here we go.

I either have to replace the whole turbo with my other turbo, or i have to figure out a way to live with this one for a while and cut the exhaust situation somehow.

Turns out the reason all those bolts aren't there is because the threads in female sections are filled up with busted bolt halves. There's no way i'll ever get a good seal between two sections of turbo itself because there is only one bolt ever going to hold it.

Can i temporarily seal that edge of connection point with some sort of goop? Stuff that can withstand the high temperatures of a turbo? It's in place obviously, and mostly sealed, it just is about a 1/16th inch backed out around one side.

Swapping turbos is something i can do and i've done it already, but i'm weary of the bolts on this car more than other car. These ones all seem rather brittle. The thought of quickly attempting to remove the turbo from manifold without cracking those four big bolts sounds like a huge risk.. Even with preparing with rust penetrant for a couple days.

If i crack one, it could a week before i can drive while i struggle with the task of removing entire manifold drilling out those holes. But if i can plan for this project to take place something like thanksgiving week, maybe i can make due with some sort of sealant adhesive around this turbo juncture? Paste?

Part of me is glad i am going to forced to use my other turbo because it definitely seemed to be performing well and was refurb'd.