Laggy isn't the appropriate term. She doesn't make boost until 40 in second, builds to 10lbs fairly quickly, and she'll only rev to about 55-60 in second (ctn o2a). It's almost undriveable at 10,000 feet, but so much better than no turbo. (the off turbo power is way better with the Ko3/2" downpipe gone) I have the wastegate pretty tight, but there is no seal on compressor scroll (fell apart when cleaning). I also don't have the two center bolt in the intake manifold at the moment, but I don't think it's much of a boost leak. Just too big of a turbo. At least I only spent $50 for turbo and $15 for downpipe.
The good news is that a friend from the vortex forums is willing to lend/trade me a turbo for a late aaz pump (he's building a m-tdi vanagon), either the k03 sized garrett from an 1z in good working condition, or an early vnt from an alh with stuck vanes. As much as I want the vnt and am pretty confident I can rig vac or mech control, without a vice or a torch to help open housing, I'm leaning towards the wastegate turbo, for now anyway...