If you’ve ever wished your gas golf cart could go just a little faster, you’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to keep up with friends on the course or simply want better performance around your property, there are safe, affordable, and effective ways to boost your cart’s speed.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to make a gas golf cart faster — including how the engine works, what simple changes make the biggest difference, and how to tune popular models like EZ-GO and Yamaha. You’ll also learn where the governor is located and how to safely adjust it without damaging your engine or breaking the law.
Understanding the Limits: Safety, Laws & Why It Matters
Before making any upgrades, it’s important to know how far you can safely go. Golf carts are designed for moderate speeds (typically 12–20 mph). Pushing them beyond that requires thoughtful tuning — not reckless modification.
Why safety and legality matter:
- Some states and golf courses limit maximum cart speeds.
- Removing the governor may void your warranty.
- Faster speeds increase the risk of rollovers or brake failure.
Pro tip:
Always check your local golf course or municipality rules before modifying your cart. If you plan to drive on roads, most states classify carts over 20–25 mph as Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), requiring registration, insurance, and headlights.
How Gas Golf Carts Make Power: The Basics
To make your golf cart faster, you first need to understand how it generates power.
Gas golf carts use small combustion engines (usually 9–12 horsepower) that drive the rear wheels through a belt and clutch system. Key components include:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Governor | Controls top speed by limiting RPM |
| Carburetor | Mixes fuel and air for combustion |
| Clutch & Belt | Transfers power from engine to wheels |
| Air Filter & Exhaust | Affect airflow and performance |
| Gears/Sprockets | Determine speed vs. torque balance |
Where is the Governor on a Gas Golf Cart?
The governor is typically located:
- Near the engine’s carburetor linkage, or
- Inside the rear differential or transmission housing (especially on EZ-GO and Yamaha models).
Its job is to limit how fast the engine spins (RPM). Adjusting it — or removing it — can increase speed, but do this carefully. Too much adjustment can lead to engine wear or overheating.
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Here are the most effective and safe methods to increase your gas golf cart the speed of your gas golf cart the We’ve ranked them from simple maintenance tips to advanced modifications.
Regular Tune-Up and Maintenance
Difficulty: Easy | Cost: $0–$50 | Gain: +2–4 mph
A clean and well-tuned cart is a fast cart. Over time, dirt, clogged filters, and weak spark plugs can slow performance.
Do this:
- Replace or clean the air filter.
- Install a new spark plug.
- Use fresh fuel and engine oil.
- Adjust the carburetor for smooth idle and acceleration.
- Check the drive belt for cracks or slipping.
This basic maintenance can restore lost horsepower and improve throttle response — a simple win for speed.
Adjust or Remove the Governor (With Caution)
Difficulty: Moderate | Cost: Free | Gain: +3–7 mph
The governor restricts engine speed to prevent damage. You can safely adjust it to allow slightly higher RPM.
Steps (general method):
- Locate the governor cable near the carburetor or transmission.
- Loosen the lock nut.
- Turn the adjustment screw or nut to tighten the spring tension.
- Test the cart after each small change.
Warning:
Removing the governor entirely can lead to overheating or engine damage. It’s better to adjust it than to remove it completely — unless you’ve upgraded other components too.
Upgrade the Clutch or Drive Belt
Difficulty: Medium | Cost: $100–$300 | Gain: +2–5 mph
Performance clutch kits or stronger drive belts help the engine transfer more power to the wheels.
Upgrades to consider:
- High-performance drive clutch for faster engagement.
- Heavier clutch weights for smoother acceleration.
- Kevlar belts that grip better and last longer.
These upgrades improve both top speed and hill-climbing power — especially noticeable on older carts.
Adjust Gear Ratios (Final Drive Sprocket)
Difficulty: Advanced | Cost: $150–$400 | Gain: +5–10 mph
Changing your rear differential gears can significantly raise top speed. However, you’ll lose some torque (hill power).
Example:
A typical gear ratio of 12:1 (stock) can be swapped to 8:1 for more top-end speed.
This modification is best done by a mechanic familiar with your cart’s drivetrain.
Improve Airflow (Air Filter & Exhaust Upgrades)
Difficulty: Easy–Medium | Cost: $50–$250 | Gain: +1–3 mph
Better breathing means better performance. Gas engines love free airflow.
Do this:
- Install a high-flow air filter (K&N-style filters work well).
- Add a performance muffler or straight-through exhaust.
- Check for exhaust leaks or carbon buildup.
Combined, these upgrades make the engine run smoother and breathe easier, improving both speed and sound.
Adjust the Carburetor and Fuel Mixture
Difficulty: Moderate | Cost: Free–$50 | Gain: +1–2 mph
A rich or lean fuel mixture affects how efficiently your engine burns fuel.
Steps:
- Warm up the engine.
- Turn the idle screw slightly clockwise until the RPM increases.
- Adjust the air-fuel mixture screw until the engine idles smoothly.
Proper tuning can increase throttle response and reduce fuel waste.
Reduce Weight and Drag
Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free–$100 | Gain: +1–3 mph
Your cart’s weight and aerodynamics matter. The lighter and smoother it runs, the faster it goes.
Quick tips:
- Remove unnecessary accessories or rear seats.
- Use low-resistance tires.
- Avoid roof racks or bulky windshields.
- Keep tire pressure optimal (18–22 PSI).
These simple tricks improve acceleration without any mechanical changes.
Install a Performance Kit or Engine Upgrade
Difficulty: Advanced | Cost: $400–$1,000+ | Gain: +10–20 mph
If you want serious speed, consider installing:
- A high-performance clutch and carburetor combo, or
- A larger engine (e.g., 420cc Honda GX upgrade kits).
