yeh turbo bolts and manifold studs are the WORST things to have a go at by yourself. without great tools and prior experience im not suprised, it took me and mate a full day to get the dump and front pipe changed on my car, and that was with several trips to bunnings for random stuff, luckily we have good tools
dont ever do a manifold unless your engine is already out. its just asking for trouble, i took mine to a shop and was glad i did after the hassles even they had with it.