I am still running the Kymco OEM clutch, so don't have black plate to remove (I think Delta is your clutch?) Yes, seems belt comes up pretty close to the top of the Malossi variator. I am running the OEM belt too, has approx 8000kms on it, so width may be hurting my top speed a little too.
Next project, install Malossi torque driver on my other S9. I will be looking at it closely for how low the belt can go on the driven side. Lots of trade-offs, if you make the belt shorter to get it lower on the driven side, it will not get as high on the variator? Like word has done, have to get everything working together: sliders, belt, torque spring, all have to be balanced to get belt high on variator side, low on the driven pulley side for max top speed. I don't think I am there yet, but will look at CVT again, looking at some different angles.
I am thinking word's engine is making good HP too. I don't know, but think these engines are probably making max HP/ torque something a little less than 9000 revs, so word is right there. Word, tell us more about your engine. Cheers