"but how do you improve on stock perfection??" If you have a '94 model with stock springs/struts, then what you already have would be hard to beat for day to day driving, so long as the shocks are in good condition.
Apart from what has already been mentioned also check the front wheel bearings.
Whining from the rear?
Just a thought. I have no idea what may be causing it on your car, but I have been surprised at the sound some
tyres can make. Some are quiet but some are not.
With the ones I have on the rear currently it sounds like exactly a rear wheel bearing is shot and grinding away. I know it's the tyres causing it because I tried a different set of rear wheels/tyres and the sound disappeared completely.