How to Safely Make a Gas Golf Cart Faster

Struggling to get more speed out of your gas golf cart? Whether you’re trying to keep up in your neighborhood, cover more ground on your property, or just enjoy a bit more zip, feeling limited by the standard factory speed is a common frustration. Many owners find their carts just don’t move quickly enough for their needs, leading to longer travel times and less enjoyable rides.

You can make a gas golf cart faster by adjusting or removing the governor, installing performance parts like high-flow air filters, performance clutches, and larger tires, or undertaking advanced modifications such as engine swaps or adding forced induction. Prioritize safety upgrades alongside speed enhancements.

This guide dives deep into the proven methods for boosting your gas golf cart’s velocity, drawing on insights from performance experts and manufacturer specifications. We’ll cover everything from simple adjustments to more complex upgrades, outlining the benefits, risks, and essential safety considerations. Get ready to learn exactly how to unlock your cart’s hidden speed potential safely and effectively.

Key Facts:
* Standard Speed: Most factory gas golf carts top out between 10-14 MPH, sometimes up to 14 MPH according to sources like GolfLink and Buggies Unlimited.
* Achievable Gains: While you won’t hit highway speeds, gaining up to 10 MPH over the stock limit is often achievable with the right modifications (GolfLink).
* Governor Impact: Modifying or removing the governor is a common first step, but it significantly increases engine wear and tear and necessitates more frequent maintenance (GolfLink).
* Upgrade Costs: Performance engine upgrades can range from $700 to over $2,000 (parts only), while upgraded speed controllers might cost $500 to $1,500 (parts only), depending on the model and desired performance (GolfLink).
* Warranty Warning: Performing certain modifications, especially if done incorrectly or without certified mechanics, can potentially void your manufacturer’s warranty (GolfLink).

Why Consider Making Your Gas Golf Cart Faster?

Understanding why you want more speed is the crucial first step. People often want to make their gas golf carts faster for quicker travel in communities, improved performance on private property, or simply for recreational enjoyment. Understanding the methods and safety implications is crucial before starting any modifications. Standard golf cart speeds, typically capped around 12-14 MPH, can feel sluggish, especially when covering larger distances or trying to keep pace with neighborhood traffic (where permitted).

Maybe you use your cart for more than just golf – navigating a large property, running errands in a planned community, or even for utility work. In these cases, the factory speed limit can turn short trips into tedious crawls. Faster travel times simply mean more efficiency and less waiting. For others, it’s about enhancing the recreational experience, adding a bit more excitement to the ride.

However, before diving into modifications, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential downsides. Increased speed means increased wear on components, potential safety risks if not handled responsibly, and the need for possible upgrades to braking and suspension systems. Setting realistic performance goals and understanding the implications helps ensure you choose the right modifications for your needs and budget.

How Can You Adjust or Remove the Governor to Increase Speed?

The governor is essentially a speed limiter designed to protect the engine and adhere to safety standards. To make a gas golf cart faster, locate the governor arm (often behind the seat near the carburetor). Loosen the clamp nut/bolt securing it to the shaft, adjust the spring tension screw clockwise for a moderate boost, or disable it by loosening the adjustment mechanism completely. This allows higher engine RPMs but increases wear and may void warranties. Modifying the governor is often the quickest and cheapest way to gain speed, but it demands caution.

Pushing the engine beyond its designed RPM limits significantly increases stress on internal components like pistons, rods, and valves. While you’ll go faster, you also accelerate wear and tear, potentially leading to engine fatigue or even catastrophic failure if pushed too hard or too often. Consulting your cart’s specific manual before making adjustments is highly recommended, as governor mechanisms can vary slightly between models (like Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha).

Remember, altering the governor might void your warranty. If engine problems arise after you’ve tampered with the governor, the manufacturer may refuse to cover repairs. Proceed with a clear understanding of these risks.

Safely Adjusting the Governor for a Modest Speed Boost

A slight adjustment can often provide a noticeable speed increase without completely removing the engine’s protection. First, locate the governor assembly – typically found near the carburetor or attached to the rear axle/transaxle. You’ll see an arm connected to the throttle cable and often a spring with an adjustment screw or nut (commonly a 10mm nut on the throttle cable itself or a screw on the governor arm).

To make a slight increase, you can tighten the governor spring. Loosen the retaining nut on the governor arm’s adjustment screw. Turn the screw clockwise in small increments (like a quarter turn at a time). This increases tension on the spring, requiring higher engine RPMs before the governor kicks in to limit fuel/throttle. After each small adjustment, tighten the retaining nut and test the cart’s speed. Find a balance that gives you a bit more speed without letting the engine over-rev excessively.

