Put new variator and roller weights in even though I seen no issue with existing rollers/variator, (because I broke a piece when I removed it prior to getting an impact gun)
Kart was still acting wimpy
then CDI and ignition coil replaced, kart is back to normal
I tried putting old CDI and iginition coil back in one by one and it still works fine
so what the true culprit was I may never know...maybe a loose connection or intermittent electrical issue between CDI and spark plug or a nonfunctional piece of the variator I didn't notice.
Either way, I am happy it is back to normal... now on to air filter and main jet upgrades.
A big thanks to everyone who helped me troubleshoot!
