Well guys...thanks for your inputs!

I took off the fan shroud and noise was still there.

Very loud and right by the A/C compressor...cycled the A/C and noise became louder when A/C went off.

Removed #7 fuse and noticed a change in the noise, so I think the compressor is kaput!

Car runs great so its me or an indy to the rescue...dealership is out of the question.

I have never done an A/C replacement on anything before...could this be done at home?

any thoughts?

thanks again