while driving, the motor has this constant ticking noise when vac @ around 10, no sound at idle or just reving it. i don't know where but seems like from exhaust manifold. i used a cheap gasket between block to mani and perhaps melted through?, will oem one work? plus the flange mounted on the turbo exhaust side is held by 5 bolts but 3 broke off, you can see a slight gap, meaning air leak. could it be wastegate? boost is also lagging.

 

The ticking and boost lagging point to pre-turbo exhaust leak. Put your hand near the exhaust leak you suspect and use the other to rev the throttle on the throttle body. Feel for exhaust air.

It could also be valve lash or injectors ticking. That's all I can think of for now.

 

doesn't seem like the motor or turbo is bad, i just installed an aem fuel rail and stock fpr at the time, fuel pressure is like 47-48 psi at idle. it does seem like injectors ticking, maybe gone bad, but why not tick at idle? i just replaced my valve cover gasket. i can feel hot air coming out of the exhaust manifold, but that shouldn't really be the problem... valve lash? ware in the valve? wouldn't that make a tick at rev too?