Another method involves the nut securing the governor arm to the splined shaft coming from the differential. Loosen this nut slightly, rotate the arm away from the spring mechanism very slightly (allowing more throttle cable travel before the governor engages), and then retighten the nut securely. Again, small adjustments and testing are key.

Disabling or Removing the Governor for Maximum Speed (Use Caution)

Disabling the governor entirely offers the most significant speed gain from this method but carries the highest risk. One common way is to significantly loosen the governor spring adjustment screw (turning it counter-clockwise) until the spring offers little resistance, effectively bypassing its limiting action.

Alternatively, you can focus on the connection between the governor arm and the shaft. Loosen the clamp nut/bolt holding the arm onto the splined shaft. You might then bypass the governor mechanism by connecting the throttle cable more directly or adjusting the arm’s position drastically so it never limits throttle travel. Some advanced users might remove the internal governor components entirely, though this is a more involved process.

Be warned: Removing or completely disabling the governor leaves your engine vulnerable. Without the RPM limit, you risk over-revving, which can lead to overheating, thrown rods, or valve damage. The engine will work much harder, leading to drastically increased wear and a shorter lifespan. This modification is generally recommended only for experienced users who understand the mechanical risks and are prepared for increased maintenance and potential engine failure.

Key Takeaway: Adjusting the governor is often the first step people take. A slight adjustment offers a moderate speed boost with less risk. Disabling it completely yields maximum speed from this method but significantly increases engine wear and the potential for damage.

What Performance Parts Can Make a Gas Golf Cart Faster?

Beyond the governor, upgrading specific components can unlock substantial speed and power gains. Upgrading components like installing a high-performance carburetor, air filter, exhaust, and clutch can significantly boost a gas golf cart’s speed. Changing to high-speed gears or larger tires also directly impacts top-end performance. These upgrades work by improving engine efficiency, power delivery, or the final drive ratio.

Think of your engine like an athlete. Better breathing (air filter, carburetor, exhaust) and more efficient energy transfer (clutch, gears) lead to better performance. Each component upgrade contributes to the overall goal: making your gas golf cart faster and potentially more powerful. Let’s break down the key performance parts.

Watch how some basic upgrades can impact speed:

Upgrading Engine Breathing: Carburetor, Air Filter, and Exhaust

The engine needs air and fuel to make power. Improving the flow of both can lead to significant gains.
* High-Flow Air Filter: The stock air filter prioritizes filtration over airflow. A performance air filter allows more air into the engine with less restriction. More air allows for more fuel to be burned efficiently, potentially increasing horsepower and speed. Replacing the stock filter is often a simple and cost-effective upgrade. Some owners even install a cold air intake system, relocating the filter to draw in cooler, denser air for better combustion.
* Performance Carburetor: The carburetor mixes air and fuel. A larger or better-designed performance carburetor can provide a more optimal air/fuel mixture, especially at higher RPMs, improving engine efficiency and power output. This often works best when paired with a high-flow air filter and performance exhaust.
* Performance Exhaust System: Stock exhaust systems often create back pressure to reduce noise. A performance exhaust is designed to minimize back pressure, allowing exhaust gases to exit the engine more freely. This “scavenging” effect helps the engine breathe better, leading to improved performance and often a more aggressive sound.

Enhancing Power Transfer: Performance Clutch Installation

The clutch engages the engine’s power to the drivetrain. A stock clutch is designed for smooth engagement at lower speeds. A high-performance clutch is designed to engage more firmly and often at slightly higher RPMs, transferring power more efficiently, especially during acceleration and at top speed. This can lead to quicker take-offs and help the cart maintain speed better, particularly if other engine modifications have increased horsepower. Upgrading the clutch is crucial if you’ve significantly boosted engine power, as the stock clutch might slip under the increased load.

Changing Gear Ratios for Higher Top Speed

Inside the differential are gears that determine the final drive ratio. Stock gears offer a balance between torque (pulling power for hills) and speed. High-speed gears (numerically lower ratio, e.g., 8:1 instead of 12:1) change this balance. They allow the engine to spin the wheels faster for a given RPM, directly increasing the potential top speed on flat ground.

The trade-off is reduced torque. With high-speed gears, your cart will accelerate slower and struggle more on steep inclines. You need to choose gears based on your typical driving environment. If you drive mostly flat terrain, high-speed gears are a great option for maximizing velocity. If you frequently encounter hills, you might need to stick with standard gears or find a compromise ratio. Gear changes are more involved than bolt-on parts and often require specialized tools or professional installation.

