Post by oldchopperguy on Feb 22, 2013 1:48:02 GMT -5
OK, Rebs & Rebettes... Here's the lowdown on the Prodigy variator!
It reached 65 degrees, I got the new UNI-sock filter today, installed it and the engine runs great like it used to, SOOO..... I got "Lil' Bubba" out and wrung-out the new variator. I figured I had better just start a new thread since this currently does not pertain to reversing the carb.
A 20-mile run, in-city, and on level 55 mph surface roads gave me a chance to really see how the Prodigy performs. First, I must say that the engine MUST be running properly to tell anything. Without the UNI filter, mine would not go through the "sweet-spot" of approx. 7,000+ rpm. Now it DOES.
The new Prodigy performed BEAUTIFULLY, far surpassing the general performance of the original. Here are the noticeable improvements over stock...
1. Starting from a dead stop is smoother, and acceleration is better/quicker (SURPRISE!) with NO over-revving rpm.
2. With only moderate throttle, the engine runs up quickly to 7,000+ rpm (the "sweet-spot"). It levels off, and 45 mph is reached FAST. Back off on the throttle and the scoot settles in at 45 mph at a VERY smooth, modest 5,000+ rpm. Plenty of twist left on the throttle. The stock variator had the engine running up to 8,500 rpm and at 45 mph it was straining a little at a steady 8,000+ rpm.
3. Going to WOT, the engine NOW never goes past 8,500 rpm and pulls steady and strong up to 59 mph. That is top speed, and the engine tops out at 8,200 rpm on the level. It will now cruise at 55 mph at about 8,000 rpm. With the stock variator, it would run strong up to around 9,500 to 10,000 rpm, with the top speed being right at 52 to 54 mph. Cruise at 50 mph was labored, at too high an rpm.
4. In-town, up to 50+ mph, the scooter now runs "effortlessly" at modest rpm, with plenty of reserve power. This is a MAJOR contrast to the original variator, where the scooter would nearly always run at a very high rpm, and run out of steam past 45 mph. The scooter now bucks wind and goes uphill MUCH better, at a lower rpm, REALLY using the cam's sweet-spot. My engine REALLY likes 7,000 to 8,500 rpm! Any higher, and it loses power.
In general, the overall drivability has improved as much as 20% in my opinion. The "feel" is MUCH more like that of a Kymco, Sym, or other premium-quality 150. I'm truly amazed!
I could kick myself for letting this variator sit for more than three seasons, being just a little anxious about installing it. I had no idea of the improvement it would make, or how simple installation would be.
The installation only took about 2-hours (working VERY SLOWLY and methodically). I did use a 400 lb/ft electric impact wrench I got used off eBay for $35 to work on my car... VERY handy for variators and clutches... LOL!
For your reference, my scooter is a Xingyue Eagle 150, the typical generic Chinese GY6 Tank/Sunl cookie-cutter scoot like everybody's (see pic in avatar). 13-inch wheels, Japanese styling... 5 years old, 4,000 miles on the clock. Stock engine with "blue" CDI, Bando coil, iridium plug, stock-type Mikuni carb and UNI-sock air-filter.
I weigh 235 lb and the Gates Power-Link belt, clutch and exhaust/muffler are factory original. The only factor that might be different from a new scoot, is the belt is WELL broken in and may have stretched a little (though I doubt that) since it was a booger to get on the variator. My old fingers don't squeeze the clutch all that well... LOL!
The Prodigy variator came with 12, 13 and 14 gram rollers. I opted for the 13's and I think they seem "max" weight on my scooter.
Hope this info may be of help to anyone wanting to increase performance with modest expense, and little effort. That's about it... I like the Prodigy VERY much, and it's easy to install. Just be sure to hold it together during assembly onto the engine so the rollers don't get cattywampus or fall out.
Ride safe!
Leo in Texas
It reached 65 degrees, I got the new UNI-sock filter today, installed it and the engine runs great like it used to, SOOO..... I got "Lil' Bubba" out and wrung-out the new variator. I figured I had better just start a new thread since this currently does not pertain to reversing the carb.
A 20-mile run, in-city, and on level 55 mph surface roads gave me a chance to really see how the Prodigy performs. First, I must say that the engine MUST be running properly to tell anything. Without the UNI filter, mine would not go through the "sweet-spot" of approx. 7,000+ rpm. Now it DOES.
The new Prodigy performed BEAUTIFULLY, far surpassing the general performance of the original. Here are the noticeable improvements over stock...
1. Starting from a dead stop is smoother, and acceleration is better/quicker (SURPRISE!) with NO over-revving rpm.
2. With only moderate throttle, the engine runs up quickly to 7,000+ rpm (the "sweet-spot"). It levels off, and 45 mph is reached FAST. Back off on the throttle and the scoot settles in at 45 mph at a VERY smooth, modest 5,000+ rpm. Plenty of twist left on the throttle. The stock variator had the engine running up to 8,500 rpm and at 45 mph it was straining a little at a steady 8,000+ rpm.
3. Going to WOT, the engine NOW never goes past 8,500 rpm and pulls steady and strong up to 59 mph. That is top speed, and the engine tops out at 8,200 rpm on the level. It will now cruise at 55 mph at about 8,000 rpm. With the stock variator, it would run strong up to around 9,500 to 10,000 rpm, with the top speed being right at 52 to 54 mph. Cruise at 50 mph was labored, at too high an rpm.
4. In-town, up to 50+ mph, the scooter now runs "effortlessly" at modest rpm, with plenty of reserve power. This is a MAJOR contrast to the original variator, where the scooter would nearly always run at a very high rpm, and run out of steam past 45 mph. The scooter now bucks wind and goes uphill MUCH better, at a lower rpm, REALLY using the cam's sweet-spot. My engine REALLY likes 7,000 to 8,500 rpm! Any higher, and it loses power.
In general, the overall drivability has improved as much as 20% in my opinion. The "feel" is MUCH more like that of a Kymco, Sym, or other premium-quality 150. I'm truly amazed!
I could kick myself for letting this variator sit for more than three seasons, being just a little anxious about installing it. I had no idea of the improvement it would make, or how simple installation would be.
The installation only took about 2-hours (working VERY SLOWLY and methodically). I did use a 400 lb/ft electric impact wrench I got used off eBay for $35 to work on my car... VERY handy for variators and clutches... LOL!
For your reference, my scooter is a Xingyue Eagle 150, the typical generic Chinese GY6 Tank/Sunl cookie-cutter scoot like everybody's (see pic in avatar). 13-inch wheels, Japanese styling... 5 years old, 4,000 miles on the clock. Stock engine with "blue" CDI, Bando coil, iridium plug, stock-type Mikuni carb and UNI-sock air-filter.
I weigh 235 lb and the Gates Power-Link belt, clutch and exhaust/muffler are factory original. The only factor that might be different from a new scoot, is the belt is WELL broken in and may have stretched a little (though I doubt that) since it was a booger to get on the variator. My old fingers don't squeeze the clutch all that well... LOL!
The Prodigy variator came with 12, 13 and 14 gram rollers. I opted for the 13's and I think they seem "max" weight on my scooter.
Hope this info may be of help to anyone wanting to increase performance with modest expense, and little effort. That's about it... I like the Prodigy VERY much, and it's easy to install. Just be sure to hold it together during assembly onto the engine so the rollers don't get cattywampus or fall out.
Ride safe!
Leo in Texas
?? i was called a liar from everyone. lol BUT i knew what i saw on that radar gun.
