After you work on the variator, the other trick with a grande is to move the motor back and forth to your preference. The rear motor bolt is usually on a riveted plate- remove the bolt, drill out the rivets, and use the little plate as a washer. Move the motor forward for a little more top speed, back for a little better take off.
12.12 or 13.13 carb and proper jetting helps too, depends on what you already have.
Clean oil in the rear hub always helps.