[AlmostStock]

It is hard on any drive train, not just FWD. If a vehicle is in good overall condition occasional pedal to the metal episodes are not going to hurt anything. If you do it a lot something will eventually give. Higher horse power and sticky tires add to the stress. This is why race cars have built up drive trains to handle the abuse.

I think the carbon build up was more common with the old carburetors. Newer FI and ignition systems monitor the fuel to the point where carbon build up is minimal. At least this is what I have noticed on my cars. Old timers would spray water into the intake of a running engine to remove carbon. Rev it up a little as you spray to keep it from stalling. Use a spray bottle not a garden hose!