For many golfers, the trusty golf cart is an indispensable part of the game. It allows you to conveniently carry clubs and supplies across the course with less walking. But standard golf carts often top out at just 15 mph – not nearly fast enough for some cart enthusiasts’ needs for speed.
If you’ve ever wished your golf cart could go faster to shave time off your round or just add more excitement, modifying your vehicle for higher speeds is enticingly possible. With the right upgrades, it’s feasible to increase golf cart speed up to 25-30 mph or more.
However, there are important legal and safety issues to consider when souping up your golf ride. This guide will explore all you need to know about golf cart performance enhancements – from the benefits of speed to how to mod your cart safely and legally.
Why Make a Golf Cart Faster?
There are several key benefits to modifying your golf cart to make it faster. The most obvious is that you can get around the golf course more quickly. This allows you to play more holes in the same amount of time or reduce the time spent traveling between holes. For competitive golfers, shaving just a few minutes off a round can make a significant difference in their scores.
Besides golfing, a souped-up golf cart opens up other fun possibilities. You can use it to zip around your neighborhood or campground more quickly. A modified golf cart makes an excellent runabout vehicle for short trips around town. The added speed allows you to keep up with traffic flow in most residential areas. This makes it handy for quick trips to the store, visiting neighbors, or picking up the kids from school.
If you live on a large property or farm, a faster golf cart can help you get work done quicker. You can haul equipment from place to place faster, saving you time and effort. It’s also handy for patrolling large areas of land more efficiently. The extra speed allows you to cover more ground in the same amount of time compared to a normal golf cart.
Golf cart drag racing has also become a popular motorsport in some areas. Converting a golf cart into a competitive drag racer requires significant modifications to achieve top speeds over 30 mph. Special racing tires, gearing, and enhanced motors are some of the alterations made to optimize speed. The thrill of golf cart racing has led to official events and competitions for souped-up carts.
In summary, speeding up your golf cart can increase enjoyment and efficiency for a variety of activities. Whether you want to play golf faster, commute around your property quicker, or take up golf cart racing – modifying your cart for more speed has many benefits beyond just getting to the 19th hole a bit sooner. With the right upgrades and precautions, a faster golf cart can be both fun and practical.
How to Increase Golf Cart Speed?
There are several effective modifications you can make to increase your golf cart’s speed. One of the simplest is reducing the overall weight of the cart. Removing unnecessary accessories, golf bags and other gear will allow the cart to accelerate faster. Just shaving off a few pounds can make a noticeable difference in speed.
Upgrading to a more powerful motor is one of the most effective ways to add speed. High-performance brushless electric motors can increase speed and torque compared to standard golf cart motors. Larger gasoline engines, such as a 30hp Vanguard, will also boost speed over the typical 10-18hp stock engine. Just make sure the motor doesn’t exceed your golf cart’s designed power capabilities.
Installing specialized high-speed gearing in the rear differential is a popular upgrade. Higher numeric gear ratios like 12:36 allow the engine to turn the rear wheels faster. This translates into increased top speeds. Just be aware that this may reduce low-end torque and acceleration. Proper gearing selection depends on your speed goals and desired performance.
The tires you use play a major role in potential speed. Upgrading to low-profile performance tires in the 20 to 22 inch range will provide less rolling resistance. Tires designed for racing golf carts use compounds that grip better at higher speeds. High-speed tires should be inflated to the proper PSI for maximum speed and stability.
Other helpful upgrades include lightening the overall drive train, adjusting wheel alignment for less drag, using reduced friction greases, and installing free-flowing exhausts. Suspension enhancements help stabilize the cart at higher speeds. Disc brakes provide better stopping power than standard drum brakes. And using forced-air cooling systems allows the motor to run faster without overheating.
In summary, focus on reducing weight, optimizing gearing, upgrading motor power, and installing speed-rated tires and components specially engineered for racing carts. Work with knowledgeable golf cart technicians to select the right parts for your speed goals and stay within safe operating limits. Proper installation and tuning is key to getting maximum speed gains from your golf cart modifications.
Is it Legal to Modify Golf Carts?
When modifying a golf cart to go faster, it’s important to consider the legal implications. Laws regarding golf cart equipment and operation vary widely depending on where you live. Always check your state and local regulations before making any modifications.
Most areas prohibit operating golf carts on public roads unless they are registered as low-speed vehicles. To qualify, the golf cart typically needs safety equipment like mirrors, turn signals, seat belts, and headlights. Even registered LSV golf carts are limited to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Modifying carts to far exceed this would be illegal in most cases.
Some states have specific golf cart equipment regulations when operating them on designated low-speed roadways. For example, maximum speed limits around 15-25 mph are common. Some states prohibit certain engine displacement sizes, horsepower levels or tire specs on modified golf carts driven on public roads. Check if mufflers are required and if there are governing devices mandating speed limits.
Golf carts modified for off-road use only on private property have fewer regulations, but local noise and emissions ordinances may still apply. Racing carts not street legal almost anywhere, so transporting them requires trailers and designated race venues. Children are often prohibited from operating most modified golf carts, especially at high speeds.
Driving any unauthorized or dangerous vehicle on public roads usually results in stiff penalties. At minimum, police will prohibit unsafe modified golf carts from road use. But fines, impound fees, license suspension and even jail time are possible for repeat offenders. Stay strictly on private property and avoid streets when modifying carts beyond legal limits.
In summary, always check the local laws before modifying your golf cart’s speed or operating capabilities. Get clearly written guidelines on legal equipment limits and driving restrictions. Obey speed limits and avoid public roads unless properly registered and equipped as a low-speed vehicle. Stay safe and legal by using common sense with any modified golf cart.
Conclusion
Modifying your golf cart to reach higher speeds can be an exciting and rewarding project. With the right combination of weight reduction, engine upgrades, gearing changes, and high-performance tires, you can shave precious minutes off your golf round or turn your cart into a fun recreational vehicle.
Just be sure to research the legal regulations in your area before modifying your golf cart for road use. Observe all safety precautions, follow speed limits, and avoid public roads whenever possible. Responsible driving is essential, as souped-up carts can be dangerous in inexperienced hands.
With the proper precautions and common sense, a modified faster golf cart can provide hours of entertainment on the golf course, around your neighborhood, or at special racing events. But maximizing speed should never come at the expense of safety for both driver and passengers.
Enjoyed this guide of how to make a golf cart faster? Then be sure to check out our other golf guides.
