Knock when cold

[Marky Dissod]

I’m at about 4K on Mobil1 full synthetic. I typically go about 5k on full synthetic, so about another month.
However, I have been noticing that my oil pressure has been relatively low. I checked my oil, I was down a full quart. Just to be good, I added a quart.
I’m still going to change it shortly. The pressure seems to be better, mostly, but does drop at different times while driving.

Think maybe you should change your oil and filter before your engine consumes any. Try 4500 miles?

... do the manifold bolts make that big of a difference? I had a mechanic replace both manifolds.
I kept getting leaks, he kept tightening the bolts, put in new gaskets tried different grade bolts with high heat lock tight. But the leak keeps coming back.

Actually, they do. An exhaust manifold leak makes the engine run rich. O2 sensors are fooled by atmosphere in the exhaust, and add fuel.
Some of that added fuel gets past the piston rings into the oil, diluting it, making it easier for that motor oil to be consumed.

Your mech needs to try a more clever tightening sequence.