How To Convert An Electric Golf Cart To Gas? [5 easy Steps]

Golf carts are usually available in two types: electric and gas. Electric golf carts are eco-friendly, require less care, and provide steady operation. Contrastingly, gas golf carts are meant for better range, greater speed, and a longer runtime. 

To get the amazing benefits that gas golf carts give, you may want to convert an electric golf cart to gas. Most people seek to do this conversion because they are getting bothered by the battery’s lifespan. 

Although it won’t be practical to transform an electric golf cart into a gas, you may get good results if the conversion is successful. 

Let’s dig deeper into it. 

Is It Possible To Convert An Electric Golf Cart To Gas?

Electric golf carts and gas golf carts function differently. Electric golf carts use battery cells to work  whereas gas golf carts use combustion engines. 

Moreover,  their rear axles are completely different from each other. So just think of how these two carts can be used interchangeably. 

Well, your queries end here. Electric golf carts have a set of internal gears. They are attached with the rear axle.

Also, this cart has a battery box. You can remove it any time and put any other parts. 

While converting your electric golf cart to a gas, you have to replace some of the parts of it. 

Since the parts are replaceable you can expect a conversion. But the process will compel you to get a conversion kit or its alternative. 

Things To Consider For Turning An Electric Golf Cart To A Gas Golf Cart

Like gas golf carts, electric golf carts are beneficial too. Replacing any part of them will reduce the raw benefit that you would get. But if you have no other option except for the conversion, it would be fine to do so. Just keep some things in mind. 

Be Certain With The Results

Golf carts have been a game-changer in terms of speed and power. This makes them able to deliver a better performance. 

You just need to fill it up once and you will see how long it can run. If it were an electric golf cart, you would have to call it a day to charge the batteries. But here, the refueling takes very less time. 

Along with the merits, you must be certain of the demerits too. For instance, a gas golf cart has many carbon footprints, which is not good for the environment. Also, it is a bit noisier.  

Look For Workability

Since you have made an informed decision, you must seek a feasible outcome. All golf carts are styled differently. Some of them may not be compatible with the house’s gasoline engines. If your electric golf cart is like that, we would suggest getting help from a mechanic. 

How Can You Convert Electric Golf Carts To Gas?

Sometimes, the conversion of an electric golf cart to gas is discouraged as it involves many complications. However, the right skills and tools can make your process manageable. 

It would be much better if you knew about the mechanical issues that your golf cart may have. 

If the coast is clear, you can go with the steps below. 

Step 1: Gather Materials

In terms of gathering materials, you have options. Either you have to get a conversion kit or a used gas-powered golf cart.

The conversion kit includes a transmission, a gas tank, and an engine. These objects are going to play a crucial role in changing your electric golf cart to gas. 

On the other hand, a second-hand gas golf cart can also help you with this conversion. You just need to strip it to get its parts disassembled.

It’s your choice: Do you want to use the conversion kit or a used gas golf cart?

Step 2: Cut Off All Connections

Next, you will need to put your electric golf cart on the jack. It must look like the golf cart is working.

Then secure it on the lifts, and disconnect and remove the battery. Don’t forget to remove other misfit components, including the starter, from your golf cart.

The owner’s manual can go bat for you. It will guide you about the components and which ones to remove and replace.

Step 3: Separate The Engine And Transmission

Take the engine and transmission out of your electric golf cart.  Use cart jacks to lift the cart. This will give you easy access to the removal. 

If you want, you can sell the engine and transmission as spare parts.

Your conversion kit must have the engine and transmission required for a gas golf cart. Or if you have opted for a used gas golf cart, take the engine and transmission from there.

Maybe I won’t have to tell you that the engine and transmission will be placed in their places in the electric golf cart. Make sure to fasten them with the proper mounts. 

Step 4: Locate The Gas Tank

The gas tank is available in both a conversion kit and a used gas golf cart. To install it, you have to first drill a hole in your electric golf cart’s engine compartment.

Look for combustible materials near the golf cart. If you find any, remove them. Then place the gas tank there, which is going to be a safer place. 

Usually, the golf cart’s rear is a better place to put a gas tank.

Step 5: Test The Golf Cart

Our last step should be assurance. So check the golf cart to see if it has been successfully converted to gas or not. 

Start with filling the gas tank and engine with oil. Then press the accelerator. If you hear a normal sound, it means your job is done.

How Much To Spend For Converting Electric Golf Carts To Gas?

Converting an electric golf cart to gas is not only about placing the engine, transmission, and gas tank. You may have to break the bank for installation, labor, and modifications too. 

All golf carts are not found at the same price. It is inevitable for engines as well. The type of golf cart you have and the gas engine you will use are going to vary your costs. 

However, you may have to spend $1500 to $3500 to turn your electric golf cart to a gas golf cart. 

FAQs

No doubt, you can convert your electric golf cart to gas. Grabbing the perfect knowledge and answers is everything you will need. These are some common questions below that you should get under your belt about the conversion.

Is an electric golf cart as powerful as a gas one? 

Not only gas golf carts, electric golf carts are also effective. But a gas golf cart seems to be more powerful. It runs faster, refills with a click, and can pull heavy loads. 

Can you modify an electric golf cart?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade an electric golf cart. Simply grab a Golf Cart Speed Controller. It gives enhanced control over acceleration, goes faster, and handles voltage perfectly. Well, upgrading the golf cart engine would be much better for more speed. 

How many HP does a gas golf cart have?

Compared to electric golf carts, gas-powered golf carts have more horsepower, i.e, 10 to 12.

Conclusion 

Golf carts can be used for long trips too, not just short trips. In that case, an electric golf cart won’t be sufficient. Since gas golf carts have longer run time, you would want a gas golf cart. 

Electric golf owners will surely think about a conversion. It will be a bit challenging since gas golf carts are designed distinctly from electric golf carts. But don’t worry; our mentioned guideline can help you. 

Lastly, we would like to put forward some conversion kits that can make your task easier. Like- the EZGO Conversion Kit and Yamaha Conversion Kit.