I own a 2001 Monte Carlo SS. The engine has around 160k miles on it and I don't know what the problem is, but as soon as i start it there is a substantial whine that the engine produces need help!!

 

Is there any way you could post a video? That will give a better idea of what could be causing it.

 

First thing that comes to mind is check the Power Steering pump fluid level, if that is low or empty you will get the whining noise probably the most common one of all.

 

To check for a bad bearing like water pump, alternator, power steering take a spray bottle of water and mist the belts while the engine is running if the squeal persists you have a bearing going bad. If it stops squealing this then it is either your belt is old and stretched needing replacement.

If belt is relatively new then it is a sign your belt tensioner has failed and needs replaced

or one of your pulleys is out of alignment. If a pulley is out of alignment it will usually be your harmonic balancer (Dampener) that has broken away from it's center body. The rubber band holding the outer ring in place has broken letting the outer ring move away from its center section. Visually look at your tensioner at such an angle to see if it appears to be out further than the other pulleys. Or take a straight edge and place it from the face of one pulley to it and see if it won't lay flat and straight. Also look at your tensioner and see if your able to notice signs of failure with small pieces of the failed rubber band slipping out from between the inner and outer dampener sections.

These balancers can be a hard repair as you need a special puller and replacement tool which you can rent from O'Reillys. On top of that though I think you need to drop the engine some to let the balancer clear the inner fender when removing / reinstalling it and to get the tools on.

 

Check power steering fluid & make sure the serpentine belt isn't loose. Other possible culprits that I've seen firsthand - power steering pump failure, alternator, air conditioner compressor