I suppose that I'm something of a "spirited" driver. I'm not trying to race with this thing ('87 245 GL, B230F, M47) but I do frequently wind it out to 4500-5000rpm, e.g. when merging onto the expressway or passing. I find that my stock B230F really doesn't come to life until about 2500rpm, and with generous throttle application pulls quite well from there into the high 4000's. (Torquey lil' bastard for a 2300cc 4 banger)

I've had this car for about 3 1/2 years, and it currently has 157K miles on it. The previous owner (a Volvo tech. w/no kids-it looks almost brand new inside!) replaced the factory clutch at around 125k miles (this was about 6 months prior to my purchasing the car). The clutch has recently taken to making a loud 'whirring' noise whilst engaged that I'm told is a failing t/o bearing. I've been told by two different indy. shops that I need a clutch job. The PO's receipts indicate that he used genuine Volvo parts, for whatever that's worth, last time around.

I think that I must have just set the Guinness record for the shortest lived clutch-4 years and 32K miles!! Barring an installation boo-boo on part of the PO, would it be reasonable to assume that my driving habits had something to do with this? One mechanic opined that the clutch material has changed over the years and even the OEM parts (Sachs?) aren't as well made as what was installed at the factory. But, still, 32K miles....