1998 B5 1.8t question..
 

is it normal for my 1.8t engine to sound so loud at high rpms?
its so loud that its i guess you could say almost whiny? its auto btw

I wouldn't say whiny at all. I'd say more of a course sound b/c its a long stroke engine. Now....if it sounds overly whiny...check...wheel bearings? or possibly turbo?

Oh, also I forgot that also to diagnose the "whine" run it in high RPM in 4th then 5th gears. if one gear whines, then that's your problem.