Ray,

I would expect that if those plugs were absent I'd be experiencing rough idle or other conditions associated with intake manifold leaks; guess I didn't provide that information. I will check that out though. No, I haven't modified the wastegate or otherwise futzed with the turbo or related components, so this isn't something I've done to myself. I'll probably spend Saturday poking around looking for a cracked or worn hose.

Thanks for the response.