Professional performance kits can push your cart beyond 30 mph safely — but ensure your brakes, tires, and frame can handle it.
Brand-Specific Guides
Let’s now look at how to make popular gas golf cart brands faster — EZ-GO and Yamaha — since both have unique setups.
How to Make an EZ-GO Gas Golf Cart Faster?
EZ-GO carts are among the most common, known for reliability and simple mechanics.
Governor location:
Typically on the rear differential or near the carburetor linkage.
Steps to increase speed:
- Tighten the governor spring near the carburetor slightly.
- Replace or upgrade the drive clutch spring.
- Use a performance air filter and exhaust.
- Check tire size — slightly larger tires (20”–22”) increase top speed by 1–2 mph.
- Tune the carburetor for a smooth idle and steady pull.
Optional upgrade: Install an EZ-GO performance kit for a 20–25% speed boost.
How to Make a Yamaha Gas Golf Cart Faster?
Yamaha gas golf carts are powerful but often governed strictly for safety.
Governor location:
Near the rear axle or inside the throttle cable assembly.
Steps to increase speed:
- Locate the governor adjustment screw behind the engine cover.
- Tighten the screw gradually (1–2 turns at a time).
- Replace the air filter and fuel lines if old or clogged.
- Install a high-speed clutch spring for improved RPM range.
- For major gains, swap to a larger drive pulley or performance belt.
Tip: Yamaha engines respond well to carburetor tuning and better exhaust flow — even small changes can make a noticeable difference.
How to Make a Gas Golf Cart Faster at Home (DIY Plan)?
If you’re handy with tools, you can safely make your gas golf cart faster at home with basic equipment.
Tools you’ll need:
- Socket wrench set
- Screwdrivers
- Torque wrench
- Jack stands
- Air compressor (optional)
- Tachometer (for RPM testing)
Step-by-Step DIY Speed Plan
- Inspect & Tune — Replace air filter, spark plug, and oil.
- Adjust Governor — Loosen the nut, increase tension slightly, and test drive.
- Clean Carburetor — Remove buildup and check mixture settings.
- Upgrade Belt/Clutch — Install new performance kit.
- Check Tire Pressure & Alignment.
- Test Top Speed — Use GPS or a phone app for before/after results.
Pro tip: Always make one change at a time so you can see what works and avoid causing engine stress.
Costs, Expected Gains & Realistic Results
Here’s a breakdown of how much each upgrade typically costs and the performance boost you can expect:
| Upgrade | Estimated Cost | Speed Gain | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic tune-up | $0–$50 | +2–4 mph | Easy |
| Governor adjustment | Free | +3–7 mph | Medium |
| Clutch/belt upgrade | $100–$300 | +2–5 mph | Medium |
| Gear ratio change | $150–$400 | +5–10 mph | Advanced |
| Air/exhaust mods | $50–$250 | +1–3 mph | Medium |
| Engine swap/performance kit | $400–$1,000+ | +10–20 mph | Expert |
Realistic expectation:
A well-tuned gas golf cart can go from 18–20 mph stock to 25–35 mph with moderate upgrades — all while staying reliable.
Safety and Legal Checklist
Speed is fun — but safety comes first.
Before modifying:
- Check local speed laws and golf course regulations.
- Upgrade your brakes if you increase power.
- Make sure steering and tires are in top shape.
- Avoid public roads unless your cart is registered as an LSV.
- Always wear seatbelts if your cart has them.
Remember: exceeding 25 mph may reclassify your cart as a road vehicle under federal and state law.
Tools & Parts Checklist
| Item | Purpose | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Socket wrench set | General repairs | $30 |
| Torque wrench | Precise adjustments | $40 |
| New spark plug | Ignition | $10 |
| Air filter | Improved airflow | $20 |
| Performance clutch kit | More power | $150–$250 |
| Kevlar drive belt | Better grip | $60 |
| High-flow exhaust | Better airflow | $100–$200 |
Before & After Example (Case Study)
Cart model: 2018 EZ-GO TXT Gas
Condition: Stock, 18 mph top speed
Upgrades done:
- Adjusted governor
- Replaced clutch belt
- Installed high-flow air filter and muffler
- Increased tire size from 18″ → 20″
Results:
| Test | Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| Before | 18 |
| After tune-up | 22 |
| After clutch & air mods | 26 |
| Final (with tires) | 28 |
A 55% improvement in top speed — with minimal cost and no major engine changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the governor on a gas golf cart?
Usually near the carburetor linkage or inside the rear differential. On Yamaha, it’s near the rear axle; on EZ-GO, it’s often near the throttle cable or differential.
Is it legal to remove the governor on my golf cart?
Not always. Some regions restrict modifications that increase speed beyond 20–25 mph. Check local laws first.
How can I make my gas golf cart faster at home?
Start with simple steps: tune-up, air filter change, governor adjustment, and clutch inspection. Always make one change at a time and test safely.
How much faster can an EZ-GO or Yamaha golf cart go?
Basic tuning and minor upgrades can raise top speed from 18 mph to around 25–30 mph safely.
Will these mods void my warranty?
Yes, in many cases. Adjusting the governor or changing engine components can void the manufacturer’s warranty — proceed carefully.
Conclusion
Learning how to make a gas golf cart faster is about balance between performance, safety, and reliability. Start with maintenance, then move to small tuning and performance upgrades as you gain confidence.
If you want a major speed boost, consider professional kits or an engine major speed swap but always test your brakes, follow the law, and keep safety your top priority.
With a bit of effort and mechanical curiosity, you can transform your ordinary golf cart into a smooth, responsive, and fun machine that stands out on the course or street.