First Post, First Golf Cart

[JeepinMatt]

Afternoon!

I recently bought what I believe to be a 1992 (G8?) Yamaha gas cart. Without knowing much about carts, it seems to run well. Being a new owner, and having read through this forum for some time, I had some questions for others' thoughts and opinions on carts. I hope this is not too much for a first post, but lets get down to business:

1) I am interested in ordering a lift/tires for my currently stock Yamaha. With its age (a 92 I think) I am afraid that I am asking for trouble "taxing" the golf cart with the extra accessories. Should I be weary of these additions? Does a lift/tires add for increased wear on the cart? Will I see a significant power loss?

2) I know there are plenty of discussions about adjusting the governor to get increased speed. Does increased speed also mean less motor life? Would you all, with the age of the cart, adjust it or leave it be. It mainly is really sluggish on hills where on flats it seems fine to me.

3) I am the owner of a gas cart, and have seen people ask why gas and why battery. If I decide to upgrade to a newer model, I have been thinking about getting an electric, because to me it seems like less to go wrong. I currently live on a private drive that is a mile long, use it around the yard and couple acre lot, and do not explore it deep into the woods for hunting. I am wondering if an electric is a better fit for me, being mechanically stupid, and then will a lift/tires wear the electric the same/worse than a gas?

4)For all you electric cart guys, how many years of life would you expect out of a new set of "nice" batteries? Trying to think about the cost of replacement if I went that route later.

5) Is there a favored brand of lift kits?

Thanks for all your time and comments.

[Dave in VA]

Don't worry about lifting the cart--same with the governor. You can crank the gov nut in as far as you want. Just don't hold it wide open for a long time. Or you could get this. http://www.cartpartsplus.com/yamaha-speed-spring.html Check with site sponsors for for lifts and wheel/tire combos. You will want a power kit for the driven clutch to increase torque http://www.cartpartsplus.com/yamaha-power-kit.html


Have fun with your project

[stuff4mason]

Matt, First let me tell ya, you bought one hell of a machine my man! G8's are the BEAST of the yamaha golf carts! I love mine! Just added an additional 2" to the front of it and just toted 12 people on mine tonight!

[jmz]

Personally I would rather have a gas cart. My cart is just like my JEEP . Just empty every pocket

[Mike Mac]

I agree with all these guys, Matt. I will just add, "go through a through maint program on the car as you put the lift on," and I bet you don't touch it with a wrench for years down the road. Read this yamaha site, from front to back and you will learn much about what to do (and not do) and how to do it. Yamaha's are alot of fun to work on, and very tuneable. We will take you away from your wife and kids if you give us half a chance. You will be spending all your time here.

This is a G8 with a G16 body on it.

Good luck, Mike

[G1-G9]

I like gas. I dont have a five mile long extention cord that will reach out back in the woods if the batterys go dead. My parents always had battery ones and they loved them so to each their own.