I think i found the problem.

Went to honda today and got some new header studs, replaced the bad ones, screwed the manifold on tight. Started the car, and VROOOM still hardcore exhaust leak. Checked the downpipe, it was missing a bolt. Got the bolt in started it again, still VROOM

so we checked the manifold again and the gasket was flapping, the left side of the manifold wasn't sitting flush. Upon further inspection my turbo is TOO BIG, it's hitting the block so the mani can't sit flush. Gonna have to dremel out a small chunk of the corner of the block tomorrow and then it should sit flush, seal and i should be BOOSTING