I did a little work on the car this morning and took it for a test drive, the ever present whine was there of course, but, at a light I really revved it in neutral and guess what, the whine was there. This eliminated a drivetrain problem in my mind and switched to a powertrain noise. I had been running 5w30 synthetic in the sr20ve since I got it. I had recently changed the oil but thought I would try a heavier weight. I got some Valvoline 10w40 drained the old oil and refilled. I took it for a test drive and everything was much quieter. The whine was only there with the passenger side window rolled down and you could only hear it if you really listened. I suspect it will disappear the more I drive it. So the only thing I really needed was a heavier oil, I didn't need a new alternator, transmission, clutch, throwout bearing, flywheel, and pressure plate, LOL!