1998 V70 T5, 110K. Found a bit of antifreeze is seeping from the thermostat housing. I'm right on interval to about to flush the cooling system, so I figure I lucked out - I'll get a seal and replace it while I'm flushing. Also, the thermostat is perfectly functional and was replaced at the proper interval (75K service), but I figure the part is less than $10 and I'm going to be in there anyway, so I may as well put a new one in.

I seem to remember that an 87* stat was standard in 1998. However, when I called the dealer to see what they had, I was told that 90* was it. They didn't know the brand, only that "it's in a blue Volvo box." (gee, thanks)

Already placing an order with eEuroparts, I picked up an 87* Vernet thermostat. It was either that or the 90* Whaler (OEM?) version. Since the turbo runs a little hotter, I figure I may was well go for the slightly cooler
thermostat.

Does anyone else have experience or insight on this, or any good or bad experience with the Vernet stat? Does Whaler make the Volvo OEM part? Is there really going to be that much of a performance difference between the 87* Vernet and the 90* Whaler? Any and all insight is appreciated.