Improving the performance of a golf cart can be achieved through an assortment of methods, but upgrades to the gas engine or electric motor have the most impact. Most manufacturers design their golf carts to reach a maximum speed of 12 to 14 miles per hour, which is considered to be a safe speed for most driving applications. However, with enhancements, a gas or electric powered golf cart can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour.

We’ve put together a few DIY techniques that home mechanics can use to boost your gas-powered golf cart’s performance.

1. Adjust the Governor

Several different governor techniques are used on gas engines to limit speed. Each can be modified to increase or decrease the maximum top speed.

Mechanical Spring Loaded Type

The most common governor type on a golf cart gas engine is a mechanical spring-loaded mechanism that works in conjunction with the golf cart’s accelerator. It may be at the carburetor or attached to the differential. The top speed can be increased or decreased by varying the spring tension.

Clutch/throttle Cable Type

The next most popular speed governor found on gas engines is the clutch/throttle cable type, usually found next to the secondary sheave, pulley or clutch.

Use a wrench to adjust the throttle cable tension. Lengthening the cable will prevent the mechanism from pulling back the throttle lever and limiting the top speed. More gas will enter the engine, which provides more power.

Spark Regulation Type

The most recent speed governor innovation from manufacturers cuts the ignition spark — rather than reducing the amount of fuel fed into the engine — when the top speed is reached to limit RPMs and power.

The spark regulation governor was developed specifically to discourage do-it-yourselfers from adjusting the power output of their golf cart engines. The regulator is typically connected directly to the ignitor in the engine, making it difficult, if not impossible, to adjust without also altering with the ignitor.

2. Get a Tune-Up

A complete tune-up with quality replacement parts will increase the performance of a gas-powered golf cart engine.

Tune up kits are available for specific make and model golf carts and engine sizes. The kits typically include a fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, spark plugs and oil filter O-ring. The do-it-yourself mechanic can use basic hand tools to change out the parts. Refer to the tune-up kit instructions or golf cart owner’s manual for setting the proper spark plug gap.

3. Upgrade the Exhaust

A new high-performance exhaust can greatly improve the overall golf cart performance. The manufacturer’s stock exhaust supplied with the cart was designed to meet environmental emissions requirements and maintain noise at acceptable levels.

A performance exhaust allows for higher airflow rates and creates less backpressure on the engine. With higher air/fuel rates, engine combustion is enhanced, resulting in higher horsepower and torque.

4. Overhaul the Entire Engine

Rebuild kits can be purchased to overhaul the existing engine. A rebuild can be very effective on older engines or those that get a lot of use. Although the kits include all the components needed for a complete rebuild, a basic understanding of mechanics is required. It may be a project a bit too challenging for some do-it-yourselfers.

High-Performance Engine Upgrades

While a standard rebuild kit is intended to restore a tired or worn engine to its original power output, high-performance replacement parts may be installed to augment horsepower and torque.

Increasing engine capacity by installing performance pistons, rods and cranks will provide the most power. However, these high-performance parts for cart engines can be expensive and may require installation by a professional mechanic.

The simplest method for improving power and torque in an internal combustion engine is to increase the quantity of fuel and air that goes into the combustion chamber. A superior-quality air filter will allow more air to enter the engine chamber and, combined with a high-flow fuel pump and filter, will deliver the proper quantity of gas required to augment combustion and increase power.

Advancing the ignition timing can also increase gas engine horsepower, but it may require a special tool. Upgraded engine valve springs will increase the maximum safe engine RPMs, resulting in increased power and top speed. Both enhancements require some mechanical knowledge to implement.

An oil cooler is recommended to prevent the engine from overheating whenever upgraded parts or tune-up kits are installed.

5. Replace It

Overall engine replacement may be the only way to achieve the desired golf cart performance enhancement.

Engines are available in a variety of sizes for every golf cart make and model. While most modern engines specifically made for golf carts can deliver up to 12 horsepower, they may be replaced with engines from an ATV or snowmobile that produce up to 100 horsepower.

Final Thought

Consulting a qualified golf cart supplier or mechanic is recommended before attempting any engine modifications or upgrades. While the allure of a high-performance, fast golf cart is exciting, safety should be a top priority.