cat007

If the wastegate is 'blowing open' then that would suggest you're not actually able to build boost. Possible that the wastegate is not opening at all? Have you got the solenoid plumbed around the correct way? What size spring have you got in the WG? Does the wastegate move freely? Without the car running, use compressed air and (GENTLY) apply a small amount of pressure and see if the wastegate actually opens. A bike pump is an easy way to do this - just don't be trying it with 50PSI (or +100PSI as most shop air systems run on) or you'll break things.

Does it go into limp mode if you just cruise around and stay off boost?

This has been said many times before, if you change any part of the exhaust you will need a tune. Or in your case a re-tune.

Fronts don't crap our as much as the back one. But while you're there you should go Superpro for all of them.

Would be silly to not change/upgrade them while you're there.

Don't Ford AU/NZ have standardised pricing? So should be roughly the same across dealerships?

Is this at idle with vac line connected?

I didn't even know this was a thing! I've never seen it and I have my bonnet open A LOT [emoji23]

How did you find the wheel bearing had play?

Hmmmm take rotors off and make sure they rotor and hub surface is clean of debris? This can cause a wobble. Also could be warped rotors.

Could be a bad wheel balance or tyre starting to fall apart (a bulge or wobble in tread)?

Ford AU are cheap so it'll be a single motor electric if anything.

Would be one hell of a job trying to marry the PCM to the body modules etc

Clutch thrust bearing? Or spigot bearing perhaps?

Auto or manual? Could be flex plate if auto.

A knock sensor after the cat??

Just replace the belt? Did you look at the picture? Water pump is shagged.

Eeeek that does not sound good. Sounds like an old diesel! Does it sound bottom end? Towards front or back of engine?

Yikes - yeah definitely take that back and stop driving it if you can. That's not a direct bearing noise - but seems to be as a result of it being out of balance.

Impossible to hear ?

Stock one is a recirc valve and when open will be sucking in through air filter. OP is the turbo smart one you have a recirc or vent to atmo?

Set it so it doesn't leak under boost or vacuum.

When you say 'bumpy', do you mean it's firm/hard almost like the springs are too firm? Or is does it bounce up and down a lot, like the shocks aren't doing their job?

I'm in New Zealand and still get pads from him.... Heard of a telephone?

Talk to Race Brakes in Sydney. I forget the guys name but he's always give top service and advice and price as well. Tell him what you use the car for and he'll sort you out.