i have a very very small exhaust leak (ticking) from my manifold. is this something thats gonna hurt performance noticeably...and/or is it going to hurt the car? im debating on getting a new manifold now or if i can put it off until i get more $$$$

 

you really need to look at where its coming from. If the leak is before the turbo, your loosing power. The turbine part of the turbo uses the exhaust flow to spool the compressor side of the turbo which is on the same axle. If the flow that powers the turbine decreases, your turbo isn't working to its potential.

 

im assuming its coming from one of the welds from the mani. , i bought it used and it was in mediocre shape.