Putting a gas engine in a electric cart!

Cindylynn · 04-11-2009, 01:26 AM

Recently I was considering installing a 50cc chainsaw motor, or a 8 HP snowblower motor into an electric golf cart I have. Has anyone does this? If so, does it work as planned? I'm pretty good with altering and modifying systems and don't think it would be too hard for me to do this transition. I also plan on stripping the cart down to get a lighter weigh so the smaller engine could push it better.

Pros:
Further range. (I would be able to carry a HUGE gas tank.)
Much easier then batteries.
Could be upgraded to a larger motor.
Less costly then buying new batteries.

Cons:
Less power.
Major modification required.

10507581 · 04-11-2009, 01:32 AM

the big thing is the electric cart differential will not work with a gas engine, other wise what you said sums it up

dirtysouth · 04-11-2009, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindylynn

Recently I was considering installing a 50cc chainsaw motor into an electric golf cart I have. Has anyone does this? If so, does it work as planned?

Pros:
Further range. (I would be able to carry a HUGE gas tank.)
Much easier then batteries.
Could be upgraded to a larger motor.

Cons:
Less power.
Major modification required.

Welcome Cindylynn, 50cc's would be hard pressed to move a golf cart.

Cindylynn · 04-11-2009, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10507581

the big thing is the electric cart differential will not work with a gas engine, other wise what you said sums it up

Do I need a differential? I was considering a direct chain drive right to the rear axle.

rifter · 04-11-2009, 04:31 AM

The chainsaw engine is not going to be big enough, in one of my carts I installed a Snowmobile engine, it's a 433 CC/ 34 HP, I ran it through the EZGO shifter rear axle, the power from that is only a little more than from a stock engine. I do have a cart with a Honda CBR 1000RR engine that has more than enough power to get you into alot of trouble.

dock98 · 04-13-2009, 09:59 AM

welcome to BGW.

spriddle · 04-13-2009, 10:20 AM

Welcome to BGW! I have to agree, no way a chainsaw engine is going to push a cart. Even if it would, I think it would be one headache trying to set it up on an electric cart.

scottyb · 04-13-2009, 10:22 AM

I want Gorno's avatar

dirtysouth · 04-13-2009, 10:26 AM

I think it would be a great idea to put a chainsaw engine in an electric cart.

scottyb · 04-13-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtysouth

I think it would be a great idea to put a chainsaw engine in an electric cart.

Maybe a weedeater motor?

04-11-2009, 01:26 AM	#1
Cindylynn Getting Wild Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 102	Putting a gas engine in a electric cart! Recently I was considering installing a 50cc chainsaw motor, or a 8 HP snowblower motor into an electric golf cart I have. Has anyone does this? If so, does it work as planned? I'm pretty good with altering and modifying systems and don't think it would be too hard for me to do this transition. I also plan on stripping the cart down to get a lighter weigh so the smaller engine could push it better. Pros: Further range. (I would be able to carry a HUGE gas tank.) Much easier then batteries. Could be upgraded to a larger motor. Less costly then buying new batteries. Cons: Less power. Major modification required.
Cindylynn Getting Wild Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 102

04-11-2009, 01:32 AM	#2
10507581 Gone Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Jenks Oklahoma Posts: 299	Re: Putting a gas engine in a electric cart! the big thing is the electric cart differential will not work with a gas engine, other wise what you said sums it up

04-11-2009, 04:31 AM	#5
rifter rifter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Orlando Florida Posts: 4,055	Re: Putting a gas engine in a electric cart! The chainsaw engine is not going to be big enough, in one of my carts I installed a Snowmobile engine, it's a 433 CC/ 34 HP, I ran it through the EZGO shifter rear axle, the power from that is only a little more than from a stock engine. I do have a cart with a Honda CBR 1000RR engine that has more than enough power to get you into alot of trouble.

04-13-2009, 09:59 AM	#6
dock98 doin it in the desert Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sonora Desert,Az Posts: 5,603	Re: Putting a gas engine in a electric cart! welcome to BGW.

04-13-2009, 10:20 AM	#7
spriddle Admin Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: TN Posts: 101,871	Re: Putting a gas engine in a electric cart! Welcome to BGW! I have to agree, no way a chainsaw engine is going to push a cart. Even if it would, I think it would be one headache trying to set it up on an electric cart.

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04-13-2009, 10:22 AM	#8
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,419	Re: Putting a gas engine in a electric cart! I want Gorno's avatar

04-13-2009, 10:26 AM	#9
dirtysouth Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: P-COLA Posts: 1,176	Re: Putting a gas engine in a electric cart! I think it would be a great idea to put a chainsaw engine in an electric cart.

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