The Role of Tires: Size and Type Matter

Tire size directly impacts your final drive ratio and, consequently, your speed. Installing larger diameter tires is one of the simplest ways to increase top speed. For every revolution of the axle, a larger tire covers more ground. For example, switching from standard 18-inch tires to 20-inch or 22-inch tires will provide a noticeable speed increase without any engine modifications.

However, larger tires also increase the load on the engine and clutch, potentially reducing acceleration and hill-climbing ability slightly. You might also need a lift kit to fit significantly larger tires without rubbing. Additionally, consider tire type. Low-profile tires mounted on larger wheels often have less rolling resistance than knobby, off-road tires, which can help maximize speed on paved surfaces. Ensure any new tires are properly rated for the speeds you anticipate achieving.

Tip: When combining upgrades, consider the synergy. A high-flow air filter, performance carb, and exhaust work together to improve engine breathing. High-speed gears maximize the benefit of increased engine RPMs from governor adjustments.

What Are Advanced Methods to Significantly Boost Gas Golf Cart Speed?

If basic adjustments and bolt-on parts aren’t enough, more advanced (and expensive) modifications can deliver substantial speed and power increases. For major speed increases, consider replacing the stock engine with a larger one, adding a turbo/supercharger, or installing a speed chip (if applicable on specific models). These advanced methods often require professional installation and significant investment. These are serious upgrades that fundamentally change the cart’s performance characteristics.

These modifications often involve significant costs, complexity, and may require reinforcing other components like the frame, suspension, and brakes to handle the extra power and speed safely. Professional expertise is highly recommended for these types of projects.

Engine Replacement or Forced Induction

• Engine Swap: Replacing the stock engine (often around 8-11 horsepower) with a larger, more powerful one (like a 13hp, 16hp, or even larger clone engines) is a popular advanced modification. This provides a direct increase in horsepower and torque, leading to much faster acceleration and higher potential top speeds. Engine swaps require significant mechanical skill, potentially involving custom mounts, wiring, and exhaust fabrication. Costs can range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars just for the engine, plus labor.
• Forced Induction (Turbo/Supercharger): Adding a turbocharger or supercharger forces more air into the engine than it could draw naturally. This allows significantly more fuel to be burned, drastically increasing horsepower and torque. While less common on golf carts than engine swaps due to complexity and tuning requirements, custom turbo or supercharger kits exist or can be fabricated. This is a high-cost, high-complexity modification requiring expert installation and tuning.

Using Speed Chips or Programmers (Model Dependent)

Unlike electric carts where speed controllers are common upgrade paths, most standard gas golf carts do not have electronic speed controllers or “speed chips” that can be easily reprogrammed or replaced for more speed in the same way. The primary speed limiting factor in a gas cart is typically the mechanical governor and the engine’s inherent RPM limit.

However, some very specific, newer, or specialty gas models might incorporate electronic elements in their throttle or engine management systems. In rare cases for these specific models, an aftermarket programmer or “chip” might exist to override factory settings or adjust parameters. But for the vast majority of common gas carts (Club Car, E-Z-GO, Yamaha), a “speed chip” is not a viable or available modification method. Focus remains on mechanical adjustments (governor) and performance part upgrades.

Caution: Advanced modifications dramatically alter your cart’s performance. Ensure your brakes, suspension, and steering are upgraded to handle the increased speed safely. Always prioritize safety over raw speed.

How to Make a Gas Golf Cart Faster Safely?

Increasing speed is exciting, but safety must be paramount. Prioritize safety when making a golf cart faster: upgrade brakes to handle higher speeds, check local speed laws and regulations for modified carts, understand the increased engine wear and potential for damage, and avoid disabling essential safety features unless absolutely necessary and understood. Faster speeds mean longer stopping distances and increased forces during turns.

Your stock brakes were designed for stock speeds (10-14 MPH). If you’re aiming for 20 MPH or more, upgrading your brakes is non-negotiable. Consider hydraulic disc brake conversion kits for significantly improved stopping power compared to standard mechanical drum brakes. Regularly inspect brake pads, shoes, cables, and fluid levels.

Be aware of your local laws. Many communities have specific speed limits for golf carts, and exceeding them or operating a modified cart inappropriately can lead to fines or legal issues. Some areas may require specific safety equipment (lights, mirrors, seatbelts) if the cart exceeds a certain speed. Always operate your faster cart responsibly, respecting speed limits and being mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles. Finally, accept that increased speed equals increased wear. Budget for more frequent maintenance (oil changes, belt checks, clutch inspections) and be prepared for potentially shorter component lifespans.

