Technical Variator, differences, interchangeability, and sourcing

[Voko]

An interesting discussion. I wouldn’t say my engine is the quietest in the world, but I think it’s just Tappets…I’ve tried running with and without the variator connected….quite hard to tell any difference, no change in noise, perhaps a little more low down torque with it connected, but that could be imagination. If I didn’t know I’d disconnected I would say it feels normal. It would be interesting to see a comparison on a rolling road if anyone has access to one. It seems a lot of engineering for very little difference perhaps more about economy/emissions?

 

[s130]

Could be a semi/small performance change but as you suggest possibly an economy / emissions adjustment as well.

With UK MOT testing done at idle and 2000-3000 rpm windows then I suspect that emissions will be all MOT legal.

Note I'm note suggesting trying to dodge / cheat original "full bandwidth" criteria but as we are all finding out our older cars are struggling in many respects and we form a major minority on vehicle on the road. We are having to make compromises, fit alternative parts / solutions just to keep our beloved verhicles on the road.

When our vehicles get to official UK Classic Status at 40 years old (and decalred as such) the whole "game" changes yet again.

 

[tjr]

I did carefully sand variator casing using 600 grit wet sand paper. I am able to see machining grooves, but no any hints of any text. Yes, i didn't sand it shiny, just removed worst rust. But no, no Any markings in the end of casing. See photo.

Then to the spring. It is not straight...

I attached photo where you can see it. Top of the spring is level with caliber jaw, and lower has significant cap in on side.. It is bend to the side where wear is. Longer side is 55mm and shorter 53.6mm. It is shorter on side where spring wire ends are.

If new spring length is 58-60mm, depending source. Yes, this spring has serious issues...

- J

Thanks @jmi, once again very interesting

So with no play or other identified issues above the bent shortened spring makes me wonder how your old variator would sound with a new spring...

Dirk Helpertz variator displayed at http://v4.barchetta-lexikon.de/index.php/lexikon/p/phasenwandler had the info:
G125 64888
OMG 9F A998
125
as compared to your 88598 D152, I have no idea what it is, or what value (if any) it may have...

 

[tjr]

Just some extra data. One advantage of having developed openPer is that I can run ad-hoc queies against the data so I looked for all parts with an English description containing the word 'variator'. This gives us 18 part numbers:

• 7777221
• 55181254
• 55195809
• 55202772
• 55213710
• 55215215
• 55215216
• 59116686
• 60513297
• 60534502
• 60534503
• 60557025
• 60609616
• 60666199
• 60815644
• 71738360
• 71741145
• 71741146

which can then be matched to 174 combinations of vehicle catalogue and part number (see attached). You can search ePer with the part number and then use the 'All drawings' option to show the various models for that part number if you want more information. I've not done any matching to the lists from other sources.

I'm late to the party (once again!), and will need some time to catch up on openPER/ePer. Wonderful of you having updated and enhanced it @Wiltshire Chris, thanks also from me!
(I'm still on PK - BARCHETTA (1995-2004) Produced on 08/07/2021, version 1.0.7859.19265)
I picture googled a couple of the above part numbers, and solely judging by looks, all don't seem to be plug and play with the barchetta cam.