My buddy Jet has this car.
He's terrible at maintaining it.  (ie never checks fluids until
something goes wrong :()
Apparently it has started doing a 'grinding' noise near the pulley
system.
It goes away if you get enough rpms or go above 40mph.
He needs an oil change for sure.
As well, he needs to put manual transaxle fluid in it.

Not sure what the 'grinding' noise is, or where exactly it's coming
from.

I've heard that it may be a thrown rod, timing belt, or bearing.

Any ideas?
Also, the car has problems with keeping speed going uphills even when
the gas is floored.  

Thanks in advance.
Will