This minimizes resistance and allows the full power potential of your new components to be realized.
Q: Will a 36v lithium battery upgrade give me more speed instantly?
A: While lithium batteries themselves don’t inherently boost the maximum RPM of your motor, they allow your system to sustain peak speed longer because they deliver consistent voltage under heavy load. If you pair the lithium upgrade with a high-amperage controller, the combined effect results in much better overall performance and speed delivery than lead-acid batteries ever could.
Q: Is it better to focus on 36v golf cart torque enhancement or top speed?
A: This depends entirely on your usage. If you drive on hills or carry passengers often, prioritize torque (often achieved via different gearing or a high-torque motor). If you drive on flat neighborhood streets and want the fastest straight-line speed, focus on the high-speed motor and controller combination.