FAQs About How to Make a Gas Golf Cart Faster

Can you make a gas-powered golf cart go faster?

Yes, you can definitely make a gas golf cart faster. Common methods include adjusting or removing the engine governor, installing performance parts like upgraded air filters, carburetors, exhausts, and clutches, installing high-speed gears, using larger tires, or even swapping the engine for a more powerful one.

How do I remove the speed limiter on my gas golf cart?

The primary speed limiter is the mechanical governor. You typically remove or disable it by locating the governor arm (often near the carburetor/transaxle), loosening the clamp nut holding it to the shaft, and adjusting its position or the attached spring mechanism to allow maximum throttle. Be aware this increases engine wear and risk.

What’s the easiest way to get more speed from my gas cart?

The easiest methods are often adjusting the governor slightly or installing larger diameter tires. Adjusting the governor screw/nut for a small increase is relatively simple. Swapping to taller tires directly increases speed per RPM, though it may require a lift kit. Both offer noticeable gains with minimal complexity.

How can I boost my gas golf cart’s power for hills?

Focus on torque-enhancing upgrades. Installing a performance clutch helps transfer power more efficiently. Upgrading the engine (carb, air filter, exhaust) can increase overall horsepower and torque. Avoid high-speed gears, as they reduce torque; stick with stock or torque-biased gears for better hill climbing.

How do I make my Club Car gas golf cart faster?

Methods are similar across brands: Adjust the governor (location varies slightly by model/year, often on the transaxle), upgrade the air filter/carburetor (check model compatibility), install a performance clutch (e.g., TEAM clutches are popular), consider high-speed gears (like 8:1), or upgrade tires. Check specific Club Car forums for model-specific tips.

How do I make my Yamaha gas golf cart faster?

Yamaha carts respond well to governor adjustments (check manual for location), performance air filters and jetting kits for the carburetor, performance exhaust systems, and clutch upgrades (spring kits or full performance clutches). High-speed gears and larger tires are also effective options for Yamaha models (G-series, Drive/Drive2).

How do I make my E-Z-GO gas golf cart faster?

E-Z-GO governor adjustments are common. Performance parts like high-flow air filters, carburetor re-jetting or replacement, performance mufflers, and heavy-duty drive belts/clutches work well. High-speed gear sets and larger tires/wheels are also readily available for popular E-Z-GO gas models (TXT, RXV gas).

What is the cheapest way to make a gas golf cart faster?

Adjusting the governor is typically the cheapest method, often costing nothing but your time. You carefully adjust the governor spring tension or arm position to allow higher RPMs. However, this method carries risks of increased engine wear if not done cautiously.

Does putting bigger tires on a golf cart make it faster?

Yes, putting larger diameter tires on a golf cart directly makes it faster. A larger tire covers more distance per revolution compared to a smaller one. Increasing tire diameter effectively changes the final drive ratio, resulting in a higher top speed for the same engine RPM.

Is removing the governor bad for my golf cart engine?

Yes, removing or completely disabling the governor can be bad for your engine. It allows the engine to exceed its designed maximum RPM, leading to significantly increased wear and tear on internal components, higher operating temperatures, and a greater risk of premature engine failure or damage. Proceed with caution and understand the risks.

Summary: Key Steps to a Faster Gas Golf Cart

Boosting your gas golf cart’s speed involves several potential paths, ranging from simple tweaks to major overhauls. To make a gas golf cart faster, start with governor adjustments for a potential quick win, consider upgrading key components like the air filter, clutch, and tires for balanced performance gains, or explore advanced options like high-speed gears or engine swaps for maximum velocity. Always prioritize safety upgrades like brakes alongside speed enhancements, and be aware of increased engine wear and local regulations.

Here’s a quick recap of the main approaches:

1. Governor Modification: Adjusting (modest boost, lower risk) or disabling (maximum boost, higher risk) the engine governor is often the first and cheapest step.
2. Performance Bolt-Ons: Upgrading the air filter, carburetor, exhaust, and clutch improves engine efficiency and power transfer.
3. Gearing & Tires: Installing high-speed gears or larger diameter tires directly increases top speed potential by changing the final drive ratio.
4. Advanced Mods: Engine swaps or forced induction offer the most significant gains but require substantial investment and expertise.
5. Safety First: Crucially, upgrade brakes to match increased speed, check local laws, and understand the implications for engine longevity and maintenance.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your goals, budget, mechanical skill, and how you use your cart. Choose your modifications wisely, prioritize safety, and enjoy the ride!

What modifications have you tried on your gas golf cart? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, please share it with fellow golf cart enthusiasts.