97 max making whistling noise?

[nismopu]

my GF's car is a 1997 Max, auto, SE and it started making a high pitch whistling noise right after she bought it. It sounds intake or vacuum related and seems to increase in pitch when revved slowly. I cant hear while inside the car unless were stopped but deffinately hear it outside the car. 800 bucks was recently dumped into it at the dealership but the noise is still there but the check engine light is out and the wheel bearing noise from the back is gone. The car has a ton of miles on it for what we payed for it (4K) and 180K. Also sometimes when you get on it the response to downshift seems slow and when it does its not all that powerful. It just feels sluggish sometimes and if you guys have any suggestions to get some more oomph or know what might be the problem, that would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance

[audtatious]

The noise could be from a vacuum leak or an exhaust leak. Run the car and try to determine where the noise is coming from.

As far a sluggish, has it had a recent tuneup?

[NISTECH]

If you cant determine if its a vaccum leak using carb clean, try removing the drive belt for the P/s pump and see if the noise is gone. I have heard many A32's with slightly excessive pump noise. If that is not it try removing the main drive belt and see if the noise is gone if it is gone it could be the Alt or Idler/adjuster pulley. The altenators tend to make noise as well. If I am not mistaken the 97 max had a recall on the altenator as well. If you trace the noise to the altenator find out if the recall has been done on your car. If not, free repair . If you post your vin I can run it to see if the recalls been done.