How to Make an EZ-Go Golf Cart Faster: Tips and Modifications

If you’re an avid golfer or just enjoy cruising around your neighborhood on your EZ-Go golf cart, you may find yourself wanting a little more speed. While golf carts are built for leisurely travel, there are a variety of ways to boost their performance. Whether you want to shave a few minutes off your round or simply enjoy zipping around the course, here are some tried-and-true methods for making your EZ-Go golf cart faster.

1. Upgrade the Motor

The motor is the heart of your golf cart’s speed capabilities. Stock motors in many EZ-Go carts are built for efficiency and longevity, but they’re not necessarily optimized for speed. To get more power, consider upgrading to a high-performance motor.

What to consider:

• High-speed motors: These are designed specifically for faster acceleration and higher top speeds.
• Torque and speed balance: If you’re prioritizing top speed over torque, choose a motor geared for speed, but be mindful that this can affect the overall driving experience, especially on inclines.

Popular options:

• 4HP to 7HP high-speed motors can offer noticeable performance boosts without a major overhaul.
• Some top brands for aftermarket motors include Adger, Plum Quick, and Alltrax.

2. Upgrade the Controller

The controller regulates the flow of electricity from the batteries to the motor. Replacing your golf cart’s stock controller with a high-performance one can significantly increase the cart’s speed.

Why it helps:

• More power to the motor: A high-performance controller can handle higher currents and provide more power to your motor, resulting in faster speeds.
• Better acceleration: You’ll experience smoother acceleration and potentially even a higher top speed.

Considerations:

• Make sure the new controller is compatible with your motor.
• Controllers for EZ-Go carts can range from 250A to 400A (amps). Higher amps mean more power, but they may require additional upgrades to your battery or wiring.

3. Increase Battery Voltage

One of the most effective ways to boost your golf cart’s speed is to increase the battery voltage. Most stock EZ-Go carts come with 36V or 48V battery systems. Upgrading to a higher voltage system can give your cart a significant speed boost.

How to do it:

• If you have a 36V system, consider upgrading to a 48V system. This involves swapping out your old batteries for ones that can support the higher voltage.
• You can also upgrade from a 48V to a 72V system, but this requires a full upgrade of the motor, controller, and other components to match the voltage change.

Considerations:

• Upgrading to a higher voltage system typically requires new batteries, a new charger, and possibly a new controller and motor.
• A higher voltage battery pack will provide more torque and speed but may reduce your overall runtime between charges.

4. Install a Speed Controller Chip or Programmer

If you’re not looking for a full motor or controller replacement, installing a speed chip or programmer can be a great compromise. These devices modify the cart’s controller settings to allow for higher speed limits, improving both acceleration and top speed.

How it works:

• Speed chips or programmers tweak the cart’s internal settings, unlocking speed limits and optimizing performance.
• These devices can be programmed for a specific speed, such as 25-30 MPH or even faster, depending on your model and the chip you choose.

What to look for:

• Be sure to choose a chip that is compatible with your specific model of EZ-Go cart. Some models, like the RXV or TXT, have specific options for speed modifications.

5. Adjust the Gear Ratio

Your golf cart’s gear ratio plays a significant role in determining its top speed. A lower gear ratio allows for higher speed but sacrifices torque, while a higher gear ratio provides better torque but limits top speed.

How to adjust:

• Install a high-speed gear kit: This kit changes the gear ratio, allowing the cart to achieve higher speeds.
• Consider a “Speed Kit” upgrade: For EZ-Go carts, speed kits are available that adjust the drive ratio for faster performance.

Note:

• Changing the gear ratio may affect the cart’s ability to handle steep inclines or heavy loads, so this modification is best suited for flat terrain.

6. Lighten the Load

While this may seem obvious, the weight of your golf cart plays a role in its speed. The more weight the cart has to carry, the slower it will go, as more power is required to move the same distance.

How to reduce weight:

• Remove unnecessary accessories or equipment that add weight to the cart, such as extra golf bag holders, heavy seats, or added storage.
• Replace the existing seats with lighter materials, or switch out heavy parts like the roof or frame (if you’re willing to make extensive modifications).

What to avoid:

• Don’t strip the cart down to the point where it compromises safety, stability, or comfort.

7. Upgrade the Tires

Your golf cart’s tires can have a surprising effect on its speed. Large, knobby tires may look great but can add a lot of drag, slowing your cart down. For faster speeds, opt for low-profile, high-performance tires that reduce rolling resistance.

What to consider:

• Low-profile tires will give your cart a smoother ride at higher speeds, and they typically have less rolling resistance.
• Ensure that the new tires are compatible with your cart’s suspension and don’t negatively affect handling or safety.

8. Proper Maintenance

Sometimes, the difference between a slow cart and a fast cart comes down to basic maintenance. Ensuring your cart is running at optimal performance is key to achieving the best speed possible.

Key maintenance tips:

• Keep the batteries clean and charged: Dirty or poorly charged batteries can slow down your cart.
• Check the tire pressure: Under-inflated tires create more resistance, slowing your cart.
• Regularly clean the motor: Dirt and debris can impede your motor’s efficiency, causing your cart to run slower.

9. Consider a Custom Performance Package

If you’re serious about upgrading your EZ-Go cart for performance, you can always look into custom performance packages. These packages typically include upgrades to the motor, controller, batteries, and suspension for a complete overhaul of your cart’s speed and handling.

What’s included in a performance package:

• High-speed motor
• Upgraded controller and programming
• Heavy-duty batteries with higher voltage
• Custom gear ratio and suspension kits
• Performance tires

Conclusion

Making your EZ-Go golf cart faster doesn’t have to be a complex process. With the right combination of upgrades and modifications—such as a new motor, improved controller, and higher voltage batteries—you can enjoy a quicker, more exciting ride. However, it’s important to balance speed with safety and consider how your modifications will affect other aspects of performance, such as handling and battery life.

Before you start making any major changes, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or a reputable golf cart mechanic to ensure your modifications are done safely and correctly.

By following these tips and considering the right upgrades for your needs, you’ll be on your way to a faster, more thrilling golf cart experience.