Fuel injection isn’t a new idea. In fact, it was first invented over 115 years ago. Fuel injecting a golf cart, on the other hand, is a relatively new concept.

For years, manufacturers have had carbureted carts, but only since 2013 have we seen carts come fuel injected from the factory (thanks, Yamaha!). Fuel injection will not only provide a more lucrative resale value but also will improve your cart’s day-to-day performance.

Easier Cold Starts

It’s a cold clear morning and the smell of fresh cut grass overwhelms your senses. You sit in your golf cart, turn the ignition, and it cranks and wheezes and cranks some more, forcing you to pull a knob and slam your foot repeatedly to the floorboard in an attempt to bring your engine to life.

Cold starting an engine can be a chore, but EFI makes the process simple. The computer automatically reads sensors and sends the correct amount of fuel and air in the engine for a smooth start in most any temperature. Since you don’t need a choke, the time needed to warm up your engine will be significantly quicker, as well, allowing you to get to your destination without a hassle.

Improved Throttle Response

If you compare the throttle response of a carbureted cart to that of a fuel injected cart, you are bound to notice some differences. The reaction from the fuel injected cart will not only be more responsive (you will get power quicker when you press the throttle), but also smoother and more predictable.

A smoother and more predictable throttle response allows for you to adjust your speed accurately every time. Fuel injection achieves this by having a constant pressure of fuel ready to be dispersed, while a carburetor has floats that don’t provide an equally measured amount of fuel to each cylinder.

More Efficient

EFI systems provide a better atomization of fuel and an equal disbursement, resulting in a more efficient, cleaner-burning engine. Fuel injection provides 15-25% (some claim up to 38%) more efficiency when compared to a carbureted engine, resulting in a longer range than carbureted and electric carts.

More efficiency doesn’t only translate to better miles per gallon, but, also, as an added benefit, fuel injection helps provide a cleaner environment by providing a complete burn of fuel.

Increased Power

As a result of a near complete burn that can only be provided by fuel injection, your cart will have a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque—not to mention a broader torque curve, providing a difference you can feel at any RPM. This added torque is best displayed when you are carrying a large load, passengers, climbing a grade, or simply using yourcart for day-to-day travel. If you use your cart as a workhorse, an increase in torque means you have the power to tackle any job.

Less Maintenance

Fuel injection is simply less labor intensive than carbureted engines. No jets means no clogged jets when retrieving from storage. When you want to store your fuel injected cart, it is as easy asadding in a fuel stabilizer or emptying the fuel tank and lines.

When removing from storage, simply fuel up, and you are ready to drive. No clearing lines or cleaning agummed up carb. Another added advantage of not having jets is the ease of tuning when traveling. Since EFI is computer controlled, it constantly adjusts air/fuel ratios for to optimize output regardless of altitude, humidity, or air temperature, leaving you with more time to do what you love.

Creature Comfort

As humans, we enjoy the pleasures of comfort no matter where we are; that includes in what we use for transportation. With a fuel injected engine, you will experience less vibration, and a smoother running and quieter engine that will crest hills like no other. Some carts boast being as quiet and smooth as their electric counterparts!

Whether you are on the green or on the job, you want to be comfortable, and fuel injection is a nice step in the right direction.

Summary

Fuel injecting your golf cart is one of the best dollar-for-dollar investments you can make. Increased resale value, coupled with easier cold starts, improved power and efficiency, smoother and predictable throttle response, fewer maintenance headaches, and more creature comforts will have you wondering why you didn’t choose to upgrade to fuel injection long ago!

It’s no wondertop manufacturers have started making fuel injection standard on a variety of golf carts. If you are on the fence about upgrading your cart or cart engine, consider fuel injection.