I guess the turbo is the only thing that could intermittently smoke like that? The plumes are bad as well not a little bit, engulf the car.

The valve guides or seals would be pretty consistent I feel, either cold start or consistently at idle when warm. Especially if you let it idle and then rev it up on the spot. But that doesnt make any smoke.

When i took it apart the turbo did have a bit of forwards and back movement, maybe a couple of MM, but no side to side. there was also a tiny amount of oil forming on the exhaust housing at the bottom, not dripping but visible. Has anyone else had symptoms like these and it was the turbo? it was dry inside the housings that i could see when it was off.